Anticipation is building around who will make the cut for the 2025 rankings in the first annual Golazo 100. This list promises to showcase a plethora of talent and several fascinating narratives. Let's delve into some of the standout players and their recent performances.
Gregor Kobel: The Rising Star
Gregor Kobel has firmly established himself as Borussia Dortmund's primary goalkeeper and has been ranked the ninth-best goalkeeper in the world. This ranking places Kobel ahead of notable names such as Thibaut Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Emiliano Martinez. His impressive performances have consistently linked him with top clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
David Alaba: A Towering Presence Despite Setbacks
David Alaba's reputation as one of the best center backs in the world remains undisputed, despite suffering a significant injury. Formerly an elite left back, Alaba has excelled in the center back position for the past four years. However, his torn cruciate ligament last December has introduced uncertainty about his post-injury athleticism, leaving fans eager to see how he will recover.
Warren Zaire-Emery’s Late Cut
One of the most agonizing late cuts from the Golazo 100 list has been Warren Zaire-Emery. His brief CV might have influenced his ranking, but his recent call-up to Didier Deschamps' Euro 2024 squad signifies his rising prominence. Zaire-Emery has solidified himself as a crucial solution for Paris Saint-Germain's problematic position, making his exclusion from the list quite surprising.
Ben White: The Modern Full Back
Ben White epitomizes the modern full back, capable of performing all three main roles required of his position. Despite his versatility and consistent performances, White did not make it to the Golazo 100 list, which raises questions about the evaluation criteria used for these rankings.
Jonathan David: A Record to Behold
Jonathan David’s record speaks volumes. He has delivered 43 goals in 71 Ligue 1 games over the past two years, drawing interest from Serie A, the Premier League, and La Liga. With his contract nearing its end, David could be an intriguing option on the free-agent market within the next 12 months.
Benjamin Sesko: Europe's Young Gun
Benjamin Sesko ended the season on a remarkable scoring streak, though some analysts believe there might be an element of luck involved. Nevertheless, Sesko is widely regarded as one of Europe's best young strikers, with Arsenal being among his strongest admirers.
Christopher Nkunku: Premier League Transition
Christopher Nkunku made an impressive transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, delivering 36 goals and 17 assists in his final two seasons in Germany. However, his time on the pitch was limited to just 437 minutes in the 2023-24 Premier League season, which could have stymied his impact.
Antonee Robinson: Defensive Maestro
Antonee Robinson has made significant strides this season, particularly in his off-the-ball performance. He topped the charts for interceptions across Europe’s top five leagues. While Fulham may not be competing at the highest level, Robinson has the opportunity to showcase his worth regardless.
Matias Soule: Creative Force
Matias Soule made a significant impact in Serie A, creating 2.35 chances per 90 minutes in Italy's top division. His ranking next year will largely depend on the team platform he has and his continued development.
Joao Felix: Searching for the Perfect Fit
Joao Felix's loan spell at Barcelona saw him deliver 10 goals and 6 assists, but his potential remains unfulfilled. He has yet to find his perfect fit, as his style doesn't align well with Atletico Madrid’s approach. With Barcelona possibly lacking the finances to secure his return, Felix continues to inspire with his creativity, passing vision, and strong running.
Conclusion
As the first annual Golazo 100 approaches its final rounds, it’s clear that the journey through the top 100 players is as riveting as ever. This list is filled with insights into the futures of football's brightest stars, sparking considerable anticipation and debate among fans and analysts alike. Each player's story, whether marked by triumph or challenge, adds to the rich tapestry of the beautiful game. Don’t miss the full analysis and in-depth breakdown of who is ranked where and why.
