Football at the top level is all about high-level technique and, in the modern game where technical ability is championed, there are those who stand out more than others.
A technically gifted player boasts many traits. Typically, these are brilliant passers with both short and long-range, possess a very good first touch and are capable of working within tight spaces. Plus, they just seem to have that extra class with skills, vision and a better all-round reading of the game.
It also means they are capable of producing high-quality set pieces as well as having strong ball-striking techniques – be it volleys, half-volleys or placed finishes. In the past, the likes of Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane would top the list, but the leading figures in the modern game are also extremely impressive.
With that in mind, GIVEMESPORT has decided to compile a list of the 10 most technically gifted footballers in the world right now, as we look to celebrate the very best natural players who are an absolute joy to watch week in, week out.
10Martin Odegaard
Notable Clubs: Real Madrid, Arsenal
If there’s one player who has stood out in recent years in Arsenal‘s resurgence, it’s Martin Odegaard. The Norway international is blessed with a wand of a left foot and consistently produces eye-catching passes, and brilliant close control and is the heartbeat and creative source in Mikel Arteta‘s young side.
He has shown this throughout his career, from the days of being a hyped wonderkid to the present day. We’ve seen him produce outside-of-the-boot passes and moments of skill that have entertained us all and, without him, Arsenal feel less threatening, less cohesive and less likely to cut through deep-lying defences.
9Cole Palmer
Notable Clubs: Manchester City, Chelsea
Cole Palmer‘s rise has been mesmeric, but not only has his goals and assists stunned the world, but his overall quality on the ball has shone through as well. The ball seems to stick to his foot, and he is equally capable of producing a mazy run as he is a defensive-splitting pass or a stunning free-kick – he really does have it all.
We’ve seen numerous examples of his quality. In fact, he displays it every game. One of his best goals this season was a delightful and perfectly finished chip against Wolves in the Premier League. Or there’s the 30-yard free-kick against Brighton. Or the Lionel Messi-esque finish against Fulham after dribbling past a few players. There is a whole catalogue of examples that will only grow because of how talented he truly is.
8Trent Alexander-Arnold
Notable Clubs: Liverpool
The Liverpool defender is truly a unique player given he is the only defender on the list. And yet, despite playing in defence, it could well be argued that Trent Alexander-Arnold is more technically proficient than most midfielders. His exceptional range of passing has been compared to David Beckham, and he effortlessly curls long-range balls 50 or 60 yards with ease every time he plays.
Mohamed Salah is often the beneficiary of his brilliant vision and quality, often looping a chipped ball over the top of full-backs to set him free. Then there are his set pieces. Whether it is a corner kick or a stunning effort from a distance, he is a serious threat from dead-ball situations. Plus, he’s shown us he can net from all angles outside the box if given the chance.
7Pedri
Notable Clubs: Barcelona
Pedri is a true Barcelona midfielder in the sense that his technical level is paramount to his success. No doubt inspired by the likes of Xavi and Iniesta, Pedri possesses all the classic traits of a stunning Spanish midfielder that we’ve come to know.
He has a brilliant first touch, passing ability and range and a strong shooting technique. Also, he is capable of receiving the ball in dangerous situations, he can often worm his way out of tight spots and is a strong dribbler and very clever at manipulating space. Currently enjoying the best run of his career, he looks effortless at full tilt and is a clear midfield gem moulded in the shape of the legends that came before him.
6Florian Wirtz
Notable Club: Bayer Leverkusen
One of the most sought-after players in world football, Florian Wirtz has built an incredible reputation across his time in the Bundesliga, despite being only 21. It won’t be long before he is shining for one of the elite clubs in Europe, such as Bayern Munich or Manchester City. But what makes him so good?
Well, he is simply a phenomenal technician who is a true attacking midfielder bursting with talent. He can finish with both feet from distance, dribble past players with skill or find an incisive pass. Across his short career to date, he has produced a high output of goal contributions but there aren’t many players who can rival the elegance and quality he displays.
5Luka Modric
Notable Clubs: Tottenham, Real Madrid
The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner simply had to be included in this list, despite being 39. Luka Modric has been the pinnacle of technical quality across the past decade, shining alongside the recently retired Toni Kroos, who certainly belongs on a list such as this. The Croatian has always had an elegant and effortless nature to his game that has allowed him and Real Madrid to dominate opposition midfields.
However, one of his most eye-catching traits seen throughout his career is his ball-striking technique. He has netted some outstanding goals from distance that have defied gravity, curling the ball either way. Another key skill is his first touch and ability to create space by moving away from players, and he is truly a dying breed in the modern game that will likely not remain with us too much longer, as he is in the twilight of a long and distinguished career.
4Lamine Yamal
Notable Clubs: Barcelona
The young winger has taken the football world by storm and is seen as the ‘next big thing’ after his remarkable rise. Lamine Yamal has been the crown jewel in Barcelona’s crown, and he could well fire them back to being leaders in world football if he can continue to fulfill his incredible potential. He has already shown us so much, including helping Spain to win the European Championships, earning the Goal of the Tournament along the way with a stunner against France.
For Barca, we’ve seen him produce outrageous moments of skill that have included nutmegs, mazy dribbles and an ability to cross with the outside of his boot, which is simply an elite-level skill. He does this regularly, and he can also cut inside and shape unstoppable shots into the top corner. Not even 18 yet, expect a career littered with crazy moments of ability.
3Jamal Musiala
Notable Clubs: Bayern Munich
One of Europe’s most technically proficient players, Jamal Musiala seems to get better game by game, and he remains in the early knockings of his career despite having been with the first team at Bayern Munich since 2020. In attacking midfield, Germany are blessed with him and Wirtz but Musiala is far more direct and his close control may well be the best in world football.
Whether it is dribbling past players in tight spaces, cheeky finishes, curling efforts or audacious moments of skill – his flick past Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie in the first leg of their Champions League clash was simply stunning – Musiala is supremely talented and many believe he could be a Ballon d’Or winner in the future. If anyone can, it’s him.
2Kevin De Bruyne
Notable Clubs: Chelsea, Manchester City
Despite his days now being behind him, Kevin De Bruyne remains one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the world. Throughout his career, he has displayed this, and it is exactly why he is among the highest assisters of the 21st century. His passing range is simply incredible, and he is a master of firing in low crosses or passes that are perfect for any attack to tap in.
Then there’s his ball-striking technique. You could easily pick out 30 or more efforts where he’s fired in a strike from distance, and they will show his vast array of different finishes, curling it either way, striking with his laces or his ability on the volley. However, his passing will be his defining trait as he always produces the right weight of ball and, during his prime, there wasn’t a better passer outside of Messi.
1Lionel Messi
Notable Clubs: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
It doesn’t matter that Messi is currently playing in the MLS, he will remain the most technically gifted player on the planet until the day he retires. He is most people’s pick to be the greatest player of all time and that is largely down to his incredible natural ability to simply be the best at everything – be it his role as a playmaker, a goalscorer or being the best passer. He can and has done it all.
His left foot is a wand, capable of everything. Defence-splitting passes, free-kicks, corners, strikes from distance, chipped finishes – whatever it may be, he can do it. In his prime, he was a ferocious dribbler, and it looked nigh on impossible to take the ball off him. As the years went by, he enjoyed more of a playmaker role, but the goals never faded. Now in his twilight years, he will hope to shine at the 2026 World Cup.
