FC 100: PSG Dominates as Clubs Shift in 2024 Player Rankings
The 2024-25 edition of the ESPN FC 100 has revealed a significant shift in the rankings of the world’s top men’s soccer players, highlighting the emergence of new talent and the dominance of established clubs. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) leads the way with an impressive 11 players featured, reflecting their successful season, which included winning the UEFA Champions League and all domestic trophies.
The list, now in its ninth year, showcases the evolving landscape of soccer. Several high-profile transfers have occurred since the rankings were released, with standout players such as Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong moving from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool, and Dean Huijsen transitioning from Bournemouth to Real Madrid. Notably, Matheus Cunha moved from Wolves to Manchester United, and Viktor Gyökeres joined Arsenal from Sporting CP.
Club Representation and Rankings
The latest rankings underscore a trend toward recognizing current performance. A remarkable 40 players made their debut on the FC 100 list, signaling a generational shift. PSG’s dominance is evident, particularly after clinching their first UEFA Champions League title with a decisive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. Contributions from players like Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi have solidified their reputation as top athletes in the game.
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, also made a strong showing with ten players on the list, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson. Their recent Premier League title marked a significant achievement, while the midfield saw the impressive rise of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.
Other clubs, such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich, also made their mark. Barcelona placed eight players on the list, led by Pedri and Raphinha, while Bayern Munich featured five, including star players like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala.
The depth of talent across European soccer is illustrated by the fact that 20 teams had at least one player featured on the list, reflecting the growing competitiveness of the league.
Financial Landscape and League Analysis
The financial landscape of soccer has shifted, particularly in the Premier League, which accounted for nearly $3 billion in transfer spending for the 2024-25 season. This substantial investment has positioned the league as a powerhouse in comparison to other European leagues, such as La Liga and the Bundesliga, which spent approximately $590 million and $791 million, respectively.
The increasing representation of players from outside the traditional European powers is noteworthy. This year, leagues such as Turkey and the United States saw players like Victor Osimhen and Lionel Messi gain recognition, further diversifying the player pool.
The ongoing success of players like Robert Lewandowski, who has made the FC 100 list in all nine editions, exemplifies the longevity and performance of elite athletes. Lewandowski, at 36, has continued to excel, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s success with a remarkable 42-goal season.
The FC 100 continues to reflect the evolution of soccer, highlighting not only established stars but also emerging talent. As the world anticipates the 2026 edition, questions remain about which players will continue to dominate and whether any will achieve a tenth consecutive appearance on this prestigious list.
