The classic vintage winger of the past is becoming increasingly rare.
Our notions of the winger have changed with the rise of the ‘inverted’ wide player. Instead of being expected to hit the byline and cross whenever they please—that is now the responsibility of the raiding full-back—these players are expected to cut onto their preferred foot and create or score from a more central position.
Of course, every now and then there is a player who has the vintage look of a right winger, but few of them are among the greatest in the world at the moment.
Let’s list the 5 best right wingers in the world at the moment.
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5. Leroy Sane | Bayern Munich | Germany
Since his move from Manchester City to Bayern Munich in 2020, Leroy Sane’s performance has been a subject of debate among football enthusiasts.
While his overall goal contribution has maintained consistency, the German international has yet to assert his dominance at the Allianz Arena compared to his teammates like Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski.
Nevertheless, Sane continues to pose a threat with his creativity from the wings and his ability to unleash powerful shots from a distance with his left foot. His partnership with Harry Kane has been a notable highlight of his tenure in Bavaria this season.
In terms of accolades, Sane boasts an impressive collection from his time at both Manchester City and Bayern Munich:
Honours:
Manchester City:
- Premier League: 2017–18, 2018–19
- FA Cup: 2018–19
- EFL Cup: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019-20
- FA Community Shield: 2018, 2019
Bayern Munich:
- Bundesliga: 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
- DFL-Supercup: 2021, 2022
- UEFA Super Cup: 2020
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2020
Germany:
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2017
4. Rodrygo | Real Madrid | Brazil
Since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2019, Rodrygo has often lived in the shadow of his compatriot and teammate Vinicius Junior. However, the Brazilian winger is now starting to carve out his own path and contribute significantly to the Blancos’ success.
Rodrygo’s prowess lies in his exceptional technical skills, allowing him to navigate past opponents with ease in one-on-one situations. Despite not possessing supreme physicality, he compensates with sharp instincts in the box and a knack for creating space in the final third.
While Vinicius may have scored the decisive goal in the 2021/22 Champions League final, it was Rodrygo’s crucial goals in the quarter-final and semi-final second legs that propelled Real Madrid forward in the competition. His performances have been particularly notable when Vinicius has been absent, demonstrating his ability to shoulder added responsibility.
Honours:
Real Madrid:
- La Liga: 2019–20, 2021–22
- Copa del Rey: 2022–23
- Supercopa de España: 2019–20, 2021–22, 2023–24
- UEFA Champions League: 2021–22
- UEFA Super Cup: 2022
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2022
3. Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | Argentina
At 36 years old, Lionel Messi continues to defy the norms of footballing age, maintaining his status as the greatest footballer of all time and arguably still the best player in the world.
In 2023, Messi clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or, a testament to his enduring brilliance, following his instrumental role in guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar.
While Messi’s pace may have slowed down with time, his technical skill and transcendent aura remain unmatched by any active player. Now plying his trade at Inter Miami alongside some former Barcelona companions, Messi continues to mesmerize fans with his sublime talent.
Honours:
Barcelona:
- La Liga: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19
- Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21
- Supercopa de España: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018
- UEFA Champions League: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
- UEFA Super Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2009, 2011, 2015
Paris Saint-Germain:
- Ligue 1: 2021–22, 2022–23
- Trophée des Champions: 2022
Inter Miami:
- Leagues Cup: 2023
Argentina U20:
- FIFA World Youth Championship: 2005
Argentina U23:
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2008
Argentina:
- FIFA World Cup: 2022
- Copa América: 2021
- CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions: 2022
2. Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | England
At just 19 years old, Bukayo Saka faced a defining moment in his young career when his penalty was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, sealing Italy’s victory in the Euros.
The ensuing wave of criticism could have derailed his trajectory, but the Arsenal prodigy responded with resilience, emerging as a pivotal figure for his club.
In the 2021/22 season, Saka showcased his mental fortitude by leading Arsenal’s scoring charts and spearheading their title challenge in 2022/23. His ability to bounce back from adversity epitomizes his admirable character and determination.
Saka’s rise to prominence began when Unai Emery handed him his debut in 2018, and since then, he has matured rapidly into one of the world’s premier right-wingers. Renowned for his ability to dominate the flank single-handedly, Saka’s versatility and tactical acumen have made him indispensable to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Despite his youth, Saka possesses deceptive strength and a mastery of one-on-one situations, often leaving defenders in his wake with his incisive dribbling.
Honours:
Arsenal:
- FA Cup: 2019–20
- FA Community Shield: 2020, 2023
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2018–19
England:
- UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2020
1. Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt
In the realm of world football, few can match the ruthlessness in front of goal displayed by Mohamed Salah. Despite an initially underwhelming stint in the Premier League, Salah’s resurgence has propelled him to superstardom, particularly during his tenure with Liverpool.
Since returning to England, Salah’s goal-scoring exploits have been nothing short of phenomenal, with staggering returns season after season: 32, 22, 19, 22, 23, and 19 goals in the league, respectively. This consistent brilliance has earned him two Golden Boot awards and cemented his status as one of the deadliest finishers in the game.
Salah’s ability to produce moments of sheer brilliance further enhances his legacy, setting him apart as one of the most electrifying talents of his generation. As Liverpool aims for another Premier League title under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance, Salah remains a pivotal figure in their pursuit of glory.
Honours:
Basel:
- Swiss Super League: 2012–13, 2013–14
Liverpool:
- Premier League: 2019–20
- FA Cup: 2021–22
- EFL Cup: 2021–22
- FA Community Shield: 2022
- UEFA Champions League: 2018–19; runner-up: 2017–18, 2021–22
- UEFA Super Cup: 2019
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2019
Egypt:
- Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2017, 2021
FAQs
Q. Who is the best right-winger in world football?
A. Lionel Messi might be the best footballer but we can say Mohamed Salah is currently the best right-winger.