Twenty Best Players in the Champions League in 2025-26 Based on Stats
Paris Saint-Germain’s record-shattering 5–0 demolition of Inter Milan in May 2025 remains one of the most astonishing European nights in recent memory. Luis Enrique’s side were unstoppable that evening at the Allianz Arena, storming to their first-ever Champions League crown in devastating fashion. But as the dust settled and a new campaign began, the question on everyone’s mind was simple: can anyone knock PSG off their European perch?
With the 2025/26 Champions League group stage (now known as the “league phase”) in full swing, clubs across Europe are jostling for supremacy. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, and Arsenal have all emerged as contenders, while a few surprise packages – from Sporting CP to Bodo/Glimt – are proving that no one should be underestimated on those electric midweek nights.
According to WhoScored.com ratings, these are the 20 standout performers who have illuminated this season’s Champions League.
20. Francisco Trincão – Sporting CP (7.59)
Sporting CP have been one of the quiet success stories of the tournament so far, and Francisco Trincão has been their creative spark. The 25-year-old has rediscovered the confidence that once made him a Barcelona signing, netting twice and adding an assist for Rui Borges’ side. Trincão’s clever footwork and ability to glide between the lines have given Sporting a real shot at automatic qualification for the knockout rounds.
19. Micky van de Ven – Tottenham Hotspur (7.62)
Tottenham’s Champions League return has been built on defensive solidity, and Micky van de Ven has been the foundation. The Dutchman’s blistering pace and intelligent reading of the game make him one of Europe’s most unique defenders. His solo goal against Club Brugge — a powerful run through midfield before a calm finish — was a reminder that he’s not just a stopper, but a complete modern centre-back.
18. Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid (7.70)
At 33, Thibaut Courtois remains a world-class wall between the sticks. Despite Real Madrid’s 1–0 loss at Anfield, Courtois produced a string of extraordinary saves that kept his team in the game. His experience, composure, and positional awareness continue to make him indispensable to Xabi Alonso’s side, as Los Blancos chase their record-extending 15th European crown.
17. Hakan Çalhanoğlu – Inter Milan (7.71)
Few midfielders dictate tempo quite like Hakan Çalhanoğlu. The Turkish international remains the metronome of Inter’s midfield, combining pinpoint passing with a knack for long-range strikes. His vision and set-piece quality have been crucial to Cristian Chivu’s side as they aim to avenge last season’s final defeat to PSG.
16. Dominik Szoboszlai – Liverpool (7.72)
Despite stiff competition in Liverpool’s revamped midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai has cemented his place as a vital cog in Arne Slot’s system. The Hungarian’s versatility allows him to press, tackle, and attack with equal efficiency. His thunderous long-range shots and tireless energy have made him one of the few bright sparks in an inconsistent Reds campaign.
15. Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal (7.74)
Amid Arsenal’s summer reshuffle that saw Eberechi Eze arrive, Gabriel Martinelli has fought back with trademark determination. The Brazilian winger has been lethal in Europe, scoring in every appearance before injury struck. His pace and directness continue to give Mikel Arteta’s side a cutting edge as they look to make a deep run this season.
14. Jens Petter Hauge – Bodø/Glimt (7.75)
The surprise of the season so far, Jens Petter Hauge has led Norwegian underdogs Bodø/Glimt to several memorable results — including a stunning brace against Tottenham. His confidence, pressing, and creativity have turned him into one of the tournament’s breakout stars. For a player often overlooked, this has been a statement campaign.
13. Erling Haaland – Manchester City (7.80)
What more can be said about Erling Haaland? The Norwegian phenomenon continues to terrify defenders across Europe, already scoring five goals in this year’s competition. His physical dominance and instinct for space make him a constant threat, and his understanding with Phil Foden has been instrumental in City’s pursuit of another European title.
12. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich (7.87)
While Harry Kane steals most of the headlines in Munich, Michael Olise has quietly been Bayern’s creative heartbeat. The French-born winger’s dazzling footwork and incisive passes have unlocked countless defences, contributing four goal involvements so far. Under Vincent Kompany, Olise has evolved into one of Europe’s most feared wide playmakers.
11. Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain (7.99)
At just 23, Nuno Mendes has become a cornerstone of PSG’s attack and defence. His blend of pace, technique, and tactical intelligence makes him invaluable to Luis Enrique. With two goals and two assists already, the Portuguese full-back is playing some of the best football of his young career — even amid speculation about his long-term future in Paris.
10. Fermín López – Barcelona (8.04)
While the spotlight often shines on Lamine Yamal, Fermín López has quietly emerged as one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers. His fearless dribbling and energy in midfield have added a new dimension to Hansi Flick’s side. López’s ability to transition defence into attack has been a key factor in Barça’s resurgence.
9. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona (8.04)
Still just 18, Lamine Yamal continues to defy belief. The teenage prodigy has dazzled defenders with his skill, vision, and maturity beyond his years. His flair and creativity make him one of the most watchable players in the competition — and a likely future Ballon d’Or winner if his upward trajectory continues.
8. Marcus Rashford – Barcelona (8.05)
A surprise loan signing from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has flourished in Catalonia. Revitalized under Flick, the English forward has rediscovered his sharpness, scoring key goals from the left wing and assisting teammates with his trademark direct runs. A permanent move could be on the horizon if this form continues.
7. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain (8.06)
Known as “Kvaradona” for a reason, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has thrived in PSG’s free-flowing system. The Georgian winger’s dribbling, creativity, and confidence have lit up European nights. With two goals and an assist to his name, he has become a nightmare for defenders — and a perfect complement to Mbappé and Neymar’s replacements in attack.
6. Julián Álvarez – Atlético Madrid (8.14)
After his summer move from Manchester City, Julián Álvarez has found a perfect home under Diego Simeone. The Argentine’s energy, movement, and finishing have reinvigorated Atlético’s frontline. With four goal involvements in just three games, Álvarez is proving that he can lead a Champions League contender on his own terms.
5. Phil Foden – Manchester City (8.25)
Few players in world football can manipulate tight spaces like Phil Foden. The Englishman has rediscovered his best form, threading passes and gliding past defenders with ease. His link-up play with Haaland has been central to City’s attacking fluidity — and his resurgence comes at the perfect time with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
4. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid (8.29)
After a slow start in Spain, Kylian Mbappé has exploded into life for Real Madrid. The French superstar has bagged five goals so far, rekindling his unstoppable form from his PSG days. Whether cutting inside or sprinting behind defences, Mbappé has been Madrid’s spearhead in their bid to reclaim European glory.
3. Lautaro Martínez – Inter Milan (8.45)
Inter’s captain and talisman, Lautaro Martínez, continues to lead by example. With four goals already, his intelligent movement and clinical finishing have kept Inter among Europe’s elite. If the Nerazzurri are to finally lift the trophy they’ve narrowly missed in recent years, Martínez will undoubtedly be the driving force.
2. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (8.45)
Galatasaray’s audacious signing of Victor Osimhen has paid off spectacularly. The Nigerian striker has been a revelation in Turkey, topping the Champions League scoring charts with six goals, including a hat-trick against Ajax. His pace, aggression, and relentless pressing make him the heartbeat of the Istanbul side’s fairytale campaign.
1. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich (8.60)
At the summit stands Harry Kane, who has been nothing short of phenomenal. With five goals in four games, the England captain has become the complete forward under Vincent Kompany — combining ruthless finishing with intelligent link-up play. Beyond the stats, Kane’s leadership and vision have elevated Bayern into serious contenders for the title. At 32, he remains one of the most complete strikers in football history.
From Kane’s killer instincts to Yamal’s youthful brilliance, this season’s Champions League has already delivered individual performances worthy of legend. As the tournament edges closer to the knockout rounds, the battle for European supremacy is intensifying — and with stars like these in the spotlight, football fans are guaranteed more magic under the lights.