The 20 Soccer Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
The 20 Soccer Stars Everyone's Talking About Right Now
Fresh off the 2026 World Cup final, here are the 20 names dominating global soccer conversation — and the kits fans want most.
Home > Resources > Soccer Top Stars
Quick Answer: Who's at the Top Right Now
Lionel Messi capped an extraordinary year with eight goals at the 2026 World Cup, but it's Spain's championship run — led by Golden Ball winner Rodri — that dominates this list. Here's the full breakdown following the tournament's conclusion on July 19.
Who Tops the List After the World Cup?
This list looks the way it does for one simple reason: the 2026 World Cup just wrapped up, and it reshuffled the entire conversation in world soccer. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina) scored eight goals and added four assists at the tournament while also captaining Inter Miami to its first MLS Cup. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France) won his second straight World Cup Golden Boot and became the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 22 career goals.
But the real story is Spain. Rodri (Manchester City, Spain) captained La Roja to the title and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, roughly two years removed from ACL surgery — and he's joined on this list by five of his Spanish teammates, including 19-year-old Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain), who we've also covered in a dedicated spotlight page.
The Full Top 20, Ranked
| # | Player | Club (Nation) | Why They're Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami (Argentina) | 8 World Cup goals, first MLS Cup title |
| 2 | Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid (France) | 2nd straight Golden Boot, all-time WC scorer (22) |
| 3 | Rodri | Manchester City (Spain) | World Cup-winning captain, Golden Ball winner |
| 4 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid (England) | 7 goals, most by an Englishman at one World Cup |
| 5 | Pau Cubarsi | Barcelona (Spain) | 19, FIFA Young Player Award, best defender |
| 6 | Aymeric Laporte | Athletic Club (Spain) | Anchored Spain's 1-goal-conceded defense |
| 7 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City (Norway) | 7 goals in 5 games, Norway's first WC quarterfinal |
| 8 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich (England) | England's all-time top WC scorer (14 goals) |
| 9 | Michael Olise | Bayern Munich (France) | Single-tournament assist record (7) |
| 10 | Ousmane Dembele | Paris Saint-Germain (France) | Reigning Ballon d'Or, hat trick vs Norway |
| 11 | Pedro Porro | Tottenham Hotspur (Spain) | Scored Spain's semifinal winner vs France |
| 12 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona (Spain) | World Cup winner, back-to-back La Liga titles |
| 13 | Declan Rice | Arsenal (England) | Solo goal vs France as stand-in captain |
| 14 | Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain (Morocco) | Morocco's consecutive WC quarterfinals |
| 15 | Mikel Oyarzabal | Real Sociedad (Spain) | Spain's top scorer, 5 goals as champions |
| 16 | Vinicius Junior | Real Madrid (Brazil) | 4 goals, 1 assist in 5 appearances |
| 17 | Dayot Upamecano | Bayern Munich (France) | Anchored France's 2-goals-conceded defense |
| 18 | Anthony Gordon | Barcelona (England) | Opening goal vs Argentina in the semifinal |
| 19 | Dani Olmo | Barcelona (Spain) | World Cup winner, assisted semifinal clincher |
| 20 | William Saliba | Arsenal (France) | Anchored Arsenal's title-winning defense |
Which Kit Should You Actually Buy?
If you want the jersey of the moment, anything from Spain's World Cup-winning squad — Rodri, Cubarsi, Laporte, Yamal, Oyarzabal, or Olmo — is the hottest category in soccer right now. If you're after individual brilliance over team success, Messi and Mbappe remain the two most recognizable names in the sport regardless of how their nations finished. For club-focused fans, Barcelona and Real Madrid are especially well represented on this list, reflecting their dominance both domestically and on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 World Cup?
Spain defeated Argentina in the final on July 19, 2026, with captain Rodri winning the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
Which soccer jersey is selling fastest right now?
Jerseys from Spain's World Cup-winning squad, along with Messi and Mbappe kits, are seeing the strongest post-tournament demand.
Do soccer jerseys run true to size?
Match/Authentic jerseys run small and tailored, while Stadium/Replica versions run true to size. See our Sizing & Technology Guide for the full breakdown.
Where can I find more on Lamine Yamal specifically?
Check our dedicated Lamine Yamal spotlight page for his full kit lineup.
Related Reading
New Arrival Spotlight: Lamine Yamal
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Retiring from Portugal? The Farewell That Isn't (Yet)
NBA vs. NFL vs. MLB vs. NHL vs. Soccer: Jersey Technology Compared
Found Your Favorite?
Whichever star you're backing this season, we've got the kit to match.
Shop Soccer Jerseys →By Pro Kit Vault Editorial Team · Last Updated: August 2026 · Rankings compiled from The Athletic's final 2026 World Cup player ratings
