Wingers play a special role in many positions in football. Players who play in this position typically have great pace and superb dribbling ability.
Their role involves providing cut-backs or crosses from which strikers can score. Wingers feature in many attacking formations in football, as they support attacks from the wings.
Wingers who play from the left flank of the pitch are known as left-wingers.
Thanks to their creativity, goal-scoring, and defensive functions, wingers are some of the most dynamic players on the pitch of play.
Gone are the days when wingers were often given the duty of just manning the touchline and whipping in the cross into the box.
There are a lot of talented left-wingers in football today who distinguished themselves with noteworthy performances in various competitions.
Here are the best left-wingers in the world in 2024.
1. Kylian Mbappé
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Former Paris Saint-Germain winger Kylian Mbappe scored 44 goals and made seven assists in 48 appearances last season in all competitions.
Although, Mbappé is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world because he can play there, but when he features on the left wing, there’s no players better than him.
The French man was in good form, and not even a FIFA World Cup break in December could stop him.
Rather, he took the World Cup in his stride and delivered an exceptional FIFA World Cup campaign in just his second appearance at the Mundial, helping France to the final and scoring a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, as well as totaling eight goals in seven games for the Les Blues.
He’s already secured a move to Real Madrid and looks to dominate football in the next decade.
He is a versatile forward who is capable of playing as a second striker or centre-forward.
2. Vinicius Jr.
After playing a crucial role in a season where Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League and the La Liga double, Vinicius not only established himself as one of the best players of his generation, but a genuine Ballon D’or contender.
The Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior remains in the top two of the best wingers in world football currently, and it’s a testament to the growth of the resilient forward who played his first FIFA World Cup for Brazil in Qatar.
The 23-year-old has only scored one time in twice in the 2024 Copa America, but a lot is still expected from the player whose greatest strength is not necessarily speed, but his dribbling and finishing.
His crucial goal at the 2024 Champions League final against Dortmund earned him the UCL Player of the Season award.
He is expected to be a huge drive in Real Madrid’s attack this year, and by next season, he could be troubling defenders alongside Kylian Mbappé when he joins Real Madrid.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian has improved a lot in his decision-making, positional sense, movement, and close control, which has made him not just one of the best left-wingers in football but also among the top wingers in the world right now.
3. Heung-Min Son
South Korean international Heung-Min Son dropped his usual stunning performance as a Tottenham player last season with an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists in 35 Premier League games last season.
With the exit of his partner-in-crime Harry Kane, he has taken up the responsibility head-on, scoring key goals and creating chances already as the captain of Tottenham Hotspur.
Irrespective of his statistics from last season, the South Korean still remains one of the best left-wingers in football; his speed, two-footedness, his finishing abilities, and his ability to pick up his teammates in a goal-scoring position are top-notch.
4. Rafael Leão
It’s hard not to see why Rafael Leão was heavily linked with a move away from the San Siro during the summer, not after scoring 15 goals and making eight assists in 35 Serie A games in the 2022/23 season for the Italians.
He managed 9 goals and 9 assists in 34 gams last season, but apart from last season, he has been a menace and a thorn in the skin of every Serie A defender.
He’s already started the season in like manner, and injury permitting, we might be having his best season yet in terms of productivity.
Leão packs strength and pace; his finishing skill is undoubted as he has always scored consistently since emerging into the football scene.
5. Nico Williams Jnr.
Nico Williams is one of the youngest players on this list but certainly not out of place.
The Spaniard has taken the football world by storm with his superb display on the right-wing for his country.
Although under Ernesto Valverde at his club, Nico Williams has played on the left-wing, but his main position is on the right-wing.
Much like his brother, who plays a for a different country, Nico Williams is physically strong, athletic, fast, and skillfull.
In the 2023/24 La Liga season, the 21-year-old registered 5 goals and 11 assists.
He is one of the best dribblers in football, and also turns up in the big games.
6. Eberechi Eze
We know Eberechi Eze’s name will definitely raise some eyebrows, but the addition of the Englishman is justifiable with his contribution to Crystal Palace’s remarkable season
Eze was able to usurp Jack Grealish and take his place the 2024 Euros. His 11 goals and 4 assists in the Premier League last season obviously helped.
However, Eze is an electric player in his own right.
His style of play helps him draw fouls from the opposition as he often drives the ball into tight spaces and plays a part in defense.
7. Luis Díaz
Luis Díaz has successfully established himself as a worthy successor to Sadio Mane in the Liverpool attack.
The 27-year-old played 37 games for Liverpool in the Premier League last season, scoring 8 goals and assisting 5.
His skillfulness is undeniable as he is one of the best dribblers in the EPL, even though his goal’s return can be better.
His pace, first touch, and directness in style of play make it difficult to defend against the Colombian.
8. Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is one of the most experienced names on this list, and he has not just made the list because of his experience but also because it’s too difficult to look away from his form for Manchester United last season, especially after the FIFA World Cup.
In the 2022/23 season, the 26-year-old had the best season of his career, scoring 17 goals and five assists in the Premier League for Manchester United and scoring a further six in the UEFA Europa League. He’s Manchester United’s best striking option currently.
Although Rashford is a versatile player who can play as a centre forward or a winger, he usually prefers to play on the left side of the field.
He likes to play on the left because it gives him the chance to cut inside and shoot with his stronger right foot. Rashford also enjoys dropping back to collect the ball and help build up the team’s attack.
9. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Just like Kaoru Mitoma, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was also an unknown entity at the start of last season for Napoli, but the Georgian would go on to play a big part in Napoli’s title win two seasons ago.
His combination with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen worked to a devastating effect as Napoli went on to win the league title.
The 23-year-old did double-digits in goals and assists in 34 League appearances, scoring 11 goals and 6 assists in his second season with Napoli.
The Georgian forward possesses exceptional speed, dribbling skills, and the ability to create and score goals.
He is a deadly left winger capable of cutting inside to shoot with his right foot or take on defenders on the outside and deliver accurate crosses
10. Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli continues to improve season in season out at the Emirates Stadium.
Although his performances last season, were not enough to secure him a place in the Brazil starting XI, he has cemented his status as one of the best left-wingers in the world.
He scored 6 goals and four assists in the Premier League as Arsenal challenged for the title last season, and it’s obvious that the Gunners have an exciting talent on their hands.
The Brazilian is known for his agility and explosiveness on the field. He has the ability to dribble past multiple opponents to create or score goals, making him a dynamic player.
He looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo as a role model, who is considered a natural template for any goalscoring wide forward
