Top 10 right wingers of 2024
The 2024 Golden Boy Winner tops our elite list.
The position of right-winger has long been a showcase for some of football’s most legendary talents. As we reflect on a dynamic year like 2024, it’s clear that right-wingers have been instrumental in shaping both club and international successes. These players, with their ability to change the course of a match, dictate the tempo, and deliver decisive moments, continue to evolve into game-changers on the pitch. From seasoned icons like Lionel Messi, whose exploits are etched into football’s history, to emerging stars like Bukayo Saka, the right-wing position remains a hotbed of flair, speed, and creativity.
In an era where tactical systems demand versatility, right-wingers are not just goal-scorers, but also pressers, creators, and leaders. They play a vital role in breaking opposition lines and delivering those crucial assists that often lead to silverware. The year 2024 has witnessed many standout performances, making the task of selecting the top right-wingers a formidable one.
In this feature, we take a moment to look back at the best right-wingers of 2024, assessing their impact on the pitch, their skill set, and their overall contributions. As we count down the list, we’ll reveal the names that have defined this year. Stay tuned as we unveil the top 10 right-wingers of 2024—one of whom, remarkably, was virtually unknown just a few months ago, but now stands at the pinnacle of this prestigious list.
10. Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo, the 25-year-old French-born Cameroonian international hailing from Avalon, has enjoyed a truly remarkable year with Brentford. After beginning his journey with clubs like Troyes, Mbeumo joined Brentford in 2019, where his presence became instrumental in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League. Beyond their initial success, Mbeumo’s contributions have been pivotal in Brentford’s emergence as a serious contender in the English top flight, with his performances continuing to solidify his importance to the team.
In the 2023-24 season, Mbeumo made 27 appearances, scoring 9 goals, but it is the current season that has seen him truly shine. With 8 goals in just 14 matches, he has been one of the standout performers for Brentford, even as the team struggled in other areas. Mbeumo’s consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments have proven to be a silver lining for the team, ensuring that, as long as he remains, he will be an integral part of their ambitions.
On the international stage, Mbeumo has also made a significant impact for Cameroon. Having earned 6 caps and scored 2 goals, his international career is steadily growing. His first goal for the Indomitable Lions this year came in June 2024 against Angola during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and his most recent strike was against Kenya in a dominant 4-1 win during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Mbeumo’s form, both domestically and internationally, cements his status as one of the brightest young talents, and as his career progresses, he promises to continue dazzling on the world stage.
9. Johan Bakayoko
At a time when many young players are often swayed by the allure of vast wealth and fleeting opportunities, Johan Bakayoko stands as a paragon of loyalty and dedication. The 21-year-old Belgian winger from Overijse, despite the incessant transfer rumors that have surrounded him, has chosen to remain with PSV Eindhoven, a club he joined in 2022. Since then, Bakayoko has evolved into a cornerstone of the team, making 71 appearances and scoring 21 goals, cementing his place as a vital figure for the Dutch outfit.
Bakayoko’s unwavering commitment to PSV was crucial in their triumph in the 2024 Eredivisie season, where his performances played an instrumental role in clinching the coveted league title. His individual contributions did not go unnoticed, as he was inducted into the Eredivisie Team of the Month on two occasions in 2024.
On the international stage, Bakayoko’s rise continues, having earned 9 caps for the Belgian national team this year. His form for PSV in the 2023-2024 season was equally impressive, as he made 47 appearances and scored 14 goals, underlining his offensive prowess. In the current season, Bakayoko has continued to shine, having made 18 appearances and netted 5 goals so far. With his sights set on retaining the Eredivisie title with PSV, he remains a key figure in the club’s ambitions, demonstrating that loyalty and hard work are often the true measures of success in a modern footballing world.
8. Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen, the 27-year-old English right-winger from Leominster, has come a long way from his early days with Hereford United and Hull City, eventually making his mark at West Ham United in 2020. This year has been particularly remarkable for Bowen, as he not only solidified his place in the English national team but also scored his debut international goal. His first goal for England came in a 5-0 demolition of the Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium, marking a significant milestone in his career during the 2024 UEFA Nations League fixture.
At the club level, Bowen has been in scintillating form, making 44 appearances and netting 20 goals for West Ham United, playing an instrumental role in the team’s ambitions. His contributions were recognized when he was awarded the West Ham United Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season. Despite facing limited opportunities with the national team in the past, Bowen was part of the English squad that reached the final of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, helping his country secure a runner-up finish.
As the season progresses, Bowen will be focused on helping his club secure a top-four finish and return to the high-stakes UCL nights at the London Stadium. His growing reputation as a key player for both club and country underscores his exceptional skill, consistency, and impact on the pitch.
7. Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic, the 26-year-old American winger from Pennsylvania, often referred to as “Captain America,” has had an incredibly impactful year with AC Milan. After years of playing with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, Pulisic made a significant move to AC Milan in 2023, where he has since become an integral part of the squad. On the international front, Pulisic has been a key figure for the United States, making 12 appearances in 2024 and scoring four crucial goals. His strikes came against high-profile opponents like Brazil, Bolivia, New Zealand, and Jamaica, further cementing his status as a leader for his country.
At the club level, Pulisic has made 50 appearances for AC Milan in the 2023-2024 season, and his contributions have been pivotal as the club eyes a potential Serie A title. This season alone, he has played 17 matches, scoring 8 goals and helping Milan stay in the title hunt. His stellar performances earned him the AC Milan Player of the Month award in September 2024, and he was also inducted into the Serie A Team of the Season.
6. Michael Olise
Michael Olise, the 22-year-old English-born French winger, has enjoyed a sensational year in 2024, marking a period of significant growth and achievement in his career. After honing his skills with prestigious clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Reading during his youth career, Olise made a high-profile move to Crystal Palace in 2021. His time at Palace was marked by standout performances, including a brilliant 2023-24 season where he made 19 appearances and scored 10 goals.
In 2024-25, Olise’s career took another leap forward with a move to Bayern Munich. Despite the early months of his transition, he quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad under coach Vincent Kompany. In just 17 appearances, he scored 7 goals, demonstrating his potential and proving that he is a player capable of making a significant impact at the highest level of European football.
On the international stage, Olise has also made his mark, earning 4 appearances for the French national team and contributing to the French under-23 squad’s silver medal finish at the 2024 Summer Olympics. His rise to prominence didn’t go unnoticed, as he was awarded the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month in October 2024, an accolade that reflects his seamless adaptation to Germany’s top tier.
5. Lionel Messi
At 37 years of age, Lionel Messi, the iconic maestro from Rosario, continues to defy the limitations of time, delivering a spectacular season for both club and country in 2024. The Argentine legend has made 11 appearances for the national team this year, finding the back of the net six times. His brilliance was pivotal in Argentina’s triumphant campaign, culminating in lifting the prestigious Copa América trophy.
At the club level, despite enduring a significant injury that sidelined him for a considerable period, Messi showcased his unparalleled talent in the 2024 MLS season with Inter Miami. In just 25 appearances, he netted an astonishing 23 goals, leading his team to clinch the Supporters’ Shield and solidifying their dominance in Major League Soccer. His leadership and flair have transformed Inter Miami into a force to be reckoned with.
4. Mohammed Salah
Liverpool fans are fervently awaiting news of a contract extension for Mohamed Salah, a player who has etched his name into the annals of Anfield’s history as one of the club’s greatest legends. The Egyptian right-winger from Nagrig has remained the cornerstone of Liverpool’s attack, exemplifying unparalleled loyalty and consistency. Salah’s 2023-24 season was a testament to his resilience, as he made 44 appearances and netted 25 goals during a transitional period marked by the departure of the beloved Jürgen Klopp.
Even amid the seismic changes brought by the arrival of Arne Slot as Liverpool’s new manager, Salah adapted seamlessly, continuing to shine as the Reds’ talisman. This season, he has already recorded 19 appearances and 12 goals, driving Liverpool to unprecedented heights as they sit atop the Premier League and UEFA Champions League standings. His leadership and clinical finishing have ensured Liverpool’s dominance both domestically and in Europe.
For the Egyptian national team, Salah has also been instrumental, scoring four goals in eight appearances this year. As Liverpool eyes glory on multiple fronts, fans hope their beloved “Egyptian King” will commit his future to the club, reinforcing his legendary status and guiding them to continued success.
3. Rodrygo
Rodrygo, the electrifying Brazilian right-winger from Osasco, continues to solidify his reputation as one of the most pivotal players in world football. After honing his craft with Santos, Rodrygo made a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2019, where he has firmly established himself as the undisputed choice on the right flank.
In the 2023-24 season, Rodrygo featured in 51 matches for Real Madrid, delivering an impressive return of 17 goals. His contributions were instrumental in helping Los Blancos clinch both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles, further underscoring his importance to the team. On the international stage, despite Brazil falling short of reaching the Copa América final, Rodrygo showcased his brilliance by netting three goals in 11 appearances, scoring against formidable opponents like Spain, the United States, and Ecuador.
2. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka, the 23-year-old sensation from Ealing, has solidified his position as one of the finest right-wingers in modern football, delivering standout performances for both club and country in 2024. Standing at 5’10”, Saka’s technical prowess, versatility, and composure under pressure have been pivotal in shaping the fortunes of his teams this year.
For England, Saka played a crucial role in Gareth Southgate’s squad, helping them reach the UEFA Euro 2024 final. Despite a lacklustre overall team performance during the tournament, Saka’s resilience shone brightly. His solitary goal of the year was a game-changing equalizer in the quarter-final against Switzerland. In total, he made 11 appearances for the Three Lions, further cementing his status as an indispensable part of England’s plans.
At the club level, Saka’s contributions for Arsenal have been nothing short of remarkable. Under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship, he featured in 47 matches across competitions, netting an impressive 20 goals. Despite his relentless efforts and consistent brilliance, Arsenal fell agonizingly short of securing the Premier League title, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive season. Nevertheless, Saka’s determination and leadership remain integral as Arsenal seek to end their trophy drought and reclaim glory.
1. Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal epitomizes the concept of “overnight success”—a culmination of relentless hard work, talent, and seizing the right moments to shine. A name that was relatively obscure not long ago, the young Spanish sensation has skyrocketed to stardom in 2024, earning recognition as one of the brightest talents in world football. By surpassing his contemporaries, Yamal has firmly established himself as the premier right-winger of the year, highlighted by his triumph in securing the coveted 2024 Golden Boy award.
For his club, Barcelona, Yamal has been nothing short of phenomenal. This season, the 16-year-old prodigy has made 16 appearances and netted six goals, consistently delivering standout performances that underline his maturity beyond his years. On the international stage, Yamal’s contributions were instrumental in Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph. Featuring in 13 matches for La Roja, his defining moment came in the semi-finals against France at the Allianz Arena in Munich, where he scored a spectacular goal that propelled Spain to the final.
Under Hansi Flick’s guidance, Barcelona and Yamal have started laying the groundwork for a resurgence reminiscent of their golden era. With his burgeoning skill set and unshakable confidence, Lamine Yamal is not merely a rising star but a harbinger of football’s next generation of greatness. Fans and pundits alike eagerly await what this precocious talent will achieve in the years to come.
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