Vini is the joy of football personified. He’s a bolt of lightning down the wing. He’s a samba step at the corner flag. He’s a tireless trainer, a selfless playmaker, a humble champion. We’ve seen iconic Brazilian wingers before. But as he calmly slotted the ball past Alisson to once again lift Real Madrid to UEFA Champions League glory, he made a statement to the world—there’s nobody like Vini.

Son establishes a new ceiling every season, elevating from club cult hero and a national team icon to UEFA Champions League contender and Premier League Golden Boot holder. Sonny takes a picture every time he scores so he can remember each moment forever. That’s 24 world-class memories for Spurs fans—from last year alone.

Alphonso Davies put Canada back on the map in 2021. His electrifying CONCACAF qualifying campaign shot them straight to the top of the table and into their first World Cup in 36 years. He has laid claim to the whole left side of the pitch, burning past defenders for his country and stopping them in their tracks for his club. There’s no footrace Phonzie will shy away from and no occasion he isn’t ready for.

Macario has soared to stardom in just her first full season as a professional. The Brazilian-American attacker helped OL Féminin return to their perch atop Europe, scoring the trophy-clinching goal in a dominant final performance. Back home, she lifted the SheBelieves Cup as the MVP of the tournament in only her second competitive tournament with the USWNT. This year, she’ll have her sights set on an American three-peat at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

Chloe Kelly is now a national hero. With her first senior international goal, she announced her return from a year of hard work and recovery. With her second goal for the Lionesses, she crowned England champions of Europe. Kelly’s name will forever live in the history books—but with a new season at City ahead and a FIFA World Cup™ looming, she's already setting her sights on even more.

With his socks bunched superstitiously around his ankles and his hair majestically waving in the breeze, Grealish hoisted his first Premier League title in his inaugural season in Manchester. The silky Cityzen fit right into the attacking rotation this year, gliding past defenders and creating chances for his teammates. But with his ambition and ability, one title is just a taste—Jack will be back for more. 

The legend of Jude Bellingham continues. At just 19 years old, he’s one of the youngest players to ever be named to the Bundesliga Team of the Season. Bellingham has treated the Yellow Wall to driving runs and relentless pressing all year long. He’s composed beyond his years, effortless on the ball, and driven to be the best player in every game. And he’s just getting started.

Nothing gets past Virgil. His composure, grace, and strength are already the stuff of Liverpudlian folklore. The towering Dutchman calms teammates and terrifies opponents. He’s in the way of every shot, in every attacker’s nightmares, and in every competitive final in club football. And this year, he has the Netherlands back in the World Cup.

Kai Havertz’s best position is on the pitch. No matter where he’s been deployed for Chelsea, he’s found the net—14 goals in all competitions last season including a 117th minute winner in the FIFA Club World Cup™ final. Even without the number 9 on his back, he’s become the focal point for Chelsea’s attack, with an incredible intuition for where to be and how to get others involved. He’s soft-spoken and relaxed and often underestimated as a result. Until, of course, he puts the ball in the back of your net.

“Captain America” had a marquee year in red, white, and blue. His cold-blooded extra time penalty led the USMNT to the first ever CONCACAF Nations League title, and his classy hat trick against Panama all but confirmed the US’s place on the world stage this November. Every year, Pulisic has proven that he can get the job done with a defender on his back. This year, he’s shown that he can do it with a nation’s hopes on his shoulders. 

Two words describe an Atlético de Madrid Player of the Season: relentless and clinical. Or this season: João Félix. The hard-working starlet was as tidy as he was tireless this campaign, an unrelenting force and a magnet for the spectacular. And after recording his second straight double-digit goal tally, Félix is well on his way to writing his own story. The tale of a new Portuguese forward in Madrid.