Even if the traditional role of a winger has evolved, there are few things more exhilarating than those carefree menaces carving seemingly impossible routes through hordes of hapless defenders, lifting bums from seats and bringing smiles to faces. Where once the remit was to stay as wide as possible in a chalk-on-yer-boots 4-4-2, today's fantastic flyers are predominantly primed as part of a front three, tasked with hitting the byeline or cutting in on their stronger foot for a direct route to goal. "Lots of them are quick, lots of them can beat players, but it is the ones who know when to make that final pass who are extra special," says Pat Nevin, former Scotland winger and BBC Radio 5 Live pundit. Indeed, this week we are ranking the 10 most exciting wide players in the world right now - those in top form, churning out goals, assists and dynamic dribbles. You can tell us yours below too.

Source: BBC March 31, 2026 08:37 UTC