Yamal 2nd, Messi 5th: Where Lookman & Chukwueze rank among the world’s top 20 wingers

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has been ranked among the 20 best wide forwards in the world, while compatriot Samuel Chukwueze has missed out, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman has enjoyed a strong rise in the latest ESPN 100 rankings after an impressive start to life at Atlético Madrid. He joined Los Colchoneros from Atalanta in a deal worth €35.00 million last summer, and he contributed nine goals and four assist in 24 appearance across all competitions. He has also been a consistent performer for Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal finished second behind Bayern Munich's Michael Olise, while Lionel Messi is ranked as the fifth best winger in the world.

The ranking was based on performances and impact during the past year, and below you can see the rest of the rankings.

Ademola Lookman ranked 13th

ESPN placed Lookman at No. 13, two places higher, but in fairness, most of the names above him are top quality players.

The Atlético Madrid winger has made an immediate impact since joining the Spanish club in February. He registered 12 goal contributions — nine goals and three assists — for Atlético after his arrival, one fewer than teammate Julián Álvarez managed during the same period.

His pace, dribbling and ability to provide a cutting edge in the final third are some of his top. His performances were enough to earn him a place ahead of several established wingers, including Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo and Anthony Gordon.

The ranking is also proof that the 28-year-old forward has grown immensely in recent years, despite his issues with Atalanta. But if you are thinking about the players who be ahead of Lookman in the ranking, we have you covered.

1. Michael Olise – Bayern Munich
2. Lamine Yamal – Barcelona
3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain
4. Luis Díaz – Bayern Munich
5. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
6. Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid
7. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
8. Raphinha – Barcelona
9. Désiré Doué – Paris Saint-Germain
10. Jérémy Doku – Manchester City
11. Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City
12. Bradley Barcola – Paris Saint-Germain
13. Ademola Lookman – Atlético Madrid

Olise claimed the No. 1 spot after a remarkable year with Bayern Munich that saw him contribute 22 goals and 31 assist in 52 games across all competitions. He also contributed seven assists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a top feat.

Yamal retained second place following another outstanding campaign for Barcelona, while Kvaratskhelia jumped from seventh to third after helping PSG continue their dominance in Europe.

Messi, despite being 39, also moved significantly up the rankings. The Argentine rose from eighth to fifth after another extraordinary year that included eight goals and four assists at the 2026 World Cup.

Lookman is therefore positioned just one place behind Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz and one ahead of PSG winger Bradley Barcola in ESPN's full ranking. He also sits above Mohamed Salah, who dropped to 17th after a difficult final season at Liverpool.

Where is Chukwueze?

Unlike Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze does not feature in ESPN's top 20 wide forwards.

The omission means Lookman is the only Nigerian representative in the ESPN FC 100 ranking. Chukwueze's absence is notable considering his reputation as one of Nigeria's most naturally gifted wingers, but ESPN's list ultimately places greater emphasis on the performances of the players who made the top 20.

For Lookman, however, the story is very different. The Atlético Madrid star has now established himself among the world's elite wide forwards. He will now be looking to have a good campaign at Atletico Madrid.