Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović has named what he believes are the five best football players in the world during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the attacking quality of the French national team following their impressive victory over Sweden.
Speaking as a pundit for Fox Sports after France’s commanding 3-0 win over Sweden in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, Ibrahimovic highlighted three French stars before completing his top-five list with two of Europe’s brightest talents.
According to the former Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and AC Milan striker, the five best players in world football right now are:
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Kylian Mbappé
- Michael Olise
- Erling Haaland
- Lamine Yamal
Ibrahimovic was particularly impressed by France’s attacking trio, describing them as among the finest footballers currently playing the game.
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Following France’s victory over Sweden, Ibrahimovic explained why he believes Les Bleus possess one of the most dangerous attacking units in international football.
“Take the five best players in the world. Three of them are on France’s attack – Dembele, Olise and Mbappé,” Ibrahimovic said.
The Swedish legend noted that combining three world-class attackers in the same national team presents opponents with an enormous challenge.
Although Ibrahimovic listed five current stars, he made it clear that Lionel Messi occupies a unique position in football.
He added:
“Yamal and Haaland. Messi is in his own class. But three of the top five are in this attack. It’s not easy to make that combination.”
His comments suggest that while Messi remains exceptional, Ibrahimovic views the other five players as the leading performers currently competing at the highest level of the game.
France’s convincing 3-0 victory over Sweden secured their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The performance further strengthened their reputation as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, with Mbappe, Dembele and Olise all playing important roles in the team’s attacking display.
Their progression means France remain firmly on course for another deep run in the tournament.
As expected, Ibrahimovic’s rankings have generated widespread debate among football supporters.
While many agreed with the inclusion of Mbappe, Haaland and Yamal, others questioned the omission of several established stars who have also enjoyed outstanding seasons.
Nevertheless, Ibrahimovic’s opinions continue to attract significant attention, given his status as one of football’s greatest strikers and one of the sport’s most outspoken personalities.
With the World Cup entering its decisive knockout stages, fans will now be eager to see whether the players singled out by the Swedish legend can continue producing world-class performances and lead their respective nations closer to football’s biggest prize.
The former Sweden striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has named the five best players in the world at the moment.
Ibrahimovic spoke while on punditry duty for Fox Sports after France defeated Sweden 3-0 in the World Cup Round of 32 stage on Tuesday.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United attacker named
Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal as the five best players in the world.
“Take the five best players in the world. Three of them are on France’s attack – Dembele, Olise and Mbappé,” Ibrahimovic said after France defeated Sweden to progress to the World Cup Round of 16 stage, before adding Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Norway’s Erling Haaland to the list.
He added, [Yamal and Haaland. Messi is in his own class. But three of the top five are in this attack. It’s not easy to make that combination,” he said.
