Lookman 13th in ESPN winger rankings as Chukwueze misses top 20

Ademola Lookman has been ranked 13th in ESPN’s list of the world’s top wide forwards, while fellow Nigerian Samuel Chukwueze did not make the top 20. Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise leads the ranking, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal second and Lionel Messi fifth.

The position places Lookman two places higher than in the previous edition. He is also ahead of several established names, including Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo and Anthony Gordon, underlining the progress made by the Atlético Madrid forward.

Lookman’s ranking reflects his performances and influence over the past year. He joined Atlético from Atalanta in a €35 million move last summer and made an immediate impression in Spain. His Atlético record after arriving in February includes nine goals and three assists, while his overall figures for the club stand at nine goals and four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.

The 28-year-old has also remained a regular contributor for Nigeria. His pace, dribbling and ability to create danger in the final third were identified as key strengths behind his place among the leading wide forwards.

Lookman is positioned behind Juventus youngster Kenan Yildiz and one place above Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. He is also well clear of Salah, who fell to 17th after what was described as a difficult final season at Liverpool.

Olise claimed the top position after producing 22 goals and 31 assists in 52 matches for Bayern Munich, as well as seven assists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Yamal stayed second, while PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia climbed from seventh to third. Messi rose from eighth to fifth after recording eight goals and four assists at the World Cup.

Lookman is the only Nigerian included in the ESPN FC 100 ranking. Chukwueze’s omission contrasts with his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most gifted wingers, but the list favours the performances delivered by those selected during the assessment period.