The art of dribbling remains one of football’s most thrilling skills, and across Europe’s five major leagues in the 2025–26 season, a new generation of players is redefining what it means to beat a man.

From established superstars to emerging talents, the latest rankings of completed dribbles according to Planet Football on Monday highlight both familiar names and exciting newcomers. But at the very top, one teenage sensation stands far ahead of the rest.

10. Marco Palestra – 64

Atalanta academy graduate Palestra has done very well with his first experience of regular starts, out on loan at Cagliari this season.

He made his bow for Italy in their recent World Cup play-off heatbreak, but the 21-year-old’s dribbling prowess offers the Azzurri something they’re otherwise lacking.

Palestra’s future looks bright. A proper Italian right-back.

9. Antonio Nusa – 66

The 20-year-old Norwegian could be one of the breakout stars of this summer’s World Cup.

He’s scored seven goals in 22 senior caps for his country and is approaching the tournament off the back of a better-than-decent Bundesliga campaign with RB Leipzig.

8. Jeremy Doku – 69

Mohammed Kudus has tended to dominate the Premier League’s dribble charts over the past few years, but his injury woes from his debut season with Tottenham leave him nowhere to be seen.

That leaves Doku as the English top flight’s clear frontrunner. The Belgian has completed nine more dribbles in the Premier League than Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh in the second spot. Yann Gboho – 70

Recent reports suggest that former France youth international Ghobo is set to declare for the country of his birth, the Ivory Coast.

Given Les Elephants already have the wonderkid at #2 on this list, the pair of them would be an immensely exciting prospect for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Appointment viewing.

The Toulouse midfielder isn’t a household name, but he’s quietly enjoying an excellent campaign in Ligue 1.

6. Kenan Yildiz – 73

The 20-year-old Turkey international has been a breath of fresh air for Juventus this season, and he seems to take his game to new levels with every passing month.

Yildiz’s status as Serie A’s top dribbler tallies with the eye test. We’re not sure there’s a more entertaining, exciting footballer in Italian football right now.

5. Victor Munoz – 74

You imagine that Athletic Club’s Nico Williams would feature somewhere where he fits and is available all season.

Unfortunately, the forward’s ongoing injury issues have given Spain manager Luis de la Fuente a bit of a headache ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Williams played a starring role in La Roja’s Euro 2024 triumph, but it’ll be touch-and-go to make the squad this time around.

One emerging alternative is Barcelona and Real Madrid academy graduate Munoz, who has caught the eye at Osasuna this season. He received his first call-ups over the most recent international break and scored a goal.

The 22-year-old is far from efficient, with 123 unsuccessful dribbles to 74 successful ones. But he’s certainly purposeful, attempting a dribble every 13 minutes in La Liga this season.

4. Kylian Mbappe – 76

It’s no surprise to see Mbappe feature in this list.

The Real Madrid superstar’s devastating turn of pace makes him a nightmare for defenders, even if he’s not a winger who’ll look to beat players in tight spaces.

3. Vinicius Junior – 83

At this stage, you know what you’re getting with Vinicius. He might have peaks and troughs when it comes to end product, but he’ll never shirk an opportunity to take on the opposition.

Only one player across Europe’s top leagues has attempted more dribbles this season. The Brazilian is often unsuccessful – with 119 failed dribbles compared to 81 successful ones – but that doesn’t stop him trying.

That resolve is what makes him the player he is.

2. Yan Diomande – 108

Undoubtedly, European football’s most exciting breakout star of the 2025-26 season.

There’s a good chance that the 19-year-old Ivorian winger ends the campaign as one of only two players with 100+ completed dribbles.

Liverpool and Barcelona are among the clubs that have been linked. RB Leipzig will do well to hold onto their star asset beyond the summer.

1. Lamine Yamal – 133

It’s been a while since Lionel Messi and Neymar were lighting up European football, but we’ve got a new superstar who’s emerged in their absence to stake his claim as the undisputed dribble king.

Yamal only turned 18 last summer, but he topped this list last season and has picked up where he left off. The rate at which he completes dribbles is genuinely elite already.

No player in Europe has attempted anywhere near as many dribbles (262), and he’s also top for unsuccessful dribbles. The teenager could be a bit more efficient, but his 51% success rate isn’t too shabby – as the considerably more experienced Vini Jr (40%) demonstrates.