The Athletic Recasts Top 50 World Cup Players After 48 Teams Finish Opener
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
The Athletic Recasts Top 50 World Cup Players After 48 Teams Finish Opener
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 18
Summary
Lionel Messi jumped 24 places to No. 1 after a hat-trick against Algeria, while Harry Kane held No. 2 and Michael Olise rose to No. 3 in The Athletic’s updated World Cup top 50.
All 48 teams have now played one of their three group matches, and The Athletic said its ratings model heavily weighted matchday-one performances while still giving established stars some benefit of the doubt.
Big risers included Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez at No. 15, up 11, Portugal’s Joao Neves at No. 16, up 14, and France defender Dayot Upamecano at No. 14, up 10.
The sharpest drops hit Brazil’s Gabriel, down 34 to No. 41, Portugal’s Nuno Mendes, down 24 to No. 38, and Vitinha, down 20 to No. 25 after Portugal’s disappointing opener.
New entries reflected standout first-round displays, led by U.S. forward Folarin Balogun at No. 21 after two goals against Paraguay and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha at No. 50 after Spain’s siege.