Football is the world’s game.
It crosses borders, languages, religions and cultures. From the great stadiums of Europe and South America to the growing football nations of Africa, Asia, North America and Oceania, the sport belongs to everyone.
WORLD OF 7 celebrates six outstanding contemporary footballers representing the world’s inhabited continents — together with a special tribute to Antarctica, the seventh continent.
These are editorial selections rather than an official global ranking, chosen for achievement, influence, quality, leadership and continental pride.

EUROPE — KYLIAN MBAPPÉ  
FRANCE  
Kylian Mbappé has become one of the defining footballers of his generation.
Blessed with extraordinary speed, movement and finishing ability, the French captain has already achieved what most players can only dream of. He won the FIFA World Cup as a teenager in 2018 and has continued to build one of football’s most remarkable international records.
During the 2026 World Cup, Mbappé moved to within one goal of Lionel Messi’s all-time tournament scoring record as France advanced to the semi-finals.  
Mbappé represents the modern European superstar: fearless, explosive, commercially powerful and capable of deciding the biggest matches on Earth.

AFRICA — ACHRAF HAKIMI  
MOROCCO  
Achraf Hakimi stands among the finest defenders and wing-backs in world football.
His pace, attacking instincts, technical ability and leadership have made him a central figure for both club and country. Hakimi helped Morocco make history at the 2022 World Cup and remains a symbol of the extraordinary rise of African and Arab football.
In 2025, he was officially crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the first Moroccan to win the honour since 1998.
Hakimi is more than a footballer. He is an inspiration to millions across Africa, Morocco and the worldwide diaspora.

ASIA — SALEM AL-DAWSARI  
SAUDI ARABIA  

Salem Al-Dawsari is one of Asia’s most celebrated modern footballers.
Known for his skill, confidence and ability to perform under pressure, he became globally recognised after scoring Saudi Arabia’s unforgettable winning goal against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.
His continued excellence for club and country earned him the AFC Player of the Year award in 2025 — the second time he had received the honour.  
Al-Dawsari represents the growing strength, ambition and international influence of Asian football.

SOUTH AMERICA — LIONEL MESSI  
ARGENTINA  
Lionel Messi remains the ultimate symbol of South American football.
His balance, vision, dribbling, passing and goals have placed him among the greatest footballers in history. After leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, Messi continued to defy age and expectations.
At the 2026 World Cup, he helped Argentina reach another semi-final and established himself as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 21 goals.
Messi’s career represents genius, perseverance and the enduring football soul of South America.

NORTH AMERICA — JONATHAN DAVID  
CANADA  
Jonathan David has emerged as one of North America’s most accomplished forwards.
Fast, intelligent and clinical in front of goal, the Canadian striker has performed at the highest levels of European club football while helping transform Canada into a more competitive international force.
David was named the 2024–25 Concacaf Men’s Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign for club and country.  
His success reflects the extraordinary growth of football across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

OCEANIA — CHRIS WOOD  
NEW ZEALAND  
Chris Wood has carried the flag for Oceania at the highest level of the European game.
A powerful, experienced and intelligent striker, Wood became the first New Zealander selected for the PFA Premier League Team of the Year after scoring 20 league goals during the 2024–25 season.
His achievements have given New Zealand and the wider Pacific region a respected presence in one of the world’s toughest football competitions.
Wood proves that world-class football talent can rise from even the smallest and most distant football nations.


ANTARCTICA — THE CONTINENT WITHOUT A NATIONAL TEAM  
Antarctica has no permanent population, no internationally recognised national team and no native professional football superstar.
Yet even on the frozen seventh continent, scientists and research teams have been known to play informal football matches during their limited recreation time.
Antarctica therefore represents something larger: the idea that football can travel anywhere.
From scorching deserts to tropical islands, crowded cities, mountain villages and frozen research stations, a ball and a small patch of ground are enough to bring people together.

ONE WORLD — ONE BEAUTIFUL GAME

The footballers featured here come from different countries, cultures and traditions.
Yet they share the same qualities: talent, courage, discipline, sacrifice and the ability to inspire millions.
Mbappé carries the hopes of Europe.
Hakimi represents Africa’s growing power.
Al-Dawsari symbolises Asia’s ambition.
Messi embodies South American footballing genius.
David reflects North America’s rapid rise.
Wood carries Oceania onto the global stage.
And Antarctica reminds us that football belongs to the whole planet.
Seven continents. Six extraordinary footballers. One beautiful global game.

WORLD OF 7 — THE WORLD, CONTINENT BY CONTINENT.