With CONCACAF arguably the deepest it’s ever been in terms of talent, GOAL takes a look at the North American stars ruling the region
Who is the best player in CONCACAF? The debate rages on — and rightfully so. With fewer than 500 days until the 2026 World Cup, all eyes are on the region, especially as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico prepare to host. This month’s CONCACAF Nations League will offer another stage for the region’s top players to prove themselves, but the discussions won’t end there.
Determining the best isn’t easy. CONCACAF is arguably deeper than ever. For years, the U.S. and Mexico dominated, but that’s no longer the case. The rise of teams like Canada, Jamaica, and Panama has made this debate more intriguing, thanks to their own standout players. Both Canada and Panama will compete in the Nations League finals against Mexico and the U.S., respectively—results that would have been unthinkable not long ago.
When evaluating the best, several factors come into play, but none more than form—at both club and international level. The truly great players deliver no matter the jersey. That’s what sets them apart.
So who are the best players in CONCACAF right now? And more importantly, who is No. 1? GOAL takes a look.
(Updated: March 5, 2025)