Top 5 Most Improved Footballers in Europe 2025

🔥 Five of the Most Improved Players in Europe This Season (2024/25)

Football is a game of progress, and every season, a few players take their performances to the next level. The 2024/25 campaign has seen some incredible transformations, with several footballers rising from mediocrity to superstardom.

🚀 Here’s a look at five of the most improved players in European football this season!

1️⃣ Mateo Retegui (Atalanta) – 🔥 From Backup to Scudetto Contender

Atalanta signed Mateo Retegui for €28M from Genoa, primarily as cover for the injured Gianluca Scamacca. But what was supposed to be a backup role has turned into a golden season for the Argentine-born striker.

🔹 2023/24 Season Stats: 7 goals for Genoa

🔹 2024/25 Season Stats (so far): 20 goals in 22 Serie A matches 🚀

✅ Leading the Capocannoniere race

✅ Atalanta is now a surprise title challenger

✅ Outperforming the club’s expectations

👉 Retegui’s explosive form has transformed Atalanta’s attack, making him one of the best strikers in Serie A this season.

2️⃣ Raphinha (Barcelona) – 🎩 Ballon d’Or Contender?

A year ago, Raphinha was rumored to be on the chopping block at Barcelona. The Catalan giants were chasing Nico Williams, and it seemed like Raphinha's time at the club was over.

Instead, the 28-year-old Brazilian winger has become one of Europe’s best players this season.

🔹 2023/24 Season Stats: 10 goals, 7 assists

🔹 2024/25 Season Stats (so far): 24 goals, 15 assists in 35 matches 😲🔥

✅ Leading Barcelona’s attack

✅ Crucial in La Liga & Champions League

✅ Ballon d’Or-worthy performances

👉 From being nearly replaced to becoming the star man, Raphinha has taken his game to new heights this season.

3️⃣ Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) – 🎯 The Midfield Maestro

🔴 When Liverpool signed Ryan Gravenberch, they expected a world-class midfielder. But his first season at Anfield was disappointing, with only 12 league starts and limited impact.

Everything changed this year! A tactical switch under new manager Arne Slot saw him deployed as a defensive midfielder, and he has dominated the Premier League & Champions League.

🔹 2023/24 Season Stats: Fringe player, inconsistent performances

🔹 2024/25 Season Stats (so far): A key starter, bossing midfield 💪

✅ Elite ball progression & tackling

✅ Playing almost every minute in Liverpool’s title race

✅ Liverpool’s new long-term No.6

👉 Gravenberch has turned from a flop to a vital cog in Liverpool’s machine!

4️⃣ Moise Kean (Fiorentina) – 🎯 Finally Fulfilling His Potential

⚡️ Once hailed as Italy’s next big thing, Moise Kean struggled at Everton and on his return to Juventus. But Fiorentina saw something in him and signed him for just €13M.

Now? He’s one of Serie A’s deadliest strikers.

🔹 2023/24 Season Stats: A backup striker at Juventus

🔹 2024/25 Season Stats (so far): 19 goals in 28 matches for Fiorentina ⚽🔥

✅ Fiorentina’s main man in attack

✅ Second-highest goal scorer in Serie A

✅ A potential return to the Italian national team? 🇮🇹

👉 Kean has finally found his form, proving why he was once considered a generational talent.

5️⃣ Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain) – 💥 Ligue 1’s Leading Scorer

⚡ Ousmane Dembélé has always been a talent, but injuries and inconsistency held him back. This season, however, he has exploded at PSG after the departure of Kylian Mbappé.

🔹 2023/24 Season Stats: 6 goals

🔹 2024/25 Season Stats (so far): 21 goals in 27 matches 🤯

✅ Leading goal scorer in Ligue 1

✅ Recent hat-tricks against Stuttgart & Brest

✅ Filling the void left by Mbappé

👉 For the first time in his career, Dembélé is showing world-class consistency. Could he be PSG’s new superstar?

🌟 Final Thoughts

Every season, a few players take massive leaps forward—and this year has been no different. From goal-scoring explosions to midfield dominance, these five stars have redefined their careers in 2024/25.

💭 Which player has impressed you the most this season? Let us know in the comments! 👇