The Right Winger Revolution: No More Sideline Huggers

Picture this: back in the day, right wingers were all about hugging the touchline, skinning full-backs, and lobbing in crosses like it was 1999. But nah, modern footy's flipped the script. Inverted wingers rule the roost now – cutting inside on their lethal left peg, creating chaos centrally, and chipping in with bangers from midfield. Flair, brains, and goals: that's the elite standard.

Sports Illustrated Soccer kicked off their top 25 list, and we're diving into the lower reaches. From consistent Basque burners to Old Trafford escapees, here's the rundown from 25 to 20. Buckle up – it's a proper mixed bag.

25-21: Grit, Glow-Ups, and Forgotten Gems

25. Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club)

Brother Nico's grabbing the spotlight lately, but big bro Iñaki's been the rock-solid engine for Athletic Club for over a decade. Blistering pace, dogged work rate – he's the right-wing warrior La Liga needs. Goals? Assists? Ticks both boxes, even if he's not spraying them in by the bucketload. Age is creeping up, but this Ghana international's got miles left in the tank.

24. Antony (Real Betis, ex-Man Utd)

Blimey, Antony's United saga was a right car crash – £86m from Ajax, then all the spins, shanks, and memes. Looked like he'd never recover. Enter Real Betis on loan in 2025: 9 goals, 5 assists in 26 games. Electric again, swagger restored. Ditched Old Trafford for good? The world's his playground now.

23. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)

From Senegalese non-league to Everton's go-to man – Ndiaye's story is pure fairy tale. Sheffield United, a Marseille misfire, then boom: Premier League reliability personified. Unwavering belief's carried him; now he's terrorising defenders week in, week out.

22. Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP)

Barca once valued him at €500m, but Wolves flopped and Portugal's not top-five leagues, so he's off radars. Wake up! Primeira Liga's king: 34 goals lately, silky dribbles, clever drifts inside despite left foot. Even bagged a Portugal brace vs Denmark in 2025. Form like this? He'll be international staple soon.

21. Leroy Sané (Galatasaray)

Bayern tenure? Talented but torturous – injuries, wastefulness, never matched Gnabry or Coman. Rocket left boot, Davies-beating pace, wizardry... when on song. Now in Turkey with Galatasaray, no Allianz pressure. Consistency's the quest; nail it, and he's a beast unleashed.

20. Jarrod Bowen – The Everyman's Hero

From Hereford United non-league to West Ham skipper and Europa Conference winner – Bowen's ascent is pub legend material. Snapped up from Hull in 2020, he hit 12 goals, 10 assists in 21/22 for an England call-up. Dependable as your nan's Sunday roast, blending industry with ice-cool finishes. Hammers' talisman through and through.

The countdown's just warming up – SI's top 19 promise more fireworks from footy's fastest flank men. Who's your pick to crack the top 10? Drop it in the comments; we'll be arguing over pints.