Badminton, one of the fastest racket sports in the world, continues to showcase incredible talent on the global stage. From Olympic gold medalists to World Champions, the best badminton players in 2025 represent a blend of power, agility, and precision that keeps fans captivated across international tournaments like the BWF World Championships, Thomas Cup, and the Olympic Games. Legends such as Viktor Axelsen, Kento Momota, and P. V. Sindhu stand alongside modern icons like Tai Tzu-Ying, Carolina Marín, and Lee Zii Jia, proving how fiercely competitive the sport has become. In this list of the top 10 badminton players in the world, we look at the athletes who dominate the rankings, redefine excellence on court, and inspire the next generation of shuttlers with their extraordinary achievements.
10. Akane Yamaguchi
Akane Yamaguchi is one of Japan’s most accomplished badminton players, consistently ranked among the sport’s elite. She became the first Japanese women’s singles player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) standings, a milestone highlighting her sustained excellence on the international stage.
Yamaguchi’s career is marked by multiple significant achievements. She has won three BWF World Championships women’s singles titles—in 2021, 2022, and 2025—making her the first Japanese player in any discipline to secure three world championship victories. Her early career included triumphs at the Asian Junior Championships in 2012 and 2014, as well as consecutive World Junior Championship titles in 2013 and 2014.
Yamaguchi played a pivotal role in Japan’s 2018 Uber Cup victory, ending a 37-year title drought for her national team, and contributed to medal-winning campaigns in the Asian Games and Sudirman Cup. She also earned bronze medals at both the 2018 Asian Games and BWF World Championships, and captured the Asian Championships title in 2019.
Renowned for her tenacity, defensive prowess, and exceptional court coverage, Yamaguchi excels at outlasting opponents through patience, agility, and strategic play. Her achievements have firmly cemented her status as a leading figure in international badminton and a trailblazer for Japanese women in the sport.
9. Viktor Axelsen
Viktor Axelsen, the Danish badminton star, continues to be one of the sport’s most decorated and consistent performers as of 2025. A two-time Olympic gold medalist (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) and two-time World Champion (2017, 2022), Axelsen stands out as the only non-Asian men’s singles player in history to achieve this unique combination of accolades. He also claimed the World Junior Championship in 2010, marking a historic first for European singles players.
Axelsen has won the European men’s singles title three times (2016, 2018, and 2022) and secured gold at the 2023 European Games, underlining his continental dominance. Known for his powerful all-court game and adaptability, he claimed the Yonex-Sunrise India Open Super 750 title in January 2025, cementing his place among the sport’s elite despite dealing with injuries earlier in the year. Axelsen is currently ranked in the BWF world top 4 as of September 2025, and remains a dominant force in major championships and World Tour events.
8. Jonatan Christie (Indonesia)
Jonatan Christie is an elite Indonesian badminton player recognized for his all-court versatility, combining powerful attacking play with mature defensive skills and tactical awareness. As of 2025, Christie consistently ranks among the world’s top five men’s singles players, reaching a career-high of world No. 2 and remaining a dominant force in major international tournaments.
Christie’s career highlights include winning two of badminton’s most prestigious titles in 2024: the All England Open (his first BWF Super 1000 victory, marking Indonesia’s first men’s singles win in 30 years) and the Asian Championships. He has also secured Asian Games gold, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure against top-ranked rivals such as Anthony Ginting and Lakshya Sen.
Known for his fluid movement, powerful shots from difficult positions, and tactical maturity, Christie excels in long rallies and critical match situations. His improved defensive play complements his attacking instincts, allowing him to construct points effectively and overcome elite opponents.
In team competitions, Christie has served as captain of the Indonesian Sudirman Cup squad, reflecting his leadership and mentorship roles. Even after leaving Indonesia’s national training program to compete independently, he has maintained his elite performance levels, posting deep runs at top BWF World Tour events.
Christie’s combination of discipline, physical conditioning, and mental resilience has made him a crowd favorite and a respected figure in international badminton. Analysts recognize him as one of the sport’s most consistent and adaptable players, capable of delivering spectacular performances well into 2025.
7. Han Yue (China)
Han Yue is a leading Chinese badminton player recognized for her aggressive playing style, technical precision, and consistency at the highest level. As of 2025, she has reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in women’s singles, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s top competitors.
Han Yue has achieved notable victories at major international tournaments, including the Arctic Open, Hong Kong Open, and several BWF World Tour finals, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure against elite opponents. Her rapid progression, tactical maturity, and improved consistency have made her a formidable contender on the global stage.
Known for her versatile court coverage, sharp shot-making, and strategic point construction, Han Yue continues to challenge the world’s best players in women’s singles. Her rise in global rankings and frequent deep runs in high-tier tournaments underscore her position as a dominant force in international badminton.
6. Chen Yufei
Chen Yufei is a top Chinese badminton player renowned for her consistency, tactical intelligence, and success in international women’s singles competition. She first gained global attention by winning the Asian Junior Championships and BWF World Junior Championships girls’ singles titles in 2016, marking her as a rising star in the sport.
Transitioning to senior-level play, Chen captured her first major title at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold in 2016. She reached the pinnacle of her career in December 2019 by attaining the world No. 1 ranking in the BWF women’s singles standings, following a breakthrough year with victories at the All England Open, Swiss Open, and Thailand Open.
Chen has consistently performed at the highest level, securing bronze medals at the BWF World Championships in 2017, 2018, and 2023, a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Championships, and gold at the 2025 Asian Championships. She also won the women’s singles gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, cementing her status among the sport’s elite. Recent victories at the 2025 Swiss Open and Thailand Open have further solidified her top world ranking.
Known for her patient and strategic playing style, exceptional stamina, and tactical intelligence, Chen Yufei has maintained a decade-long presence at the forefront of women’s international badminton, consistently challenging the world’s best players.
5. Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand)
Kunlavut Vitidsarn is a top Thai badminton player widely regarded as one of the sport’s elite men’s singles competitors. In 2025, he became Thailand’s first men’s singles world No. 1 in the BWF rankings, following a series of major achievements including victories at the Singapore Open, Asian Championships, and the 2023 BWF World Championships, as well as a silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Vitidsarn is celebrated for his exceptional defensive skills, stamina, and ability to excel in long matches, earning him the nickname “Three-Game God” among fans and analysts. At just 24 years old, his consistency, tactical maturity, and resilience have set new benchmarks for Thai badminton, marking him as a dominant figure on the international stage.
4. Anders Antonsen
Anders Antonsen is a prominent Danish badminton player known for his consistency, tactical intelligence, and success in international men’s singles competition. He first rose to prominence by winning gold at the 2015 European Junior Championships, earning the European Young Player of the Year award the same year.
Antonsen’s major achievements include gold at the 2019 Minsk European Games, and victories at the European Championships in 2021 and 2024. He has also earned silver medals at the 2017 European Championships and 2019 BWF World Championships, along with bronze medals at the 2021, 2023, and 2025 World Championships, demonstrating sustained elite performance.
Domestically, he claimed the Danish National Championship title three consecutive times from 2017 to 2019. On the BWF World Tour, Antonsen captured the 2019 Indonesia Masters by defeating then-World No. 1 Kento Momota and later added multiple titles, including the 2024 Malaysia Open and Indonesia Masters, to his résumé.
Despite facing some injury setbacks, Antonsen has maintained his status as a top competitor, holding the world No. 1 ranking in men’s singles as of mid-2025. His combination of tactical skill, resilience, and versatility continues to make him one of the premier badminton players on the international circuit.
3. Wang Zhiyi (China)
Wang Zhiyi is a rising Chinese badminton star born on April 29, 2000, from Shashi, Jingzhou, Hubei province. She has made a significant impact on the international badminton scene with her impressive achievements and calm competitive demeanor. Wang won the Asian Junior Championships girls’ singles title in 2018 and earned a silver medal at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics. As a senior player, she has secured major titles including the Asian Championships in 2022 and 2024.
Wang has been a vital part of China’s Uber Cup victories in 2020 and 2024, as well as Sudirman Cup wins in 2021 and 2023. In the 2024 season, she won multiple BWF World Tour titles including the Indonesia Masters, Malaysia Masters, Denmark Open, and China Open — her first Super 1000 tournament victory — and finished the year by winning the BWF World Tour Finals. Known for her aggressive yet composed playing style, Wang achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 2 in 2024.
In 2025, Wang has continued strong performances, reaching finals at the Malaysia Open, All England Open, Singapore Open, Indonesia Open, and successfully defended her China Open Super 1000 title. She won the Hong Kong Open later in 2025 and remains a prominent figure in women’s singles badminton on the world stage.
2. An Se-young (South Korea)
An Se-young is a leading South Korean badminton player and one of the sport’s most dominant women’s singles competitors. She joined the national team as a junior high school student and quickly rose through the ranks, winning multiple junior titles before transitioning to senior-level competition.
An Se-young’s breakthrough came in 2019 when she captured the New Zealand Open title at just 17, defeating Olympic gold medalist Li Xuerui. She soon became a consistent contender in BWF World Tour finals, showcasing her tactical intelligence and composure under pressure.
Her historic achievements include becoming the first South Korean woman to win a BWF World Championships title in 2023 and securing gold in women’s singles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In 2025, An posted an extraordinary record of 37 wins out of 38 matches, claiming six World Tour titles, including the All England Open, Indonesia Open, Japan Open, and Malaysia Open, demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience.
An is known for her exceptional court coverage, precise shot placement, sharp footwork, and strategic versatility, enabling her to outmaneuver top competitors such as Akane Yamaguchi and Chen Yufei. Her rapid rise, sustained excellence, and historic victories have established her as a world No. 1 and a transformative figure in women’s badminton.
1. Shi Yuqi (China)
Shi Yuqi is a top Chinese badminton player known for his powerful playing style and significant achievements. Born on February 28, 1996, in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, Shi rose quickly through the junior ranks, winning the boys’ singles gold at the 2014 Asian Junior Championships and the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. He transitioned to senior competition with early success, capturing his first Superseries title at the 2016 French Open.
Shi Yuqi has been a consistent force on the BWF World Tour, with highlights including reaching the finals of the prestigious All England Open multiple times and winning the title in 2025. He has earned a silver medal at the 2018 World Championships and contributed strongly to China’s team victories in the Sudirman Cup, Thomas Cup, and Asian Games.
In 2024 and 2025, Shi demonstrated remarkable form by winning multiple Super 750 and Super 1000 tournaments, including the Malaysia Open, Indonesia Open, French Open, All England Open, and China Open. He secured the world No. 1 ranking in June 2024 and successfully defended his position into 2025. Shi won the 2025 BWF World Championships, defeating Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a thrilling final, consolidating his status at the top of men’s singles.
These 10 best badminton players have left an indelible mark on the sport with their exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and numerous accolades.
Their outstanding performances on the court continue to captivate fans and inspire aspiring athletes around the world.
As the badminton landscape evolves, these players serve as a testament to the immense talent and passion that drives the sport forward.