Football, the globally adored sport, has given rise to remarkable champions whose legacies will forever be cherished by fans worldwide. Attempting to narrow down the top 10 football players across the globe is a daunting task, as each player has showcased their own unique brilliance, making them deserving of recognition. In this post, we will attempt to shed light on this matter. However, it must be acknowledged that this assignment has not been an easy one. To categorize the candidates, we have considered three primary criteria: their ability to single-handedly win matches, their longevity in the sport, and their performance under pressure. By evaluating these factors, we hope to provide some insight into the exceptional talents that have graced the world of football.
1. Lionel Messi
For nearly a decade, he has remained at the pinnacle of football, and at 33 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down. Spectacular statistics and performances have become the norm for him. Despite missing the first four tournaments of the season due to injury, Messi is poised to secure his seventh La Liga best scorer title. With 22 goals to his name and three games remaining, he is on track for this achievement. In addition, this extraordinary football player has achieved 20 assists in the league this season, surpassing his previous record of 18 assists in a single season. In a total of 30 league matches, he has contributed to an impressive 42 goals. Such a season is a once-in-a-lifetime feat for any football player, but for Lionel Messi, it is just another day on the playground. Across all tournaments, he has scored 27 goals and provided 24 assists. He is now determined to lead Barcelona to their first Champions League success since their treble-winning season in 2014-15.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
At the age of 35, this footballer continues to amaze in just his second season in Italy. Impressively, he has accounted for half of Juventus’ goals in all competitions this season. With 28 goals and 6 assists in 28 league games, he has been a key contributor to the team’s success. In total, he has contributed to 39 goals across all competitions. Currently, he is in a tight race with Ciro Immobile of Lazio for the Capocannoniere title (Serie A top scorer). Undoubtedly, he has been one of Juventus’ standout players in what appears to be a championship-worthy season. Having previously won the Champions League with his previous teams, Ronaldo is determined to complete his own trifecta this season when the competition resumes next season.
3. Neymar
One of the notable footballers on the list is Neymar, known for his exceptional skills. Unfortunately, he has been plagued by injury problems and has not played since early March due to the early conclusion of Ligue 1 season. When fully fit, Neymar’s talent shines through. In just 15 games, he has scored 13 goals and provided 6 assists. In all competitions, his numbers increase to 18 goals and 10 assists in 22 games. Despite not having a fully fit season in his three years at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar’s abilities are evident when he is on the field. The only obstacles preventing him from winning the Ballon d’Or are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and injuries.
4. Robert Lewandowski
One of the football players on the list is Robert, a prominent figure in Bayern Munich. Having completed his sixth season with the club and his eleventh season in the Bundesliga, Robert played a crucial role in Bayern’s eighth consecutive title victory. At the age of 31, Robert Lewandowski had his most remarkable season yet. Not only did he secure the Bundesliga title, but he also claimed the top goalscorer award for the fifth time, scoring an impressive 34 goals in 31 games. Throughout the season, he only failed to score in six matches and managed to achieve seven braces and one hat trick. In total, he accumulated 51 goals and 6 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions, including two goals in Bayern’s recent DFB Pokal final.
5. Kylian Mbappé
One of the standout football players on the list is the 22-year-old French talent, Mbappe’. Considered by many as the finest football player in the market, Mbappe’ has already made a significant impact in the sport. His exceptional performances in this season’s Champions League have solidified his position at the top. After impressing against Barcelona, he continued to shine with two goals against Bayern Munich. With remarkable statistics and undeniable skill, it’s clear that Mbappe’ deserves to be ranked among the best football players in the world.
6. Kevin De Bruyne
One of the talented football players on the top 10 list is Kevin. Kevin De Bruyne’s technical expertise sets him apart in the Premier League. His astute playmaking abilities contribute to consistent success both domestically and internationally. Often overlooked, De Bruyne’s speed and strength greatly enhance his overall performance. Manchester City heavily relies on De Bruyne’s contributions, as he consistently proves himself as the goal king. With an impressive record of a goal per two Premier League games, De Bruyne’s impact on the team is undeniable.
7. Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s success in winning the Premier League in 2020 can be attributed to the presence of Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch defender’s skills have propelled the team forward, both on and off the field. Since joining Liverpool from Southampton in 2018, Van Dijk has played a crucial role in their progress under Jurgen Klopp. His impact extends to both domestic and European competitions. With his return from injury, Liverpool stands to benefit greatly from Van Dijk’s presence once again.
8. Sadio Mané
Liverpool’s offensive prowess has been outstanding in recent years, thanks in large part to Sadio Mané. With 16 goals and nine assists this year, Mané has been a crucial player for the English and European champions. In the previous competition, he even won the Premier League’s Golden Boot, alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mo Salah. Despite Salah’s record-breaking goal-scoring season and Firmino’s technical supremacy, Mané stood out among the wide players.
9. Riyad Mahrez
Another football player who deserves recognition in the list of top 10 players is Riyad. With such a talented attacking lineup, it’s difficult to single out any one player in a team like Liverpool’s. In the Premier League this year, Riyad Mahrez has scored a total of 10 goals and provided 12 assists. While he is only the sixth Manchester City player to achieve double digits in goals this season, he has played in 60% of City’s games and has been left out of the team for five matches. Mahrez’s composure and first touch are truly remarkable, and he would likely be a starter for any other team in the league.
10. Erling Haaland
Erling, the last player on the top 10 list, is undoubtedly one of the best football players. At just 21 years old, some may argue that he is too young to be considered among the world’s elite. However, one look at Haaland in a Dortmund jersey will convince you otherwise. Haaland’s ability to score goals is truly exceptional. At one point in 2020, he was averaging a goal every 55 minutes and 54 seconds. He seamlessly transitioned his impressive offensive game from Austria’s top division with RB Salzburg to Germany’s Bundesliga with Dortmund. Like many great football players, Haaland is a joy to watch and becomes unstoppable when he finds his form and passion. His performances are nothing short of magical.
