Football is one of the world’s most popular sports, but to become a top player requires incredible dedication. This includes waking up early for training, following a strict diet and making sacrifices beyond the field.
Kylian Mbappe has proven his mettle this season, and his trajectory seems exponential, pointing towards a future where he might claim the crown of football royalty.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Defining a player as the best in the game is a largely subjective endeavour and will always be. However, some players stand head and shoulders above others in their eras. Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best players ever to play the game. He is a double Ballon d’Or winner and has won 34 senior trophies during his career.
Ronaldo’s sheer dedication and goal-scoring prowess defies the norm, and he still has the ability to make defenders regret their decision to take him on. His unmatched athleticism and lethal finishing has earned him a place in the top 10 of our list. The ‘Goal King’ continues to defy the odds and impress fans across the globe.
2. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is a legend of football, he’s the greatest player of his generation and possibly all time. The Argentine superstar has won almost every award in the game and is one of the most famous athletes in the world.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner can still split defences with his subtle touches. He applies the correct weight to each touch like a fine artist working on his masterpiece.
Messi has been the driving force behind Argentina’s rise at the World Cup. He has also transformed rock-bottom MLS side Inter Miami into cup finalists this season. Despite a difficult off-field period, Messi remains the best player in the world. He is a true inspiration for players everywhere. He is loved by millions of fans worldwide.
3. Leroy Sane
Leroy Sane is one of the most exciting and talented players in football. He is renowned for his speed, agility, and technical skill. He has helped Manchester City win several titles and is a regular member of the German national team.
His blazing speed and superb dribbling skills make him a threat to defenders. He can also create scoring opportunities for his teammates with his precise and powerful shooting technique.
Sane is also active in various charitable causes. He is well known for supporting programs that aim to improve the lives of less fortunate kids and encouraging youth development via sports. He is an inspiration to many aspiring young players and has built up a loyal following of fans. He is also a very popular Instagrammer. He has over 1.5 million followers. He is currently dating Candice Brook, a professional model and singer.
4. Diego Maradona
A legendary figure in the world of football, Maradona was an inspiration for generations. His fearlessness and determination in the face of challenges were hallmarks of his success and continue to inspire players today.
At the age of 15, he made his professional debut for Argentinos Juniors, and soon captivated the world with his mesmerizing skills. His incredible ball control, lightning-fast speed, and mesmerizing dribbling skills left opponents baffled.
He was a master individualist and arguably the finest runner with the ball that the game has ever seen, effortlessly gliding past defenders as if they were lampposts. However, he also espoused team play and was a natural organizer who sent teammates scurrying into position before providing them with visionary passes. He was also a tremendous goal-scorer. His unforgettable goals include the “Hand of God” and the 1986 FIFA World Cup goal that was hailed as the best of all time.
5. Andriy Shevchenko
Shevchenko is one of the best strikers to have played in Europe’s top leagues over the last 20 years. He was lethal in front of goal for Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan and Ukraine. He has won the Champions League and Serie A on two occasions and is the all time leading goalscorer in Italy’s derby della Madonnina.
He also won a World Cup with Germany and he was an excellent defender, introducing the concept of ‘diamond defence’ for Bayern Munich. Interestingly, Shevchenko shares many characteristics with Enneagram Type 3 which suggests that his competitive drive and desire for success has been central to his successful football career. This can potentially create a conflict with personal relationships and the need for rest and relaxation. This may explain why he left Chelsea after a disappointing season under Luiz Felipe Scolari in 2006. He now manages Ukraine.
6. Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez is a striker who is considered to be one of the best players in the world. He has won several titles throughout his career and is known for being an unselfish player, a trait that former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard described as “miraculous”.
Suarez is able to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and has a good understanding of the game. He is also known for his ability to dribble well and his speed of acceleration. He is also known for his ability to pass the ball and has been compared to Johan Cruyff, a member of the Dutch ‘Total Football’ team in 1974.
He is a powerful striker and can score with either foot. He is quick and unpredictable, a dangerous player for any defense to face. He is also a great finisher and has a strong body.
7. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is a highly-regarded central defender. He is known for his ability to read the game and provide a high level of defensive awareness. He is also a strong tackler and has good aerial ability.
Silva is one of the most popular defenders in world football and has won many honours over his career. He has played for some of the top clubs in Europe, including AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
He is a devout Christian and enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife Isabela share a strong bond and have two children. In addition, they have become French citizens, which has helped them integrate into the community. They are a model family and have shown that they can balance their professional careers with their personal lives. They are role models for many young people around the globe.
8. Sergio Aguero
Sergio Leonel Aguero del Castillo, also known as Kun Agüero, is an Argentine football striker who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of soccer. He is a prolific goal scorer and has won many major trophies during his career.
After beginning his professional career with Independiente, Aguero quickly caught the eye of top international clubs and earned a place in the Argentina national team. He enjoyed a storied career with the national team, winning 15 major trophies.
He moved to Manchester City in 2011 and has since won several trophies with the club, including three Premier League titles. He is also the all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League, with 12 hat-tricks. He scores a goal at a rate of one every 108 minutes, which is nearly twice as fast as Harry Kane’s average.
9. Rodri
After four trophy-filled seasons with City, Rodri cemented his reputation as the lynchpin of an all-conquering club. He became the central midfield maestro, dictating the game and making key passes that would confuse opponents.
He exemplifies Johan Cruyff’s ‘total football’ philosophy with his insight of the game. He is adept at playing in front of the back four and combines that with good touch, acceleration and physicality that belies his size.
He rarely goes to ground, instead delaying and jockeying attackers before using his upper body strength to win duels. He has already bagged two goal contributions this season and he will be in the thick of things as City continue their march towards glory. The Spanish star is a complete player. He is a master of the modern sweeper role.
10. Kevin De Bruyne
After being ignored by the big clubs during his youth career, De Bruyne proved his worth with a move to German club Wolfsburg in 2014. This was followed by a stellar debut season at Manchester City and several trophies later, the Belgian midfielder is considered one of the best players in the world.
He is renowned for his vision and passing accuracy, as well as the ability to reach the smallest of gaps in defence with precise deliveries. His unique skill set has seen him named in the UEFA Champions League squad of the season and IFFHS Men’s World 11 five times.
His ability to control games and make incisive passes has led him to be compared to Brazilian legend Pele, which is why many fans have given him the nickname of Ginger Pele. He also has an impressive shooting technique, whether he is drilling low shots into the corner or finessed passes through defenders’ legs.