Officially, the title of “best football player in the world” is awarded by the French magazine France Football, annually presenting “”, however, every football fan has his own opinion on this matter. In recent years, the top two have looked predictable, where the football “giants” Ronaldo and Messi are located. However, when compiling a ranking or list of the ten or twenty greatest players based on the results of a calendar year, disagreements often arise.
2017 is coming to an end: for some players it was successful, but for others not so much. And yet, the editors of the site have identified the ten football players who were the most noticeable throughout the year.
And here in front of you is the TOP 10 best football players in the world in 2017.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid);
- Lionel Messi (Barcelona);
- Junior Neymar (Barcelona, PSG);
- Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus);
- Paulo Dybala (Juventus);
- Robert Lewandowski (Bayern);
- Killian Mbappe (Monaco, PSG);
- Eden Hazard (Chelsea);
- N'Golo Kante (Chelsea);
- Marcelo (Real Madrid).
And now in more detail about the performances and achievements of each football player in 2017.
10. Marcelo (Real Madrid)
- Champions League winner;
- La Liga winner;
- UEFA Super Cup winner;
- Winner of the Spanish Super Cup.
Today, there is no better left-back in the world than Marcelo. This year, the 29-year-old Brazilian finished his 11th season at Real Madrid, winning the fourth La Liga title of his career and the third UEFA Champions League Cup. In addition, he shared second place with Leonardo Bonucci for the title of “best defender of the 2017 Champions League”, behind his teammate Sergio Ramos.
The Brazilian is often compared to the legendary Roberto Carlos, who played in the same position a few years ago. Marcelo just does his job perfectly. He manages to do his job, and immediately rushes forward to help his teammates in the attack. Many modern forwards will envy the Brazilian defender, because he has crazy speed, excellent passing, technique, dribbling, and in addition has a huge supply of feints in his arsenal.
9. N'Golo Kante (Chelsea)
- PFA Player of the Year in England;
- Member of the “team” of the year according to the PFA.
Kante won the Premier League gold medal for the second year in a row, but this time with London's Chelsea. The Frenchman was a key figure in the "aristocrats" and the best in his position in the Premier League. Every year N’Golo only improves and today he is rightfully considered a world-class player.
Kante combines the best qualities of a defensive midfielder. He is incredible in tackling, controls the game in his area of the field, knows how to make an accurate pass to a teammate, and also has amazing vision of the field and makes a huge number of interceptions in every game. Every top club in the world dreams of such a master in the center of the field. This is not the limit of the Frenchman's capabilities. Having made his Champions League debut this year, Kante will now look to reach new heights in European club football.
8. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
- Winner of the English Premier League;
- Player of the Year according to Chelsea fans.
Another representative of London's Chelsea has entered our hit parade. Under the leadership of Antonio Conte, the 26-year-old Belgian again began to demonstrate excellent football, as in 2015 under Jose Mourinho. Eden Hazard made a huge contribution to the London team achieving 1st place in the Premier League. He worked wonders on the left flank of the attack, flawlessly dealing with defenders, and often capped off his phenomenal runs with beautiful goals.
The Belgian is in good shape, and if he doesn’t slow down, he will soon be able to compete with Messi and Ronaldo for the title of the best football player in the world
7. Kylian Mbappe (Monaco, PSG)
- Winner of the French Championship;
- The best young player of the season in the French Ligue 1.
The real sensation of 2017 was the play of the young forward of the French Monaco, Kylian Mbappe. At the age of 18, the young talent showed football at a level no worse than Ronaldo and Messi. Mbappe played equally well in all the tournaments in which he took part. He helped his club reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, and there the young Frenchman was able to score against the legendary Gianluigi Buffon.
Perhaps no one doubts that this is the best young player of this year. In the summer, the striker changed Monaco to PSG, becoming the second most dear player in the history of football. Mbappe did not have to spend much time adapting to the new club, and now he continues to improve his level of play, and perhaps already in 2018, we will see the Frenchman in a higher position in a similar rating.
6. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern)
- Bundesliga champion;
- Winner of the German Super Cup.
One of the most talented players in Polish football is Robert Lewandowski. The forward has been playing for Bayern Munich for the fourth season in a row and is considered the team's top scorer.
Among all the center forwards, the Pole showed himself most successfully in the past year. His goals often brought Bayern important victories, and Robert himself became the 2nd top scorer in the German football Bundesliga. Lewandowski showed himself to be the brightest in his squad, and had the opportunity to play in the Champions League final if the Munich club had not lost to Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
5. Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
- Serie A winner;
- Winner of the Italian Cup;
- Champions League finalist.
The Argentine forward's progress is progressing at an incredible pace. He is only 23 years old, but he has already managed to gain a foothold in the Juventus team, beating competition from other high-class players. Many compare Dybala to Lionel Messi, and indeed, their style of play is somewhat similar. He is fast and technical, plus he is excellent and has good field vision.
In the Turin club, the Argentine plays in the position behind the striker, but this does not prevent him from scoring many goals. Dybala started the 2017/18 season in Serie A with a lot of goals scored. He became the leading scorer in his native championship, and if he continues in the same spirit, he has every chance to compete for the “golden boot”.
4. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
- Serie A winner;
- Champions League finalist;
- Best goalkeeper of the Champions League.
This year, Buffon came close to winning the most coveted trophy of his career, the UEFA Champions League. Together with Juventus, the goalkeeper of the Italian national team made a difficult journey to reach the final of the most prestigious club tournament in the Old World, but once again stopped half a step towards his cherished dream. Gigi's offender was Cristiano Ronaldo with his Real Madrid team. By the way, the Italian goalkeeper lost his second Champions League final in the last 3 years, and received both defeats in the decisive matches from Spanish teams.
Despite the failure in the European Cup tournament, Buffon played brilliantly in goal. He often made stunning saves that left the crowd in awe. Gianluigi remains one of the best goalkeepers in world football and, at 39 years old, continues to play and help his club conquer new heights. After the Champions League final, Buffon was included in the top three contenders for the Golden Ball. If the Italian wins this award, he will become the second goalkeeper in history after Lev Yashin to receive this prize.
3. Neymar (Barcelona, PSG)
(Winner of the Spanish Cup)
In one of his interviews, Neymar admitted that the 2016/17 season was one of the best in his career, even despite his not the most excellent goalscoring figures. The forward showed the whole world that he is no worse than Ronaldo and Messi, and can compete with them for the title of the best player in football.
Since the official recognition of football as sports game, game statistics are kept. Based on their results, the best football player is determined annually. Below are the ten best football players of the 20th and 19th centuries.
1. Diego Maradona (Argentina)
Sports career: 1976 – 96
Achievements:
- World Cup gold 86.
- Silver World Cup-90.
- 2-time Italian champion.
- Champion of Argentina.
- Winner of the Spanish Cup.
His professional career is one of greatest football players He began the twentieth century in 1976 as part of Argentinos Juniors. A year later, Maradona became the championship's top scorer. Two years later, Diego moved to a more famous Premier League club, Boca Juniors, where he won the title of best football player of the season.
In 1982, the Argentinean was acquired by the Catalan Barcelona, for which he spent two seasons, winning the Spanish Cup. In 1984, Maradona moved to the Italian Napoli, which paid the blue garnets a record $8 million for him. Diego played for the Neapolitans for 7 years, the longest period in his club career.
Playing for the Argentine national team, Maradona brought it victory in the 86 World Cup in Mexico. It was not possible to repeat the success at the next world championship: Argentina was only second here, after Germany. After a drug scandal, the great goalscorer was temporarily excommunicated from football. Since 1996 he has been involved in coaching.
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Sports career: since 2003
Achievements:
- Olympic gold 2008.
- 3-time UEFA Cup winner.
- 5-time cup winner and 7-time Spanish Super Cup winner.
- 8-time champion of Spain.
In 2003, the young Argentinean Messi was included in the main team of Barcelona. Two years later, he and the “blue garnets” won the Spanish championship. The striker's skill grew year by year, and in 2008 he became the top scorer in the Champions League. In 2015, Messi scored his 400th goal for the Catalans, and according to the results of the 2016 season, he became an eight-time champion of the Spanish championship.
In 2016, he was awarded his fourth Ballon d'Or as the best UEFA footballer - an absolute record for this trophy. As a member of the Argentine national team, Lionel participated in three world championships, the best achievement of which was reaching the final in 2014. At this championship, Lionel Messi was named the best player of the tournament.
3. Pele (Brazil)
Sports career – 1956-77.
Achievements:
- 3 gold medals at world championships.
- 6 gold medals at the Brazilian championship.
- 5 Brazilian Cups.
- 1 US Championship gold.
His real name is Edson do Nascimento, his unofficial title is “King of Football.” The International Olympic Committee recognized Pele as the best football player of the 20th century.
Already at the age of 15, Pele was accepted into the adult squad of the Santos club, which played in the top Brazilian division, and scored a goal in his first match. The entire main career of the “king of football” was connected with this club: the championship gold was taken 6 times, the Brazilian Cup 5 times, and the Intercontinental and Libertadores twice each.
As part of the national Pele's national team participated in 4 world championships, and took gold in three of them. This is still an unsurpassed record. He scored 77 goals for the Brazilian national team, more than any player before or after him. Recognized as the best football player of the 58 World Cup, he became the youngest player ever to earn such a title.
At the end of his career, in 1975, Pele signed a contract with the New York club Cosmos. The purpose of this step, according to the player, was the desire to popularize European football in the United States. In 1977, having won the US championship, Pele played the last match of his official career.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Sports career: since 2002
Achievements:
- Euro 2016 gold.
- Silver Euro 2004.
- Bronze Euro 2012.
- 3-time champion of England.
- 2-time champion of Spain.
Adult club career Cristiano's career began in 1988, when he was transferred from the youth academy to the adult squad of Sporting Lisbon. In 2003, the young Portuguese was acquired by Manchester United. In 2006, as part of the Mancunians, Ronaldo became the champion of England, and in 2008 he put on the captain's armband for Manchester United.
Since 2009, the Portuguese footballer has moved to Real Madrid. In the Spanish championship, Ronaldo's versatile talent was revealed even more. His playing style combines dynamics, technique and great striking power. Cristiano was included in the Portuguese national team in 2001, having since then managed to participate in 2 World Championships and 4 European Championships, winning Euro 2016 and reaching the final in Euro 2004. The Portuguese also has 3 golden balls. Today Ronaldo is the best football player in the world.
5. Johan Cruyff (Holland)
Sports career – 1964 – 84
Achievements:
- Silver at the 1974 World Cup
- Bronze European Championship-76
- UEFA Super Cup.
All football career Johan can be divided into two large parts - Ajax and Barcelona. Cruyff began playing for the Amsterdam club in 1964, where he became the creator of the concept of “total football.” Thanks to the new strategy, Ajax was able to win the European Cup three times and the Dutch championship eight times. In 1973 he moved to Barcelona, where he played for 5 years.
In 1978, the football player moved overseas, signing a contract with Aztec from Los Angeles, and then Diplomats from Washington. In 1981 he returned to Europe, playing for Levante, Feynoord and again for his native Ajax. As part of the Dutch team, he was able to reach second place at the 1974 world championship and bronze at Euro 76. The talented football player ended his career in 1984, going to coaching work. He coached Ajax, Barça and the Catalan national team.
6. Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina)
Sports career: 1944 – 66
Achievements:
- Gold of the South American Championship.
- 8-time champion of Spain.
- 3-time champion of Colombia.
- 2-time champion of Argentina.
This famous football player began his professional performances in 1944 for the Argentine capital team River Plate. A couple of years later, the young player was loaned to Huracan, where he received invaluable playing practice. While playing for Huracán, Alfredo became the team's top scorer, and then the championship's top scorer. In 1947, the forward again moved to River Plate, with whom he won gold in the Argentine championship.
In 1949, after a conflict with the management of River Plate, Di Stefano emigrated to Colombia, where he began playing for Millonarios. As part of this club, the Argentine won gold in the Colombian championship three times. In 1953, Di Stefano signed a contract with Barcelona and later took Spanish citizenship. The great goalkeeper ends his club career playing for Atlanta.
For national team Argentina Alfredo won the South Championship. America (1947). Spent for the Spaniards qualifying games World Cup, but due to the disqualification of the team he failed to get into the championship. Since 1966, Di Stefano took up coaching.
7. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
Sports career: 1964 – 83
Achievements:
- World Cup gold 74.
- Euro 72 gold.
- 4-time champion of Germany.
- 3-time US champion.
- 3-time UEFA Cup winner
Almost all of my sports life one of the most famous football players in the world dedicated to his home club - Bayern. He joined the youth team in 1958, and in 1964 he was transferred to the main team. There he immediately showed himself as a master of extraordinary combination football. Largely thanks to Franz, the Munich team reached the top not only of the Bundesliga, but also of world football. According to FIFA, Beckenbauer is the best defender among players of the 20th century.
In 1977, the footballer signed a contract with Cosmos from New York, where he spent 3 seasons, after which he returned to Germany. Beckenbauer played over 100 games for the national team, leading it to victory at Euro 72 and World Cup 74 as captain. In 1990, already as a coach of the German national team, he again won gold at the world championship.
8. Zinedine Zidane (France)
Sports career: 1988 – 2006
Achievements:
- 2008 World Cup gold.
- Silver at the 2006 World Cup.
- Euro 2000 gold.
- Bronze Euro 1996.
- European Champions League gold.
- UEFA Super Cup.
Zinedine was born into a family of Algerian immigrants. In 1988, the young football player was included in the main squad of the Cannes club. Together with Cannes, in 1989, 17-year-old Zidane found himself in the French first division. However, the club managed to stay in the Premier League for only two seasons, and Zinedine moved to the more titled Bordeaux.
In the mid-90s, the management of Juventus drew attention to the forward, who acquired him in 1996. With Juve, the Frenchman twice became the champion of the Italian Premier League. In 2001, Zidane moved to Real Madrid, with whom he won the UEFA Champions League in 2002. Already at this time he had the reputation of one of the most talented football players in the world.
Zinedine Zidane was invited to the French national team in 1994. At Euro 2000, he scored the “golden goal” that brought France victory in the tournament. At the 2006 world championship, France, with the active participation of Zidane, was able to reach the final. At the end of the championship, the forward announced the end of his football career. IN given time Zinedine works as the head coach of Real Madrid.
9. Ferenc Puskás (Hungary)
Sports career: 1943 – 62
Achievements:
- 5-time Hungarian champion.
- 5-time champion of Spain.
Ferenc Puskás is one of the members of the Hungarian “golden team” of the 50s. In the list of the best football players of the twentieth century, according to the World Football Association, he is in 6th place. Puskás' professional club career began during the Second World War, when he played for Kispest Budapest (later renamed Honvend).
After the Hungarian uprising of 1956, Ferenc Puskás emigrated to Francoist Spain. In exile, he seriously thought about quitting football, but due to financial problems he was forced to accept the offer of the “royal club”. Puskás played for Real until 1967, until his retirement.
The most striking episodes of Ferenc’s football career are associated with the performances of the Hungarian “golden team”. In 1952 the team took gold medal at the Olympics. The Magyars were invincible at the 1954 world championship, literally tearing apart their opponents: the South Korean team - 9:0, and the German team - 8:3. In games for the Spanish national team, the famous scorer was unable to repeat his successes of the “golden team of Hungary”, and in 1964 he left big football for coaching work.
10. Ronaldo (Brazil)
Sports career: 1993 – 2011
Achievements:
- 2-time world champion.
- Silver medalist of the 1998 World Cup.
- UEFA Cup-98.
Ronaldo's debut in adult football took place in 1993, as part of Cruzeiro. In his first season, the young striker became the team's top scorer, scoring 57 goals. The following year, the promising Brazilian was bought by the Dutch PSV Eindhoven. In 1996 Ronaldo moved to spanish championship, to the Catalan Barcelona. As part of the blue garnet club, he won the title of best player on the planet. As a member of the Brazilian national team, he twice won the highest trophy of the world championship, in 1994 and 2002.
In 1997, the Brazilian scorer was bought by another giant of world football, Inter, and in 2002 by Real Madrid. IN royal club At the end of the season, he won the title of player of the year in the Spanish championship. Since 2007, Ronaldo has been playing for Milan, and next season for the Brazilian Corinthians. In 2011, the forward announced his retirement from big-time sports.
For many years now playful look The number one sport in the world is football. Its ups and downs are being closely followed on all continents. Today, the world's famous football players are some of the most recognizable people, whose annual income can reach five zeros. These athletes have become real stars, and not only do their faces adorn many advertising posters. They are also involved in filming films and invited to various talk shows. Many of them are involved in charity work. But we, in turn, will now consider them exclusively from a professional point of view and compile a list of those who are truly famous throughout the world. Of course, this top is unlikely to be able to claim absolute objectivity, but nevertheless, it will list the most famous football players, whose names are well-known to everyone.
Best goalkeeper
Undoubtedly, Lev Yashin is one of them. The mere fact that he is the only goalkeeper in the history of football to be awarded the Ballon d'Or speaks volumes. Thanks to his dedicated performance at the 1956 Olympic Games The USSR team won gold.
French nugget
Many famous football players are unanimous in the opinion that he should be considered one of the greats. During his career, he played in 602 games. He scored 327 goals. In addition to his outstanding personal playing qualities, he also became famous for his ability to play coherently in a team and carry out the coach’s instructions.
Pleiades of Brazilians
As for the Latin American ball wizards, here the famous football players are represented by a whole constellation. Carlos Alberto Torres stands apart. His masterpiece goal in the game against Italy at the 1970 World Championship is recognized as one of the best in the 20th century. The composition of the national team in which he played is still considered the strongest.
Ronaldo is considered another recognized football genius. For my sports career he became a world champion twice, received a prize as the best field player of the world tournaments in 1998 and 2002, received the Golden Ball twice, won the Golden Boot, and was the best football player according to World Soccer magazine three times.
You also can’t ignore Neymar. In recent years, photographs of famous football players have also been represented by his image. And for good reason. At only 24 years old, this athlete has already become a real star. His talent was appreciated by experts from Barcelona, and since 2013 he has firmly secured his place in its main team. With the Catalan club, the Brazilian managed to win all tournaments at the club level. He is also invited to the Brazilian national team, where he became the best group player in 2013.
Of course, without Pele this list would also be incomplete. This football player is known to everyone, everywhere. He alone managed to become a three-time world champion. He played 92 matches for his national team, in which he was able to score 77 goals. Thanks to his enormous sports experience and love from the Brazilians, he served as Brazil's Minister of Sports from 1995 to 1998.
Living Icon of Argentina
Famous football players are born not only on Brazilian soil. Thus, the Argentinean Diego Maradona is one of those who helped bring the game of his national team to a new level. Among his regalia are titles that other athletes can only dream of. He won everything he could in professional football. He also has another rare achievement: he took part in four championships world as a player. According to many respected sports publications, Maradona is consistently ranked among the top five football players on the planet. And in 1999 Diego was recognized greatest athlete Argentina in the 20th century.
Old World Players
As practice shows, the most famous football players in Europe are mostly from Holland, Portugal, England, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
One of the most outstanding players of the twentieth century on our continent can be called. Due to his high individual skill and talent, he was able to become the owner of the Golden Ball three times, as well as win three Champions Cups.
Well, the brightest star of today, of course, can be called the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo. Considering his achievements, it can be noted that you simply cannot find a second player like him. Just think about it: he won the Ballon d'Or three times, was recognized as the FIFA Player of the Year, received the Golden Boot four times, won the Champions League and other tournaments. Such successes are explained by its versatility. He plays equally well with both feet, is fast, resilient, and technical. He has excellent dribbling ability and a unique shot when taking free kicks.
In conclusion, it is worth saying: the famous football players of Russia are also very respected athletes who have always been valued both in their homeland and abroad, performing well in various competitions and tournaments. Among them we can name, first of all, Arshavin, Kerzhakov, Dzagoev. Of course, the list can be continued.
The CIES Football Observatory regularly calculates the transfer values of players from the top five European leagues. When creating a current list of the most expensive football players Key parameters were taken into account, such as the player's age, his role on the field, contract duration, performance, etc. Moreover, players from the Premier League make up exactly half of the top ten.
10. Paul Pogba - 147.5 million euros
Paul's transfer from Juventus in 2016 cost the Manchester United club 105 million euros. At that time, the young athlete was the most expensive football player in the world.
The success of the current Manchester United team shows a marked difference in the way Jose Mourinho's side play with and without their central midfielder. Capable of dominating the midfield battle almost single-handedly, Pogba is worth every euro that was invested in his 'acquisition'.
Manchester United head coach Jose Mourinho says he is pleased with Paul Pogba, who has shown consistency and consistency in his performances.
9. Antoine Griezmann - 150.2 million euros
The leading Atletico Madrid forward may soon move to Real Madrid. According to the Spanish press, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to offer not only monetary compensation for the 27-year-old football player, but also his team’s midfielder Dani Ceballos.
To retain a promising player, Atlético can raise Griezmann's salary to twenty million euros per year.
8. Romelu Lukaku - €164.8 million
Another Manchester United player is in the top 10 most expensive football players in the world. In 2017, the English football club paid 84.7 million euros for Lukaku’s transfer from Everton. It did top scorer in the history of the Belgian national team is also the most dear strikers in the history of England. However, Romelu has come under a lot of criticism lately as his recent performances have not lived up to expectations.
However, 24-year-old Lukaku is still far from his prime. His transfer fee in the recent past and in the years to come will reflect his playing potential.
7. Kevin De Bruyne - €167.8 million
One of the most complete midfielders in world football, he is undoubtedly the jewel in Manchester City's crown. Known for his impeccable technique, wide range of skills and ability to score goals from long range, the attacking midfielder has played a key role in Manchester City's success in both the Premier League and Champions League.
De Bruyne is one of the few players capable of breaking the Ballon d'Or duopoly held by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo since 2008.
6. Dele Alli - 171.3 million euros
Considering his age (he is 22 years old), Alli has had a fantastic career. He jumped straight from Ligue 1 to the Premier League as a teenager. And signed for Tottenham in February 2015 for an initial fee of £5 million. After an impressive start to his Premier League career, scoring five goals and providing three assists in his first 18 league matches, he has been rewarded with a new long-term contract until January 2021.
And although Dele is not yet the most expensive football player in the world, he is one of best midfielders according to CIES.
5. Paulo Dybala - 174.6 million euros
Forward Paulo Dybala, who plays for Juventus, is becoming Argentina's new superstar. He has already set a personal scoring record, scoring 25 goals this season in all competitions.
IN last match against Benevento, the Argentine scored three goals (hat-trick), two of them from penalties. This is Dybala's third hat-trick of the season.
4. Kylian Mbappe - 192.5 million euros
This is the youngest athlete in our ranking of the most expensive football players in the world. The striker of the Paris Saint-Germain club is 19 years old, and already has a successful participation in the French championship match for the Monaco club and a brilliant performance in the Champions League. And the title of best young French football player Ligue 1 at the end of the 2016/17 season.
His transfer from Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain cost the French club 180 million euros.
3. Harry Kane - €194.7 million
The Tottenham Hotspur player has established himself as the greatest striker since Alan Shearer. And perhaps he will reach even greater heights in the coming years if he can avoid the serious injuries that repeatedly threatened his predecessor's career.
Dedicated to the game, Kane said he had to sacrifice a lot to compete with stars like Ronaldo and Messi: “They have been such good players over the last ten years or so that they have dominated football, and rightly so,” he said Kane. “I am proud that I competed with them on equal terms and won. I hope to win every year. Not only to beat them once, but also to win as many cups as they did,” the athlete added.
2. Lionel Messi - $202.2 million
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner and Barcelona striker is one of only two players on the planet whose transfer would cost more than €200 million (based on CIES calculations).
The only thing keeping Messi from being crowned the greatest player of all time is not winning the World Cup. Perhaps the situation will change when the Argentina national team takes part in the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Russia in 2018. By the way, those who couldn’t get to this World Cup.
1. Neymar - 213 million euros
Who could afford to buy one dear football player for 222 million euros? French giants Paris Saint-Germain are one of the few clubs in the world capable of this. In the summer of 2017, the Brazilian soccer star received an offer that she simply could not refuse. Neymar moved to Paris Saint-Germain to show his ambitions and get out of the shadow of Lionel Messi.
However, just recently, information appeared in the Don Balon publication that the most expensive football player in the world in 2018 is considering the possibility of moving to Manchester United. And a preliminary agreement with the English club has allegedly already been reached. But Neymar did not want to move to Real Madrid. He previously played for Barcelona and fears that Real Madrid fans will view his appearance at the club negatively.
The table shows from left to right: place, player's club, league, age, contract expiration date, national team.
Many football fans are interested in their idols, among whom are simply good football players, but there are those that are remembered for a long time. They are idolized and loved by millions of people around the world.
In this article we will talk about the best and most famous players for football history of the 21st century, as well as about those who may soon become as titled as the “veterans” of master football.
Players whose names live in the hearts of millions of true fans of the game
Players who contributed invaluable contribution in the development of football or they are called - The best football players in the world:
1. Zinedine Zidane, nicknamed “Zizou” - with a height of 185 cm and a weight of 80 kg, plays No. 10 in the French national team and No. 5 in Real Madrid. Professional career The player's career began in 1992, in which he moved to the French Bordeaux. Having shown promising football in France, in 1996 the footballer moved to Juventus Turin.
With his new club, Zizou won two championships and an Italian Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup and one European Cup. After the French victory in the 1998 World Cup, Zizou was awarded the Ballon d'Or as the best football player in Europe;
2. Lionel Andres Messi, nicknamed “Leo” - height 169 cm, weight 67 kg, wears number 10, lives in Spain.
Winner of more than 40 personal awards and the first footballer in the world to receive four Ballon d'Ors in a row. He began his career in Barcelona, where he plays to this day;
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – height 186 cm, weight 84 kg, wears number seven, currently lives in Spain. Winner of the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
Messi's eternal competitor for the title of top scorer and best player. The Portuguese's first “serious” club was Manchester United, after which he began to play for Real Madrid;
4. Ronaldo, nicknamed “Nibbler” - height 183 cm, weight 90 kg, wore number 9, lives in Brazil. He played for such clubs as Inter, Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSV, Milan, Corinthians and Cruzeiro.
During his football career he scored more than 430 goals. Considered one of the best players in the history of football and he is often compared to the football legend Pele;
5. Andrey Shevchenko (Sheva) – height 184 cm, weight 83 kg, played under number 7, residence Kyiv, Ukraine.
Milan legend and one of the best football players of Dynamo Kyiv, as well as the winner of the Golden Ball in 2004;
6. Javi Hernandez or simply Javi - height 170 cm, weight 68 kg, No. 6 in Barcelona, lives in Spain.
Pupil and favorite football club Barcelona, for which he still plays. He is the leader in the list of football players who managed to make the most passes per game;
7. David Beckham - height 182, weight 77 kg, wore number 7, lives in the USA.
David became the first British football player, who played 100 matches in the Champions League;
8. Ronaldinho - height 182 cm, weight 80 kg, played under number 10, lives in Brazil. The owner of one of best dribbles in the world.
Received the Ballon d'Or in 2005. He is the best player in the history of Milan and Barcelona;
9. Thierry Henry – height 188 cm, weight 83 kg, wears number 14, lives in the USA. Best Player Arsenal club. Included in the list of the most famous players planets.
An excellent striker who has a very graceful strike and an excellent scoring instinct;
10. Steven Gerrard – height 183 cm, weight 83 kg, wears No. 8, lives in England. Stephen has played for Liverpool all his life and the club's fans love him very much for this.
The player is irreplaceable at his club and has been the main central midfielder of the England national team for a long time.
The best football players in the world 2014
The top ten football players of 2014 include:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Lionel Messi
- Frank Ribery
- Mesut Ozil
- Andres Iniesta
- Robin van Persie
- Javi Hernandez
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Radamel Falcao
- Gareth Bale
Young football players hot on the heels of world stars
- Neymar (Santos, Brazil) – 1992, forward;
- Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht, Belgium) – 1993, forward;
- Philippe Coutinho (Inter, Brazil) – 1992, forward;
- Mario Götze (Borussia, Germany) – 1992, attacking midfielder;
- Eden Hazard (Lille, Belgium) – forward;
- Iker Muniain (Athletic, Spain) – 1992, left midfielder;
- Adem Ljajic (Fiorentina, Serbia) – 1991, right midfielder.
