Top 5 Men Soccer Players of the 21st Century Ranked

The debate over the Top 5 Soccer Players of the 21st century often includes legends. like, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, along with Neymar, emerging stars like Kylian Mbappé, and iconic figures from previous eras like Ronaldinho. Ranking these extraordinary talents can be a never-ending discussion, as comparing such legends—and future stars—presents a challenging and subjective task.

Compiling thousands of votes was no easy task (and disagreements are bound to follow), but we’ve ranked the top 20 male soccer players of the 21st century. We’ve also included five additional players who narrowly missed the list.

1. Lionel Messi

Key Accomplishments (Top 5 Soccer Players): 10-time LaLiga champion, seven-time Copa del Rey winner, 4-time Champions League winner, 6-time Champions League top scorer, 17-time FIFA FIFPro World XI, World Cup winner, two-time Copa América winner, two-time FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, record goal scorer for Barcelona (672) and Argentina (109).

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Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory with Argentina in 2022 became a fairy-story ending for football. After falling short in the 2014 very last, it seemed Messi would possibly never win the game remaining prize, notwithstanding his severa achievements. However, at 34, he finally done this milestone, scoring two times within the very last as Argentina triumphed over France in a penalty shootout. This historical win led to significant celebrations and heartfelt tributes global.

This guy transcends rivalries — even between Brazil and Argentina, remarked Brazil legend Ronaldo. I saw Brazilians and people around the globe cheering for Messi. It’s a fitting conclusion for a genius who has defined an era — Sam Marsden

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Key Accomplishments: Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 5-time Champions League winner, 3-time Premier League winner. While, -time LaLiga winner, -time Serie A winner, document holder for maximum international goals (a hundred thirty).

Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is a testomony to his remarkable expertise and incessant power. His personal words seize his essence flawlessly. If you don’t accept as true with you’re the high-quality, then you will by no means acquire all that you are capable of. Over extra than many years at the pinnacle of soccer. Ronaldo has embodied this perception and continually confirmed his unprecedented prowess.

“He is the best,” said Jose Mourinho, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid supervisor. “I noticed Maradona a few times and in no way saw Pelé, however Cristiano is truly first rate. He is a goal machine, and there will never be another Ronaldo.” — Rob Dawson

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3. Thierry Henry

Key Accomplishments: FIFA World Cup winner, UEFA European Championship winner, two-time Premier League winner, LaLiga winner, -time FA Cup winner, Champions League winner, Ligue 1 winner, Copa del Rey winner, Club World Cup winner.

Thierry Henry converted the position of the wide variety nine in soccer. With his mixture of top, pace, physicality, intelligence, dedication, and charisma, he epitomized a new breed of striker. Among the most outstanding athletes of his technology, Henry executed nearly each major accolade. However, scored some of the maximum memorable dreams in soccer records. His most iconic achievement is undoubtedly leading Arsenal to an unbeaten Premier League season in 2004—a feat that stays unmatched in contemporary English soccer.

4. Zinedine Zidane

Key Accomplishments: FIFA World Cup winner, UEFA European Championship winner, two-time Serie A winner, Champions League winner, LaLiga winner, Ballon d’Or winner, Intercontinental Cup winner.

Zinedine Zidane accelerated soccer to an artwork shape with his sleek ball manipulate, brilliant technical talents, and magical playmaking. His legacy includes scoring twice within the 1998 World Cup very last and delivering one of the most beautiful dreams ever visible in a Champions League very last—a sublime volley for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002, finished together with his weaker foot.

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Playing alongside him was incredible. There were times when opponents couldn’t get near him or take the ball away. It was as if the ball was glued to his feet. Even in training, he was virtually unplayable! reflected his former teammate, Robert Pires. — Laurens

5. Luka Modrić

Key Accomplishments: Ballon d’Or winner, 6-time Champions League winner, 4-time LaLiga winner, World Cup finalist, Croatia’s most-capped player, joint-most trophies received with Real Madrid.

I’d want to ask you to never retire. This unconventional plea from an Italian journalist after Modrić and Croatia’s exit from Euro 2024 turned into met with applause, reflecting massive admiration for the player. As properly as being one of the nice within the global, he’s even extra amazing as a person, said Real Madrid educate Carlo Ancelotti.

Luka Modrić has been pivotal in shaping Real Madrid triumphing way of life over the past decade. While there might not be a single standout moment—apart from possibly leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final—his steady excellence year after year has been his defining trait among the Top 5 Soccer Players of the 21st century. — Alex Kirkland