Soccer, or football as it’s known globally, is more than just a sport; it’s a universal language that connects people across cultures and continents. Over the years, many players have graced the pitch, dazzling fans with their skill, vision, and passion. As we look back from 2024, certain players stand out as the finest to ever play the game. This blog will explore the top 10 soccer players in the world until 2024, highlighting their achievements, impact, and legacies.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Achievements
Lionel Messi, often referred to as the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time), is widely regarded as one of the best footballers in history. His illustrious career includes winning seven Ballon d’Or awards, which is a record. Messi spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona, where he won ten La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four UEFA Champions League trophies. In 2021, he led Argentina to their first major international title in 28 years, winning the Copa América. Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2021 added another chapter to his storied career, where he continued to shine on the global stage.
Impact
Messi’s vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability have set him apart as a once-in-a-generation talent. His influence extends beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of young players around the world. His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo defined an era, pushing both players to new heights.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Achievements
Cristiano Ronaldo is another player whose name is synonymous with greatness. Known for his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring prowess, and work ethic, Ronaldo has won five Ballon d’Or awards. His career spans across some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and a return to Manchester United in 2021. Ronaldo has won multiple league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, along with five UEFA Champions League titles. On the international stage, Ronaldo led Portugal to victory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League.
Impact
Ronaldo’s influence on and off the pitch is immense. His dedication to fitness and performance has set new standards for professional athletes. He is the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football and the UEFA Champions League, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
3. Neymar Jr. (Brazil)
Achievements
Neymar Jr., often hailed as one of the most skillful players in the world, has dazzled fans with his flair, creativity, and finishing ability. His career began at Santos FC, where he won the Copa Libertadores before making a high-profile move to FC Barcelona in 2013. At Barcelona, Neymar formed a formidable attacking trio with Messi and Luis Suárez, winning numerous titles, including the 2015 UEFA Champions League. In 2017, he became the world’s most expensive player when he transferred to PSG. Neymar has also played a crucial role for Brazil, leading them to the 2016 Olympic gold medal and the 2019 Copa América title.
Impact
Neymar’s playing style is a blend of Brazilian samba football with a modern twist, making him a global icon. His ability to entertain and perform at the highest level has made him one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Despite injuries, Neymar’s talent and influence remain undeniable.
4. Kylian Mbappé (France)
Achievements
Kylian Mbappé is one of the brightest stars in modern football. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager at AS Monaco, Mbappé quickly established himself as a world-class talent. His move to PSG in 2017 set a record for the most expensive teenager, and he has since become a key player for both club and country. Mbappé played a crucial role in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup victory, becoming the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final. His achievements include multiple Ligue 1 titles and numerous individual awards, including the Ligue 1 Player of the Year.
Impact
Mbappé’s blistering pace, technical ability, and maturity on the pitch have drawn comparisons to legends like Thierry Henry and Ronaldo Nazário. He is seen as the future of football, with many expecting him to dominate the sport for years to come. His performances on the biggest stages have already earned him a place among the greats.
5. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Achievements
Robert Lewandowski is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation. His career took off at Borussia Dortmund, where he won two Bundesliga titles before moving to Bayern Munich in 2014. At Bayern, Lewandowski has been a goal-scoring machine, leading the club to numerous domestic and international titles, including the 2020 UEFA Champions League. In 2020 and 2021, he won the FIFA Best Men’s Player award, recognizing his outstanding performances. Lewandowski broke Gerd Müller’s long-standing Bundesliga record by scoring 41 goals in a single season in 2021.
Impact
Lewandowski’s consistency, positioning, and finishing have made him one of the most feared strikers in world football. His professionalism and leadership have also set a standard for others to follow. Despite playing in a less prominent footballing nation, Lewandowski’s achievements have elevated Polish football on the global stage.
6. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Achievements
Kevin De Bruyne is often described as the best midfielder in the world. His vision, passing, and ability to dictate the pace of a game have earned him widespread acclaim. After spells at Genk, Chelsea, and Wolfsburg, De Bruyne joined Manchester City in 2015, where he has been instrumental in the club’s success. De Bruyne has won multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups with City, and he has been named the Premier League Player of the Season twice. Internationally, he has been a key figure in Belgium’s “Golden Generation,” leading them to a third-place finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Impact
De Bruyne’s ability to create chances and control games from midfield has redefined the role of a modern playmaker. He is known for his humility and work ethic, making him a role model for aspiring footballers. De Bruyne’s influence on Manchester City’s success under Pep Guardiola cannot be overstated.
7. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Achievements
Mohamed Salah, known as the “Egyptian King,” has become one of the most prolific forwards in world football. After early struggles in Europe, Salah found his form at AS Roma before moving to Liverpool in 2017. At Liverpool, Salah has been a revelation, helping the club win the 2019 UEFA Champions League and their first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020. Salah has won multiple Premier League Golden Boots and has been named African Player of the Year twice. He is also Egypt’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Impact
Salah’s speed, finishing, and work rate have made him a fan favorite and a global superstar. His success has inspired a generation of young African players and has brought greater attention to football in the Arab world. Salah’s humility and charitable efforts off the pitch have also earned him widespread respect.
8. Luka Modrić (Croatia)
Achievements
Luka Modrić is often considered one of the best midfielders of his generation. His career began at Dinamo Zagreb, but he made his name at Tottenham Hotspur before joining Real Madrid in 2012. At Real Madrid, Modrić has been central to the club’s success, winning five UEFA Champions League titles. In 2018, he led Croatia to their first-ever FIFA World Cup final, winning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. That same year, Modrić broke the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly by winning the Ballon d’Or.
Impact
Modrić’s vision, technique, and composure under pressure have made him a key figure in one of football’s most successful teams. His achievements with Croatia have made him a national hero and a symbol of perseverance. Modrić’s success has inspired smaller footballing nations to believe they can compete at the highest level.
9. Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Achievements
Virgil van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. His career began in the Netherlands, but he rose to prominence during his time at Celtic and Southampton. In 2018, he made a record-breaking move to Liverpool, where he transformed the club’s defense. Van Dijk played a crucial role in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2019 and their Premier League title win in 2020. He was named UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2019 and finished runner-up in the Ballon d’Or voting that year.
Impact
Van Dijk’s leadership, aerial ability, and composure have set a new standard for central defenders. His influence on Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp has been immense. Van Dijk’s success has also elevated Dutch football, making him a key figure in the Netherlands’ return to the top of international football.
10. Erling Haaland (Norway)
Achievements
Erling Haaland is one of the most exciting young talents in world football. After making his mark at Red Bull Salzburg, Haaland moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, where he quickly established himself as one of the best str
ikers in the world. His incredible goal-scoring record has earned him numerous accolades, including the Golden Boy award in 2020. Haaland’s move to Manchester City in 2022 further solidified his reputation as one of the game’s brightest stars.
Impact
Haaland’s physicality, speed, and finishing have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest strikers in history. Despite his young age, he has already set numerous records, including becoming the fastest player to reach 20 UEFA Champions League goals. Haaland is seen as one of the players who will define the next decade of football.
FAQs
1. Who is considered the greatest soccer player of all time?
- The debate over the greatest soccer player of all time often centers around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both have had extraordinary careers and have set numerous records, making it difficult to choose between them.
2. What is the Ballon d’Or?
- The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football. It has been awarded since 1956 and is given to the best male footballer in the world as voted on by journalists, national team coaches, and captains.
3. How are players ranked among the best in the world?
- Players are ranked based on their performances, achievements, individual awards, and impact on both club and international football. Consistency, longevity, and influence are also key factors.
4. Who is the best young footballer in 2024?
- As of 2024, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are widely regarded as the best young footballers, with both players already achieving significant success at a young age.
5. How do individual awards like the Ballon d’Or influence a player’s legacy?
- Individual awards like the Ballon d’Or are highly prestigious and can significantly enhance a player’s legacy. Winning such awards cements a player’s status as one of the best in history.
6. What role does a player’s impact off the pitch play in their legacy?
- A player’s impact off the pitch, including charity work, leadership, and influence in their community, contributes to their overall legacy. Players like Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah are admired not only for their footballing abilities but also for their positive influence off the field.
7. Which player has scored the most goals in football history?
- As of 2024, Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in official matches, surpassing 800 goals in his career.
8. How do international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup affect a player’s standing among the best?
- Success in international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup is a significant factor in a player’s standing. Winning or performing well in such tournaments can elevate a player’s status and add to their legacy.
9. What is the significance of a player’s club success in determining their greatness?
- Club success is crucial in determining a player’s greatness, as it reflects their ability to perform consistently at the highest level. Winning domestic league titles, UEFA Champions League trophies, and other major competitions are key indicators of a player’s impact.
10. How do injuries affect a player’s ranking among the best?
- Injuries can impact a player’s ranking by limiting their ability to perform at their best. However, many players, like Neymar Jr., have still achieved greatness despite facing significant injury challenges.
Conclusion
The world of football has seen some truly extraordinary talents, and the players listed above have all left an indelible mark on the game. From the legendary careers of Messi and Ronaldo to the emerging brilliance of Mbappé and Haaland, these players have defined eras and inspired millions. As we look ahead to the future, these players’ legacies will continue to influence the beautiful game, ensuring their place in the pantheon of footballing greats.