ESPN has released its list of the top 25 best male football players of the 21st century, showcasing a blend of legendary figures and contemporary stars who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Here is the complete list of ESPN’s Top 25 Best Male Football Players of the 21st Century:
1. Lionel Messi: Regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, with 8 Ballon d’Or awards and the most decorated player of all time.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo: A five-time Ballon d’Or winner with a record-breaking goal-scoring record in the Champions League.
3. Thierry Henry: A two-time Premier League winner and 1998 World Cup winner.
4. Zinedine Zidane: A 1998 World Cup winner and 2002 UEFA Champions League winner, known for his exceptional skill and leadership.
5. Luka Modrić: A 2018 Ballon d’Or winner and 2018 FIFA World Cup runner-up with Croatia.
6. Kylian Mbappé: A 2018 FIFA World Cup winner and seven-time Ligue 1 winner with Paris Saint-Germain.
7. Andres Iniesta: A 2010 FIFA World Cup winner and four-time Champions League winner with Barcelona.
8. Xavi: A 2010 FIFA World Cup winner and four-time Champions League winner with Barcelona.
9. Ronaldo Nazario: A two-time FIFA World Cup winner and 1997 Ballon d’Or winner.
10. Ronaldinho: A 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and 2005 Ballon d’Or winner.
11. Zlatan Ibrahimović: A prolific goal-scorer with 12 league titles in four countries.
12. Kevin De Bruyne: A key player in Manchester City’s dominance, with six Premier League titles.
13. Toni Kroos: A 2014 FIFA World Cup winner and six-time Champions League winner.
14. Sergio Ramos: A 2010 FIFA World Cup winner and four-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.
15. Carles Puyol: A 2010 FIFA World Cup winner and two-time Champions League winner with Barcelona.
16. Karim Benzema: A prolific goal-scorer with five Champions League titles.
17. Sergio Busquets: A 2010 FIFA World Cup winner and four-time Champions League winner with Barcelona.
18. Robert Lewandowski: A prolific goal-scorer with two European golden boot.
19. Kaká: A 2002 FIFA World Cup winner and 2006-07 Champions League winner with AC Milan.
20. Neymar Jr.: A 2013 Confederations Cup winner and five-time Ligue 1 winner with Paris Saint-Germain.
21. Andrea Pirlo: A 2006 FIFA World Cup winner and two-time Champions League winner with AC Milan.
22. Wayne Rooney: A prolific goal-scorer with five Premier League titles.
23. Patrick Vieira: A 1998 FIFA World Cup winner and three-time Premier League winner with Arsenal.
24. Luis Suárez: A prolific goal-scorer with two European golden boot.
25. Gianluigi Buffon: A 2006 FIFA World Cup winner and ten-time Serie A winner with Juventus.
