The Top 20 Male Soccer Players of the 21st Century
As the game of soccer continues to evolve, it’s natural to wonder who the greatest players of all time are. With thousands of votes, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 male soccer players of the 21st century, featuring legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé. Get ready to relive the highlights of an incredible era!
20. Iniesta
On July 11, 2010, Iniesta changed Spanish football forever. With a World Cup title in his bag, Iniesta is a four-time LaLiga champion, five-time Champions League winner, and four-time Ligue 1 winner. He’s a testament to sustained excellence over a decade.
19. Kaká
The Brazilian maestro, Kaká, was at his best in his first spell with AC Milan from 2003 to 2009. He excelled as an attacking midfielder with few frills, flicks, and tricks but with a burst of acceleration, sustained power, and vision.
18. Neymar
Neymar has never quite grown into the king of the game; the World Player of the Year award, always seen as an objective, has proved elusive. However, he has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else – a mighty achievement.
17. Andrea Pirlo
The Italian maestro’s impact on the game was so great that the "Pirlo role" was recognized globally as the position its namesake perfected, picking inch-perfect passes for his teammates with nonchalance and technique.
16. Wayne Rooney
Rooney was widely regarded as one of the most complete strikers to grace modern soccer, displaying grit, power, and finishing ability over a stellar career for club and country.
15. Patrick Vieira
As captain of Arsenal, Vieira’s composure, leadership, and fearless spirit were central to the club’s unprecedented season in 2003-04, when "The Invincibles" went undefeated to lift the English Premier League title.
14. Luis Suárez
Suárez found the net wherever he went, whether it was Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, or Atlético Madrid, making him one of the most fearsome strikers in the world during his heyday.
13. Gianluigi Buffon
The talismanic goalkeeper enjoyed a 28-year career, and he is arguably the greatest player at his position following a trophy-laden career.
Just Missed the List:
21. Dani Alves
The Brazilian right-back has won everything with Barcelona, from the Champions League to LaLiga, and has an impressive 43 trophies to his name.
22. Frank Lampard
The English midfielder was a goalscoring midfielder, with an incredible record at Chelsea, including the Champions League title and two FA Cups.
23. Samuel Eto’o
The Cameroonian forward won the treble with Barcelona in 2006, including the Champions League, and has also won the African Player of the Year award twice.
24. Michael Essien
The Ghanaian midfielder was a dynamic presence in midfield, helping Chelsea win two Premier League titles, a Champions League, and an FA Cup.
25. Petr Čech
The Czech goalkeeper won the Golden Glove award at the 2006 World Cup and is the most successful goalkeeper in Chelsea’s history, with 347 clean sheets.
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