Ranking The 10 Best Footballers Of The 21st Century

Since the turn of the millennium, football fans have watched with joy as a number of players have mesmerised on the pitch, leading their countries and clubs to major honours.

Each country and club have that one player who gives them the X-factor while some are lucky to have multiple multi-talented footballers within their ranks.

It is not just about scoring goals but the overall work rate, ability, technique, talent and even arrogance which sets the very best from the rest.

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ranks the 10 best footballers of the 21st century.

Ranking The 10 Best Footballers Of The 21st Century

10. Fabio Cannavaro

Italian legend is one of the finest defenders ever witnessed in the 21st century, having excelled at club level for Parma, Juventus and later Real Madrid.

Cannavaro was diminutive, standing just 1.75m tall, but possessed extraordinary aerial ability that allowed him to win numerous battles in the air while he was a no-nonsense defender who cleared danger with finesse.

The centre back also had great leadership abilities and was vital for Italy, who he led to the 2006 World Cup win, a feat that earned him that year’s Ballon d’Or and no other defender has won the prestigious award since.

9. Mohamed Salah

Just signed a new two-year contract, which will keep him at Liverpool until 2027, making it 10 years at the club,

Few would have predicted Salah’s rise to prominence when he struggled at Chelsea but since signing for Liverpool in 2017 after spells in Italy with Fiorentina and AS Roma, the

His blistering pace, dribbling and goal-scoring ability made him Liverpool’s main man under former manager Jurgen Klopp and he has continued under Arne Slot, adding assists to his game as well.

, including a Premier League and Champions League and another title is on its way, largely thanks to him.

8. Kevin De Bruyne

is one of the finest midfielders of his generation and has etched his name in Manchester City’s history and remains one of the best to ever grace the Premier League.

from the rest as few possess that ability to create chances, dictate the tempo of the game and score goals freely as the Manchester City legend, who has helped the club to six Premier League titles in eight years.

at the end of the 2024-25 season and the Premier League will be poorer without his exceptional skills.

7. Luka Modric

The evergreen stranglehold of the Ballon d’Or, when he won the award in 2018, and there was a good reason for it.

team to the World Cup final, showing great qualities and leadership, on their road to the final.

Those qualities have been on show since joining in 2012 with his creativity and work rate helping Los Blancos to six Champions Leagues as well as four La Liga titles.

6. Ronaldinho

Perhaps the most exciting player to have played the game in the 21st century,

The ever-smiling transcended his dazzling dribbling and flair, earning him the Ballon d’Or in 2005, as he shone for Brazil and Barcelona.

and helped Barcelona to two La Liga and the 2006 Champions League crowns. Many still feel his career ended too soon.

5. Thierry Henry

enjoyed his peak years in the early 2000s, dazzling the Premier League with his speed, skill and finishing.

He remains the that won the 2003-04 Premier League title unbeaten.

scared defenders with his speed and finishing, leaving many for dead, and besides two Premier League titles with the Gunners, he won the Champions League and two La Liga titles with Barcelona as well as the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France to cement his legacy.

4. Andres Iniesta

Spain would perhaps not have won the 2010 World Cup were it not for the brilliance of

While he scored the winning goal, he had already played a pivotal role in their way to the final, showing a remarkable ability to deliver in big moments.

and ability to find space in the tightest of areas, made him a cut above the rest and Spain and Barcelona reaped maximum dividends.

Besides the 2010 World Cup, the midfielder won Euro 2008 and 2012 with Spain while his trophies for Barcelona include nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

3. Zinedine Zidane

A player who transcended both the 20th and 21st century, was a rare talent who had the ability to grab the game by the scruff of its neck.

Having led France to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, with Real Madrid, with the 2002 European final decided by his spectacular volley.

A scored key goals playing just behind the striker and would lift those around him through his passing, chance creation and leadership.

Zidane single-handedly carried France to the 2006 World Cup final, although it ended in embarrassing fashion when he was sent off for a headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi, but his legacy had already been cemented.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Debate has never ended on of the 21st century but the Portuguese maverick stands among the very best to have ever played the game.

Some would even suggest , which has seen him win titles in England, Spain and Italy, speaks for itself while his haul of five Ballon d’Or awards is only beaten by one man.

has an unmatched appetite for the game, while his dedication to breaking records, physical prowess, added to his hard work and consistency sets him apart.

It is no wonder he is still playing past his 40th birthday, showing no signs of stopping, even after three Premier league titles, two La Liga, as many Serie A and five Champions League, four European Golden Shoes, Euro 2016 and UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

and holds the record for the most-ever international goals, a legacy that will perhaps never be beaten.

1. Lionel Messi

Only one man stands heads and shoulders over Cristiano Ronaldo in the 21st century and that is

, with a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.

made his name at Barcelona where he dazzled with his ability on the ball and scoring prowess leaving many in awe.

In fact, many believe is the greatest ever player and while some may disagree, his success and talents cannot be argued.

including 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League, two Copa America and ended the GOAT debate when he led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup.