ESPN has recently unveiled its list of the top 25 footballers of the 21st century, celebrating two decades of exceptional talent and achievement. This list highlights players whose brilliance has shaped the game, showcasing their individual skill, team success, and lasting impact.
1. Lionel Messi
The Maestro of Modern Football: Magic in Every Touch
At the top of ESPN’s list is Lionel Messi, whose unparalleled vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess have redefined modern football. With multiple Ballon d’Or awards and countless records, Messi’s influence on Barcelona and Argentina is monumental.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Ultimate Athlete: Redefining Goals and Glory
Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s contemporary and rival, is celebrated for his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring ability, and adaptability. His success across multiple leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, underscores his place among the greats.
3. Ronaldinho
The Jester of the Pitch: Enchanting with Flair and Fun
Known for his dazzling skills and joyful play, Ronaldinho captivated fans worldwide with his creativity and flair. His impact on Barcelona and his role in Brazil’s World Cup win in 2002 cement his legendary status.
4. Zinedine Zidane
The Elegant Playmaker: Crafting Moments of Brilliance
Zidane’s elegance and vision on the ball, combined with his decisive performances in crucial moments, including the 1998 World Cup final, mark him as one of the finest midfielders of his era.
5. Thierry Henry
The Speed Demon: A Forward with Unmatched Precision
Thierry Henry’s speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring record make him one of the most formidable forwards of the century. His contributions to Arsenal and the French national team are particularly notable.
6. Andrés Iniesta
The Midfield Genius: Orchestrating the Beautiful Game
Iniesta’s remarkable consistency and pivotal role in Spain’s World Cup and European Championship victories highlight his exceptional midfield craft and football intelligence.
7. Xavi Hernandez
The Field General: Mastermind of Midfield Mastery
Xavi’s mastery of midfield play and his orchestration of Barcelona’s success under Pep Guardiola define his career. His ability to control games and dictate tempo was instrumental to both club and country.
8. Kaka
The Elegant Attacker: Grace and Grit in Every Move
Kaka’s elegance and attacking prowess earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2007. His influence at AC Milan and his role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory make him a standout player of his generation.
9. Pavel Nedved
The Relentless Dynamo: Energy and Excellence on Display
Known for his dynamic play and relentless energy, Nedved’s contributions to Juventus and the Czech Republic, along with his Ballon d’Or win in 2003, are significant achievements.
10. Roberto Carlos
The Dynamic Full-Back: Power and Precision in Every Strike
Roberto Carlos revolutionized the left-back position with his explosive runs and powerful free kicks. His impact at Real Madrid and in Brazil’s national team is memorable.
11. Francesco Totti
The Roman Emperor: Loyalty and Magic in the Heart of the City
A one-club man with a legendary career at AS Roma, Totti’s creativity and leadership made him an icon in Italian football, earning him a revered place on the list.
12. Paolo Maldini
The Defensive Titan: Unyielding Class and Consistency
Maldini’s defensive mastery and longevity at AC Milan define his career. His ability to adapt and excel in various defensive roles over decades is extraordinary.
13. Luis Figo
The Wizard of Wings: Flair and Finesse with Every Pass
Figo’s skill, vision, and flair were key to his success at Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Portugal. His Ballon d’Or win in 2000 highlights his influence on European football.
14. Ronaldo Nazário
The Phenomenon: Speed and Skill Defying Defenders
Ronaldo’s combination of speed, technique, and finishing made him one of the most lethal strikers ever. His impact at Barcelona, Inter Milan, and in the World Cup is unforgettable.
15. Raúl González
The Eternal Captain: Leadership and Goals in Perfect Harmony
Raúl’s consistency, leadership, and goal-scoring ability at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team mark him as one of the great forwards of his time.
16. Gianluigi Buffon
The Goalkeeping Legend: Unwavering Command Between the Posts
Buffon’s exceptional goalkeeping and leadership for Juventus and Italy, including his World Cup triumph in 2006, solidify his place among the top footballers.
17. Steven Gerrard
The Anfield Warrior: Passion and Power in Every Challenge
Gerrard’s dynamic midfield play and inspirational leadership at Liverpool, particularly in the 2005 Champions League final, define his storied career.
18. Didier Drogba
The Clutch Striker: Power and Precision in the Crucial Moments
Drogba’s powerful presence and clutch performances, especially in Chelsea’s Premier League and Champions League successes, highlight his significant impact on English football.
19. Wayne Rooney
The Versatile Prodigy: Goals, Grit, and Greatness
Rooney’s versatility, goal-scoring record, and contributions to Manchester United and England make him a key figure in early 21st-century football.
20. Michael Owen
The Speedster: A Blazing Trail to Goal Scoring Greatness
Owen’s speed and finishing earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2001 and made him a prominent figure for Liverpool and England during his peak years.
21. Kylian Mbappé
The Next-Gen Star: Speed and Skill Lighting Up the Future
Mbappé’s rapid rise, marked by his World Cup win at a young age and his contributions to PSG, signifies his potential to become one of the all-time greats.
22. Virgil van Dijk
The Defensive Rock: Commanding Presence and Imposing Strength
Van Dijk’s commanding presence and defensive prowess have been pivotal to Liverpool’s recent successes and his status as one of the best defenders of the era.
23. Arjen Robben
The Dribbling Dynamo: Cutting Inside and Conquering Defenses
Robben’s dribbling, pace, and decisive goals, particularly for Bayern Munich, exemplify his influence as one of the top wingers of the century.
24. Samuel Eto’o
The Prolific Striker: Goals and Grit in Every Battle
Eto’o’s prolific goal-scoring and contributions to Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Cameroon’s national team highlight his exceptional career.
25. Sergio Ramos
The Commanding Defender: Leadership and Lethality at the Back
Ramos’s leadership, defensive skills, and crucial goals, especially in key matches for Real Madrid and Spain, mark him as one of the leading defenders of the era.
This list represents a mix of players who have shaped the game with their skill, impact, and memorable moments, offering a snapshot of football excellence over the past 20 years.