In the world of football, the names Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the conversation surrounding the best player for over a decade. Their incredible skills, numerous records, and multiple Ballon d’Or wins have firmly established them as two of the greatest players of all time. However, while Messi and Ronaldo continue to mesmerize fans with their performances, several other exceptional players have been making their case for the coveted title of the world’s best player.
One such contender is Neymar Jr., the Brazilian forward who rose to stardom during his time at Barcelona, forming an incredible attacking trio with Messi and Luis Suárez. Neymar’s trickery, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made him a force to be reckoned with. Despite some unfortunate injuries, he has consistently been a standout player for both club and country. With his recent move back to FC Barcelona after a stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar has the chance to reclaim his spot as one of the world’s best.
Another player who has been knocking on the door is Kylian Mbappé, the French phenomenon who burst onto the scene as a teenager. Mbappé’s blistering pace, technical skills, and cool composure in front of goal make him a nightmare for defenders. He played a pivotal role in France’s World Cup triumph in 2018 and has been instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s success in recent years. Still only 22 years old, Mbappé seems destined for greatness and could soon become the best player in the world.
Kevin De Bruyne, the maestro in Manchester City’s midfield, is also a top contender. De Bruyne’s vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game make him one of the most complete midfielders in the world. He has been instrumental in Manchester City’s domination of domestic football, helping them win multiple Premier League titles and reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League. In 2020, he was named the Premier League Player of the Season and has consistently been one of the standout performers in his position.
Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker for Bayern Munich, has consistently been amongst the top goal scorers in the world for several seasons now. His predatory instincts, aerial ability, and clinical finishing have led him to win numerous titles with Bayern, including the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. In the 2019-2020 season, Lewandowski scored a staggering 55 goals in all competitions, further cementing his status as one of the world’s best.
Lastly, we cannot overlook Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Egyptian winger who has been instrumental in their recent success. Salah’s speed, agility, and knack for scoring crucial goals have propelled Liverpool to win the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Salah has consistently been amongst the top goal scorers in Europe and has become a fan favorite at Anfield.
While Messi and Ronaldo have rightfully dominated the conversation for the best player in the world, the likes of Neymar, Mbappé, De Bruyne, Lewandowski, and Salah have been making strong cases for themselves. The competition is fierce, and as football evolves, we can expect this list to keep growing with even more talented players knocking on the door. The world’s best player is not just limited to Messi and Ronaldo, and it’s exciting to see these contenders pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo.