The 25 Greatest Footballers of the Decade (2010–2020) – Ranked
Football in the 2010s delivered an extraordinary era of legends, from midfield maestros to prolific goalscorers and unshakable defenders. These 25 players defined the game with their brilliance, leadership, and iconic moments on the biggest stages. Here we count down from number 25 to the very best of the decade.
25. Iker Casillas
Though his prime came earlier, Casillas still produced iconic moments in the 2010s, including his legendary save against Arjen Robben in the 2010 World Cup final. He lifted another European Championship, led Real Madrid to a Champions League title, and later inspired many with his courageous recovery from a heart attack.
24. Xabi Alonso
Alonso elevated Real Madrid’s midfield with his world-class passing and intelligence, adding another Champions League to his collection. He later thrived at Bayern Munich, showing his adaptability and leadership in Europe’s top leagues.
23. Philipp Lahm
Lahm captained Germany to the 2014 World Cup and Bayern to Champions League success, proving himself as one of the finest full-backs in history. His tactical intelligence allowed him to thrive both as a defender and as an inverted midfielder.
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22. Sergio Agüero
Agüero lit up the Premier League with goals, winning four league titles and scoring the unforgettable stoppage-time strike to seal Manchester City’s 2012 triumph. His consistency made him one of the most feared strikers of the decade.
21. Franck Ribéry
Ribéry dazzled with his flair and end product, enjoying a sensational 2013 when Bayern swept five major trophies. Despite international disappointment, his creativity and impact at Bayern made him one of Europe’s finest wingers.
20. Manuel Neuer
Neuer redefined goalkeeping with his sweeper-keeper style, excelling with his pace, intelligence, and dominance in big games. A World Cup winner in 2014, he came close to the Ballon d’Or and set new standards for his position.
19. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo reinvented himself at Juventus, orchestrating play with his vision even as his physical game slowed. He inspired Italy to the Euro 2012 final and remained one of the game’s most elegant midfielders.
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18. Carles Puyol
Puyol’s leadership drove Barcelona and Spain to glory, including the 2010 World Cup where he scored a vital semi-final goal. His relentless spirit and defensive prowess made him one of the most respected captains of his generation.
17. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Ibrahimović remained prolific well into his thirties, scoring over 300 goals across clubs like PSG, Milan, and Manchester United. His stunning strikes and larger-than-life personality cemented his status as a true icon.
16. Marcelo
Marcelo dominated the left-back role for Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles and earning six FIFPro World XI selections. His mix of attacking flair and defensive resilience made him indispensable for Los Blancos.
15. Sergio Busquets
Busquets was the unsung hero of Barcelona and Spain, providing balance, vision, and control from deep midfield. His intelligence and trophy haul, including a World Cup and two Champions Leagues, highlight his crucial role.
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14. Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon defied age to remain among the elite, starring at Euro 2012 and winning multiple Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Though the Champions League eluded him, his consistency over three decades defined greatness.
13. Arjen Robben
Robben terrorized defenders with his trademark cut-ins, famously scoring Bayern’s winner in the 2013 Champions League final. Despite his predictability, few could stop his left foot at full flight.
12. Karim Benzema
Benzema was a vital cog in Real Madrid’s dominance, scoring 238 goals and playing a key role in four Champions League triumphs. Though often overshadowed, his consistency and influence were undeniable.
11. Gerard Piqué
Piqué anchored Barcelona’s defense during an era of immense success, winning nearly 25 trophies in the decade. His partnerships with Puyol and later others established him as one of the game’s great defenders.
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10. Luka Modrić
Modrić became the only player to break Messi and Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or duopoly in 2018 after leading Croatia to a World Cup final. With four Champions League titles, he cemented his status as a midfield genius.
9. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski emerged as one of the deadliest strikers in football, scoring over 300 goals in Germany and delivering unforgettable moments like his five-goal haul in nine minutes. His clinical finishing set him apart.
8. Sergio Ramos
Ramos was the warrior at the heart of Real Madrid’s success, winning four Champions League titles and captaining them to glory. His leadership, big-game goals, and defensive evolution defined the decade.
7. Luis Suárez
Suárez combined tenacity with lethal finishing, shining at Liverpool before reaching new heights at Barcelona. His 59-goal season in 2015–16 proved his ability to rival even Messi.
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6. Dani Alves
Alves collected trophies wherever he went, from Barcelona to Juventus and PSG, establishing himself as the best right-back of his generation. His attacking energy and defensive work rate made him a game-changer.
5. Neymar
Neymar rose as Brazil’s superstar, winning an Olympic gold and becoming part of Barcelona’s historic attacking trio. His flair and decisive performances kept him among the elite, even after his move to PSG.
4. Xavi Hernández
Xavi epitomized control and precision, orchestrating Barcelona and Spain to glory throughout the early 2010s. Though he never won the Ballon d’Or, his influence on modern football was immense.
3. Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta combined vision, creativity, and composure to inspire both club and country. His 2010 World Cup-winning goal and decade-long brilliance make him one of the greatest midfielders ever.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s relentless drive brought him four Ballon d’Ors, Champions League dominance, and Euro 2016 success with Portugal. His scoring feats made him one of the most complete forwards in history.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi’s genius defined the decade as he broke record after record, winning five Ballon d’Ors and producing jaw-dropping moments year after year. His 91-goal year in 2012 and overall brilliance make him the undisputed best.
