The 100 Best Football Players of the 21st Century – Ranked
The 21st century has ushered in a new era of football greatness. From unstoppable goal-scorers to elegant playmakers and rock-solid defenders, this era has been defined by players who have shaped the modern game with skill, leadership, and unforgettable moments. This list ranks the top 100 footballers of the century so far — based not just on titles and numbers, but on influence, longevity, and brilliance when it mattered most. Some are still rewriting history, others have already secured their legacy. All deserve their place in the conversation.
100. Trent Alexander-Arnold
A generational right-back who has redefined the role with his range of passing and creative influence. His impact at Liverpool has already marked him out as one of the finest full-backs of his era.
99. Miroslav Klose
The World Cup’s all-time top scorer, Klose was a clinical striker who thrived on instinct and movement. He led the line for Germany with dignity and precision.
98. Rivaldo
A magician with the ball, Rivaldo dazzled for Barcelona and Brazil in the early 2000s. His technical brilliance and thunderous goals made him a fan favourite.
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97. Luca Toni
The classic number 9, Toni was a formidable aerial threat and a key part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph. His goal-scoring feats in Serie A are still fondly remembered.
96. David De Gea
At his peak, De Gea was regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world. His incredible reflex saves kept Manchester United in countless games during difficult periods.
95. Deco
A masterful playmaker, Deco pulled strings in midfield for Porto, Barcelona, and Chelsea. His vision and intelligence made him a central figure in European triumphs.
94. Javier Zanetti
An Inter Milan icon, Zanetti’s consistency and versatility were unmatched. He was the ultimate professional, playing over 1,100 matches across his long career.
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93. Mesut Ozil
Effortlessly elegant, Ozil was one of the best passers of his generation. His time at Real Madrid and Arsenal was filled with creativity, assists, and silky playmaking.
92. Edwin van der Sar
A commanding presence in goal, Van der Sar enjoyed a late-career resurgence at Manchester United. His calm leadership helped secure major titles across Europe.
91. Carlos Tevez
Tevez brought fire and intensity to every match he played. His ferocious work rate and knack for goals made him a beloved figure at Manchester United, City, and Juventus.
90. Arturo Vidal
One of the fiercest midfielders of his time, Vidal mixed aggression with technical ability. He was pivotal to the success of Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Chile.
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89. Hernan Crespo
Graceful yet deadly, Crespo was a prolific forward who thrived in Serie A and the Champions League. His movement and finishing defined him.
88. Thibaut Courtois
Standing tall—literally and figuratively—Courtois has established himself as one of the elite modern keepers. His performances for Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Belgium have been immense.
87. Thiago Silva
A rock at the back, Silva’s leadership and composure have been consistent across PSG, Chelsea, and Brazil. Even into his late 30s, he remains elite.
86. Juan Roman Riquelme
Riquelme controlled games at his own rhythm, playing like time bent to his will. His creativity made Villarreal and Boca Juniors tick.
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85. Fernando Torres
At Liverpool, Torres was among the deadliest strikers in Europe. Though injuries hampered him later, his legacy remains rich with iconic goals.
84. Henrik Larsson
A goal machine in Scotland and a reliable veteran in his brief stints at Barcelona and Manchester United. Larsson’s football intelligence and finishing were top-notch.
83. Raphael Varane
Varane combined speed, composure, and aerial dominance to become a key figure in Real Madrid’s dominance. A World Cup winner, too, with France.
82. Raheem Sterling
Sterling's directness, agility, and evolution into a reliable goal contributor made him a standout for both Manchester City and England. He continues to deliver at the top.
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81. Ryan Giggs
A Manchester United legend who adapted seamlessly over the decades. Giggs blended speed, skill, and vision to stay relevant well into his late 30s.
80. Alexis Sanchez
At his best, Sanchez was a force of nature—relentless, creative, and lethal in front of goal. His time at Arsenal saw him reach world-class levels before successful spells with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
79. Edinson Cavani
A classic number 9 with incredible movement and finishing, Cavani became PSG's all-time leading scorer. He brought the same hunger and work ethic to Napoli, Manchester United, and Uruguay.
78. Ivan Rakitic
Rakitic was a midfield engine with superb passing range and tactical discipline. At Barcelona, he played a key role in their Champions League-winning 2015 campaign.
77. Harry Kane
One of the most consistent strikers of his generation, Kane has been the heartbeat of Tottenham and England. His goalscoring record and playmaking ability make him far more than a poacher.
76. N’Golo Kanté
The ultimate team player, Kanté's tireless work rate and defensive acumen helped Leicester win a miracle Premier League title and Chelsea secure European glory. A humble superstar beloved by all.
75. Kylian Mbappé
Explosively fast and incredibly composed, Mbappé is already a World Cup winner and a global icon. His record-breaking feats for PSG and France hint at a player destined for all-time greatness.
74. Jan Oblak
One of the most reliable goalkeepers of the past decade, Oblak has been the foundation of Atletico Madrid’s defence. Calm under pressure and excellent in one-on-ones.
73. David Silva
The diminutive Spaniard defined elegance in midfield, orchestrating Manchester City’s rise to dominance. His vision and spatial awareness made him a fan favourite and an all-time Premier League great.
72. Alessandro Nesta
Nesta was the epitome of a cultured centre-back—graceful, intelligent, and ice-cold under pressure. A pillar of Italy's defence in their 2006 World Cup win and a legend at AC Milan.
71. Wesley Sneijder
Sneijder was the creative genius behind Inter Milan’s 2010 treble. He narrowly missed a Ballon d’Or and was central to the Netherlands' run to the 2010 World Cup final.
70. Cesc Fàbregas
From breaking into Arsenal’s midfield as a teenager to winning titles with Barcelona and Chelsea, Fàbregas always dictated the tempo. One of the best passers of his era.
69. Fabio Cannavaro
The last defender to win the Ballon d’Or, Cannavaro led Italy to glory in the 2006 World Cup. Despite his modest height, his positioning and timing were second to none.
68. Mohamed Salah
Salah’s blistering pace and eye for goal have made him a Liverpool legend. From Roma to Anfield, his evolution into a world-class forward has been nothing short of astonishing.
67. Raúl
A symbol of Real Madrid’s attacking legacy, Raúl was known for his movement, consistency, and leadership. He was the club’s all-time top scorer before Ronaldo arrived.
66. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger’s mix of grit and finesse made him a titan in Germany’s midfield. He was instrumental in their 2014 World Cup win and Bayern’s domestic dominance.
65. Cafu
The only player to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals, Cafu’s overlapping runs defined the modern full-back. A relentless presence on the right flank.
64. Marcelo
One of the most attack-minded left-backs ever, Marcelo brought samba flair to Real Madrid. His link-up play and creativity were crucial during their Champions League reign.
63. David Beckham
More than just a global icon, Beckham was a master of set-pieces and long-range passing. His dedication and precision made him a star across Manchester United, Real Madrid, and beyond.
62. Ruud van Nistelrooy
A ruthless finisher with incredible positioning, Van Nistelrooy was a goal machine for Manchester United and Real Madrid. He thrived on instincts inside the box.
61. Paolo Maldini
Maldini’s name is synonymous with class, longevity, and loyalty. A true AC Milan legend, he played for over two decades with unmatched consistency and elegance.
60. Nemanja Vidić
Vidić was the defensive cornerstone of Manchester United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson. Fearless in the tackle and dominant in the air, he formed one of the Premier League’s most formidable centre-back duos alongside Rio Ferdinand.
59. David Villa
Spain’s all-time leading scorer for many years, Villa combined finesse and killer instinct. He was instrumental in Spain’s golden era and shone at Valencia, Barcelona, and in MLS.
58. Eden Hazard
At Chelsea, Hazard was unplayable on his day—gliding past defenders with ease. Though his time at Real Madrid was plagued by injury, his peak was undeniably world-class.
57. Roberto Carlos
Known for his thunderous free kicks and marauding runs, Roberto Carlos redefined the left-back role. His longevity at Real Madrid and Brazil made him a fan favourite worldwide.
56. Paul Scholes
One of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation, Scholes controlled games with passing, vision, and shooting ability. Revered by peers, he was the quiet engine of Manchester United’s midfield.
55. Ángel Di María
A flair-filled winger with incredible delivery and dribbling skills, Di María has starred for Argentina, Real Madrid, PSG, and Benfica. His performance in the 2014 Champions League final was vital to Madrid's La Décima.
54. Virgil van Dijk
A late bloomer who became one of the best centre-backs in the world, Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s defence. His calm, strength, and leadership were pivotal in their Premier League and Champions League triumphs.
53. Michael Ballack
A complete midfielder who could defend, dictate, and score, Ballack was a standout for Germany and clubs like Bayern and Chelsea. He was a natural leader who thrived in big games.
52. Radamel Falcao
“El Tigre” was a deadly forward in his prime, best known for his time at Atlético Madrid. Injuries hampered his trajectory, but at his peak, he was among the world’s most feared strikers.
51. Antoine Griezmann
A tireless forward with technical brilliance and clever movement, Griezmann has starred for Atlético Madrid and France. His role in France’s 2018 World Cup win was essential to their balanced attack.
50. Petr Čech
Čech was a wall in goal, particularly during his peak years at Chelsea. He holds numerous Premier League records and played a key part in Chelsea’s Champions League victory in 2012.
49. Pavel Nedvěd
The 2003 Ballon d’Or winner, Nedvěd was known for his relentless energy and long-range shooting. A key figure for Lazio and Juventus, he symbolised grit and technical excellence.
48. Xabi Alonso
A midfield metronome, Alonso brought elegance and vision to every team he played for—Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. His passing range and intelligence were second to none.
47. Kevin De Bruyne
Arguably the best midfielder of his generation, De Bruyne combines precision, vision, and explosiveness. At Manchester City, he has redefined creativity in English football.
46. Carles Puyol
A warrior captain for Barcelona and Spain, Puyol’s tenacity, leadership, and commitment were inspirational. He anchored one of the most successful eras in football history.
45. Yaya Touré
A unique midfielder who could bulldoze through opposition and score stunning goals, Touré was key to Manchester City’s emergence. His dominance in the middle of the park was unmatched during his prime.
44. John Terry
Chelsea’s captain, leader, and legend, Terry was the rock at the heart of a dominant defence. A vocal leader with positional mastery, he was a fixture of success in blue.
43. Toni Kroos
A master of tempo and precision, Kroos has won everything there is to win at both club and international level. His calmness under pressure and passing accuracy are exemplary.
42. Luís Figo
A classic winger with elite dribbling and delivery, Figo was a star for both Barcelona and Real Madrid. His controversial transfer between the two remains one of the most iconic in football history.
41. Vincent Kompany
The beating heart of Manchester City’s defence during their rise, Kompany was a fearless leader and a commanding presence. His leadership and crucial goals helped shape the club’s new era.
40. Didier Drogba
Drogba was Chelsea’s big-game player, delivering when it mattered most—none more iconic than his equaliser and winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final. His strength, heading, and clutch performances made him one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers.
39. Franck Ribéry
A dazzling winger with excellent close control and acceleration, Ribéry was the creative spark behind Bayern Munich’s dominance. He came close to winning the Ballon d’Or in 2013 after a treble-winning campaign.
38. Francesco Totti
The eternal Roman, Totti spent his entire career with AS Roma, blending loyalty with brilliance. His playmaking, creativity, and long-range shooting were world-class, making him a cult icon.
37. Patrick Vieira
The midfield general of Arsenal’s Invincibles, Vieira combined physicality with tactical intelligence. His duels with Roy Keane defined a Premier League era of ferocious rivalries.
36. Frank Lampard
One of the highest-scoring midfielders in football history, Lampard’s timing and shooting were unmatched. A Chelsea legend, he was both a creator and a finisher from deep.
35. Gianluigi Buffon
Arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time, Buffon’s longevity and consistency were astonishing. From Parma to Juventus, his reflexes and leadership anchored some of Italy’s best defences.
34. Claude Makélélé
So influential he defined a position, Makélélé was the master of the defensive midfield role. His discipline and intelligence laid the foundation for attacking stars to shine.
33. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo was a playmaker par excellence, orchestrating the game with calm and finesse. His free kicks, long passes, and vision were the epitome of Italian elegance.
32. Rio Ferdinand
A Rolls-Royce of a defender, Ferdinand’s composure and ball-playing ability set him apart. He was central to Manchester United’s success in the late 2000s.
31. Andriy Shevchenko
Before his injury struggles at Chelsea, Shevchenko was a goal machine at AC Milan. A Ballon d’Or winner, his speed and finishing made him one of Europe’s elite forwards.
30. Sergio Busquets
Busquets made the simple things look effortless. His anticipation and positioning allowed Barcelona and Spain’s attackers to flourish in their golden years.
29. Gareth Bale
A thunderous force on the wing, Bale delivered in key moments—especially for Real Madrid, with memorable goals in Champions League finals. His pace and power were unmatched at his peak.
28. Robert Lewandowski
One of the most complete strikers of the modern era, Lewandowski has scored goals for fun in both the Bundesliga and Champions League. His 2020 season, when he led Bayern to a treble, was Ballon d’Or-worthy.
27. Iker Casillas
A legendary shot-stopper with cat-like reflexes, Casillas captained Spain during their golden era and won everything with Real Madrid. He was known for clutch saves and humble leadership.
26. Sergio Agüero
A Premier League legend, Agüero became Manchester City’s all-time top scorer. His last-minute title-winning goal in 2012 is etched in English football history forever.
25. Neymar
A dazzling talent with flair, creativity, and goals, Neymar has lit up the world stage for over a decade. Whether at Barcelona or PSG, his ability to beat defenders and influence big matches has made him one of Brazil’s most iconic exports.
24. Gerard Piqué
Piqué was a defensive cornerstone for both Barcelona and Spain, combining composure with tactical intelligence. His role in multiple Champions League and La Liga titles, along with the 2010 World Cup, cements his legacy.
23. Ashley Cole
Widely regarded as one of the best left-backs of his generation, Cole was a defensive master with sharp positioning and fearless tackling. He excelled for both Arsenal and Chelsea in an era of fierce Premier League competition.
22. Arjen Robben
Known for his trademark cut-ins from the right wing, Robben was almost unstoppable in one-on-one situations. His pace, shooting accuracy, and Champions League heroics with Bayern made him a world-class winger for over a decade.
21. Steven Gerrard
Liverpool’s talisman for years, Gerrard embodied passion, drive, and long-range thunderbolts. Though he never won a league title, his Champions League heroics in 2005 made him a legend forever.
20. Thomas Müller
Often underrated, Müller’s intelligence and unorthodox movement made him one of the most effective attackers of his era. A World Cup winner and consistent performer for Bayern Munich, he created his own position—the Raumdeuter.
19. Sergio Ramos
A born leader and clutch performer, Ramos was central to Real Madrid’s European dominance. His knack for scoring in big moments, combined with aggressive defending, defined him as one of football’s great warriors.
18. Philipp Lahm
Lahm was the ultimate professional—versatile, intelligent, and clean in possession. Whether at right-back or midfield, he was essential to Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph and Bayern’s golden years.
17. Ronaldo (R9)
Though his 21st-century years were plagued by injuries, Ronaldo's brilliance still shone through at Real Madrid and with Brazil. His finishing, power, and dribbling were otherworldly, and he remains a benchmark for the modern striker.
16. Wayne Rooney
Rooney exploded onto the scene as a teenager and became Manchester United and England’s all-time top scorer. His work rate, versatility, and knack for stunning goals made him one of the Premier League's most complete forwards.
15. Samuel Eto’o
A prolific and relentless striker, Eto’o won everything with Barcelona and Inter Milan. His speed, intelligence, and killer instinct made him one of Africa’s finest-ever players.
14. Luka Modrić
Modrić’s technical grace and ability to control the tempo of a match made him the heartbeat of Real Madrid’s midfield. A Ballon d’Or winner in 2018, he remains a symbol of footballing elegance and longevity.
13. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Ibrahimović brought goals, swagger, and audacity to every club he joined. A global journeyman and born winner, his personality and moments of magic have left an indelible mark on modern football.
12. Dani Alves
The most decorated player in football history, Alves was relentless in attack and consistent in defence. His role in Barcelona’s golden era made him one of the greatest right-backs of all time.
11. Karim Benzema
Benzema transformed from Ronaldo’s supporting act to Real Madrid’s main man. His intelligence, link-up play, and leadership earned him a Ballon d’Or and a place among the game’s elite forwards.
10. Luis Suárez
A relentless forward with an uncanny ability to score from any angle, Suárez was a nightmare for defenders. From Ajax to Liverpool to Barcelona, he delivered goals, assists, and edge-of-the-seat excitement while forming one of the greatest attacking trios alongside Messi and Neymar.
9. Kaká
Kaká was the last player to win the Ballon d’Or before the Messi-Ronaldo era, and his 2007 season remains legendary. Gliding through midfields with elegance and power, he lit up AC Milan and Brazil with unforgettable solo runs and clutch goals.
8. Manuel Neuer
The goalkeeper who revolutionised the position, Neuer brought the concept of the 'sweeper-keeper' into the mainstream. His shot-stopping, passing, and command of the penalty area have been instrumental in Germany and Bayern Munich’s successes.
7. Thierry Henry
Effortlessly cool and lethal in front of goal, Henry was the talisman of Arsenal’s Invincibles and a hero at Barcelona. His mix of pace, finesse, and intelligence made him one of the most elegant forwards of the modern era.
6. Zinedine Zidane
Though he played just a few years in the 21st century, Zidane’s influence remained enormous, capped by his masterclass at the 2006 World Cup. His vision, balance, and control were unmatched, and he bowed out with a legacy as one of the game’s true artists.
5. Ronaldinho
Few players have brought as much joy to the pitch as Ronaldinho. With a smile on his face and magic in his feet, he dazzled fans and opponents alike with flicks, tricks, and goals that defied belief—earning him a Ballon d’Or and countless admirers.
4. Xavi
The metronome of Barcelona and Spain’s tiki-taka dominance, Xavi was the brain behind two of football’s greatest dynasties. His composure, awareness, and passing revolutionised midfield play and inspired a generation.
3. Andrés Iniesta
The man for the biggest occasions, Iniesta delivered when it mattered—none more so than his World Cup-winning goal in 2010. His grace, control, and ability to glide past opponents made him a rare genius on the pitch.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
A physical phenomenon and relentless competitor, Ronaldo has shattered records across England, Spain, and Italy. His transformation from a tricky winger to a goal-scoring machine earned him five Ballon d’Ors and a place among football’s immortals.
1. Lionel Messi
The greatest of them all. Messi’s combination of dribbling, vision, balance, and finishing has redefined what is possible on a football pitch. With countless records, seven Ballon d’Ors, and a World Cup to his name, he stands alone at the top of the 21st-century pantheon.
