The 100 Greatest Footballers of the 21st Century – Ranked
The 21st century has been a golden era for football, marked by innovation, incredible athleticism, and unforgettable moments. It’s been the era of tiki-taka, gegenpressing, inverted full-backs, and global superstars who transcended the game. From the streets of Rosario to the pitches of Madrid, footballers have dazzled fans and redefined what greatness means.
This ranked list of the 100 greatest players since 2000 celebrates those who stood tallest—whether through goals, assists, titles, or pure influence. Each player here has left a unique mark on the modern game. Longevity, consistency, silverware, individual accolades, and legacy were all taken into account to compile this definitive countdown. Starting from number 100, we work our way up to the one player who stands above all others in the 21st century. Let the debate begin.
100. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold reimagined the modern full-back, bringing elite playmaking and creativity to Liverpool’s right flank. While defensively debated, his assist output and passing range speak for themselves.
99. Miroslav Klose
The top scorer in World Cup history, Klose was a lethal finisher for Germany and consistently effective at the club level. His movement and goal poaching set him apart for nearly two decades.
98. Rivaldo
Rivaldo’s left foot was a weapon of elegance and power. Though his peak came just before the 21st century, his contributions to Brazil’s 2002 World Cup win and spells at Barcelona and Milan were immense.
97. Luca Toni
A classic centre-forward, Toni bullied defences in Italy and Germany with his aerial ability and finishing. He enjoyed a late-career resurgence and remained a goal threat into his late 30s.
96. David De Gea
For over a decade, De Gea was Manchester United’s last line of defence—often their saviour. His shot-stopping brilliance earned multiple individual awards and recognition among the world’s elite.
95. Deco
Deco ran the midfield for Porto and Barcelona, winning the Champions League with both clubs. His technique, vision, and passing made him one of the smartest midfielders of his era.
94. Javier Zanetti
Zanetti’s career at Inter Milan spanned two decades, highlighted by leadership and versatility. His consistency and professionalism culminated in a Champions League win in 2010.
93. Mesut Ozil
Ozil’s elegance defined a generation of playmakers, with unmatched vision and assist tallies at Real Madrid and Arsenal. His influence as a creator was vital to every team he played for.
92. Edwin van der Sar
Van der Sar brought calm and class to every club he represented, especially during his golden years at Manchester United. His record-breaking clean sheet run remains one of the league’s best.
91. Carlos Tevez
Tevez blended power, grit, and passion, delivering wherever he played—from West Ham’s miracle escape to titles with Man United, City, and Juventus. His energy made him unforgettable.
90. Arturo Vidal
A relentless box-to-box midfielder, Vidal won league titles in Italy, Germany, and Spain. Known for his aggression and tireless engine, he was a key figure in every team he played for.
89. Hernan Crespo
Crespo was a clinical striker whose early 2000s dominance included a Serie A Golden Boot and strong spells at Inter and Chelsea. His intelligent positioning and finishing made him elite.
88. Thibaut Courtois
Courtois has been a commanding presence at Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and Real Madrid. His performance in the 2022 Champions League final showed why he’s one of the best keepers of his generation.
87. Thiago Silva
Silva has showcased exceptional defensive skills and leadership from AC Milan to PSG to Chelsea. Still performing at a high level at nearly 40, his longevity is as impressive as his talent.
86. Juan Roman Riquelme
Riquelme was the definition of elegance in midfield. A Boca Juniors legend, he also made his mark in Europe with Villarreal and helped Argentina to Olympic gold in 2008.
85. Fernando Torres
Torres was one of the most feared forwards in the world at his peak, particularly at Liverpool. Though his form dipped at Chelsea, his Champions League heroics remain memorable.
84. Henrik Larsson
Larsson was prolific for Celtic in the early 2000s and played crucial roles at Barcelona and Manchester United. His eye for goal and selfless play made him a coach’s dream.
83. Raphael Varane
A multiple-time Champions League and World Cup winner, Varane formed an elite partnership with Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid. Fast, strong, and intelligent, he was a defensive mainstay.
82. Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s rise from Liverpool wonderkid to Manchester City star was filled with goals, assists, and trophies. His pace and directness made him one of the Premier League’s most consistent attackers.
81. Ryan Giggs
Giggs extended his career deep into the 2010s, setting assist records and scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons. His reinvention from winger to playmaker extended his legacy.
80. Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez was electric at Arsenal, where his speed, flair, and finishing lit up the Premier League. Though his Manchester United stint disappointed, he found redemption with Inter Milan.
79. Edinson Cavani
Often underrated, Cavani scored over 300 goals across PSG, Napoli, and more. His work ethic, movement, and finishing made him a world-class striker even when playing wide or in rotation.
78. Ivan Rakitic
Rakitic was a key component of Barcelona’s midfield and scored in a Champions League final. Often overshadowed by Modric, he was crucial in Croatia’s run to the 2018 World Cup final.
77. Harry Kane
Kane has been the Premier League’s most complete striker for a decade, known for his goalscoring and creative play. Now at Bayern Munich, he’s chasing the trophies that eluded him at Spurs.
76. N’Golo Kanté
Kanté is the engine behind two Premier League titles and a World Cup. His work rate, interceptions, and humble presence made him one of the most beloved and effective midfielders.
75. Kylian Mbappé
Already a World Cup winner before turning 20, Mbappé has pace, power, and a ruthless goalscoring record. He’s poised to dominate the next decade of football.
74. Jan Oblak
One of the best keepers of the 2010s, Oblak’s consistency for Atletico Madrid earned him multiple Zamora Trophies. His shot-stopping and command of the area made him indispensable.
73. David Silva
Silva was Manchester City’s creative heartbeat for a decade, combining subtlety, vision, and immaculate control. His legacy is one of the most graceful to ever grace the Premier League.
72. Alessandro Nesta
Nesta was a master of positioning and anticipation, anchoring Milan’s defence during their dominant European years. Injuries limited him, but his quality was world-class at his best.
71. Wesley Sneijder
Sneijder’s 2010 season with Inter and the Netherlands was legendary. A brilliant passer and goal threat, he narrowly missed out on a Ballon d’Or and is still seen as underappreciated.
70. Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas became a Premier League star in his teens, orchestrating Arsenal’s midfield with intelligence and flair. His assist tally across Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea cements his playmaking legacy.
69. Fabio Cannavaro
The last defender to win the Ballon d’Or, Cannavaro was the cornerstone of Italy’s 2006 World Cup win. Though smaller than most centre-backs, his reading of the game was unmatched.
68. Mohamed Salah
Salah broke records at Liverpool, including the Premier League single-season goal tally. His pace, dribbling, and scoring ability helped drive the Reds to domestic and European glory.
67. Raul
Raul’s legendary Real Madrid career extended into the 21st century with hundreds of goals and multiple Champions Leagues. A natural finisher and symbol of consistency, he was clinical and classy.
66. Bastian Schweinsteiger
Schweinsteiger evolved from a winger into a midfield general for Bayern Munich and Germany. His commanding performances helped Germany lift the World Cup in 2014.
65. Cafu
Cafu was a dynamic right-back known for marauding runs and tireless stamina. He lifted the World Cup in 2002 and won Champions League and Serie A titles with Milan.
64. Marcelo
Marcelo was a magician at left-back, blending Brazilian flair with technical excellence. His five Champions League titles with Real Madrid highlight a career full of success and style.
63. David Beckham
More than a celebrity, Beckham’s right foot was a weapon of precision. He shone for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and LA Galaxy, delivering with set pieces and pinpoint crosses.
62. Ruud van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy was a master of timing and finishing, scoring prolifically for Manchester United and Real Madrid. Few strikers matched his clinical touch in the box.
61. Paolo Maldini
Maldini’s intelligence, anticipation, and leadership made him a defensive icon. Even into his 40s, he maintained elite performance levels, embodying class and loyalty at AC Milan.
60. Nemanja Vidić
Vidić was the heart of Manchester United’s defence during their dominant years under Sir Alex Ferguson. Tough, fearless, and brilliant in the air, he was a nightmare for opposition strikers.
59. David Villa
Villa was Spain’s go-to goal scorer during their golden era, winning Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. His finishing ability shone at Valencia and Barcelona alike.
58. Eden Hazard
Hazard dazzled Premier League fans with his dribbling, balance, and creativity. Though injuries hampered his Real Madrid stint, his Chelsea years were among the league’s most exciting.
57. Roberto Carlos
Carlos combined explosive pace with a cannon-like left foot. Best remembered for his thunderbolt free kicks, he also brought attacking flair to Real Madrid’s back line.
56. Paul Scholes
A midfield metronome at Manchester United, Scholes returned from retirement to lead United to another title. His vision and long-range shooting were key to his legendary status.
55. Ángel Di María
Di María’s left foot and dribbling made him a standout at Real Madrid, PSG, and Argentina. Scoring in a World Cup final sealed his place among the greats.
54. Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s defence into one of Europe’s best. Calm, strong, and dominant in the air, he was a Ballon d’Or contender—rare for a defender.
53. Michael Ballack
Ballack was a complete midfielder who thrived in both Germany and England. Physically strong and technically sharp, he was a leader at Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
52. Radamel Falcao
In his prime, Falcao was an unstoppable force at Porto and Atlético Madrid. His explosive finishing and aerial ability made him a lethal presence in the box.
51. Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann’s intelligence, work rate, and goal contributions powered Atlético Madrid and France. A World Cup winner and Euro finalist, he’s one of his generation’s most well-rounded forwards.
50. Petr Čech
Čech holds the record for most clean sheets in Premier League history. A consistent and commanding presence, he was instrumental in Chelsea’s rise to European elite and even won the Golden Glove with Arsenal.
49. Pavel Nedvěd
Nedvěd won the Ballon d’Or in 2003 and carried Juventus during a difficult era. His powerful shooting, tireless running, and leadership defined him as one of Europe’s top midfielders.
48. Xabi Alonso
A master passer and tactical brain, Alonso excelled for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. His calmness and long-range goals made him a midfield icon.
47. Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne is Manchester City’s creative heartbeat, setting Premier League assist records and dictating games with unmatched vision. He’s widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation.
46. Carles Puyol
Puyol was the warrior at the heart of Barcelona’s defence. Brave, vocal, and loyal, he led both club and country to Champions League and World Cup triumphs.
45. Yaya Touré
Touré was a powerhouse who could carry the ball from box to box with grace and strength. His impact at Manchester City redefined midfield dominance in the Premier League.
44. John Terry
Terry captained Chelsea during their most successful era, bringing defensive resilience and aerial threat. A leader in every sense, he remains one of the Premier League’s best defenders ever.
43. Toni Kroos
Kroos controlled games with surgical passing and cool composure. A multiple-time Champions League and World Cup winner, he’s the definition of elegance in midfield.
42. Luís Figo
Figo brought flair and creativity to both Barcelona and Real Madrid, controversially crossing the divide. A gifted dribbler and crosser, he was Portugal’s talisman for over a decade.
41. Vincent Kompany
Kompany captained Manchester City through their transformation into a footballing superpower. His leadership and iconic goals—like the screamer vs Leicester—made him a club legend.
40. Didier Drogba
Drogba was Chelsea’s ultimate big-game striker, delivering when it mattered most—including the equaliser and winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final. His strength, leadership, and clutch moments defined an era.
39. Franck Ribéry
Ribéry was the driving force behind Bayern Munich’s dominance in the 2010s. His dribbling, creativity, and goal contributions earned him a place among Europe’s elite, narrowly missing out on a Ballon d’Or.
38. Francesco Totti
Totti was the eternal captain of Roma, combining loyalty with elite skill and vision. A one-club legend, his elegance and goalscoring consistency made him a national icon.
37. Patrick Vieira
Vieira was the engine behind Arsenal’s Invincibles, blending physicality with grace. His fierce battles with Roy Keane and dominance in midfield became legendary in Premier League folklore.
36. Frank Lampard
Lampard’s goalscoring from midfield was unprecedented, earning him a spot among the top 10 Premier League scorers. His timing, shooting, and leadership helped Chelsea to their greatest successes.
35. Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon’s longevity and consistency made him one of the greatest goalkeepers ever. A towering figure for Juventus and Italy, his World Cup win in 2006 capped off an incredible career.
34. Claude Makélélé
Makélélé defined the defensive midfield role, so much so that it now bears his name. He balanced creativity and defence perfectly, shielding back lines and enabling attacking freedom.
33. Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo controlled games with effortless class, excelling for Milan, Juventus, and Italy. His passing range, calmness under pressure, and free-kick artistry made him a generational talent.
32. Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand was the perfect blend of athleticism and intelligence, anchoring Manchester United’s defence during their most dominant years. His composure on the ball changed how defenders were viewed in England.
31. Andriy Shevchenko
Shevchenko was a deadly finisher who starred at AC Milan and won the 2004 Ballon d’Or. His record in Serie A and Europe stands tall, even if his Premier League spell was less impactful.
30. Sergio Busquets
Busquets has been the silent architect behind Barcelona and Spain’s dominance. His positional intelligence, flawless passing, and ability to dictate tempo made him the foundation of one of the greatest midfields ever.
29. Gareth Bale
Bale’s explosive pace and penchant for spectacular goals made him a fan favourite at Tottenham and Real Madrid. From his iconic Copa del Rey run to his Champions League final bicycle kick, he delivered on the biggest stages.
28. Robert Lewandowski
Lewandowski has been one of the most prolific strikers of the 21st century, scoring at an elite rate for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. His 41-goal Bundesliga season and 2020 Champions League triumph were career peaks.
27. Iker Casillas
Casillas was a goalkeeping prodigy turned legend, winning every major trophy with Real Madrid and Spain. His reflex saves and leadership helped define the golden era of Spanish football.
26. Sergio Agüero
Agüero became Manchester City’s all-time leading scorer and Premier League icon with his last-minute title-winning goal in 2012. His low centre of gravity and deadly finishing made him nearly unstoppable.
25. Neymar
Neymar dazzled fans with outrageous skill and creativity, winning the Champions League with Barcelona and becoming Brazil’s second-highest scorer ever. Injuries may have slowed him, but his talent was undeniable.
24. Gerard Piqué
Piqué became a defensive cornerstone for both Barcelona and Spain, collecting Champions League and World Cup honours. His positioning and passing made him a natural fit in tiki-taka systems.
23. Ashley Cole
Cole was the complete left-back—strong in defence and a constant attacking outlet. He won league titles with Arsenal and Chelsea and was one of the few defenders who consistently handled Cristiano Ronaldo.
22. Arjen Robben
Robben mastered the art of cutting inside from the right and curling in unstoppable shots. A key figure at Bayern and the Netherlands, he was unstoppable despite everyone knowing exactly what he’d do.
21. Steven Gerrard
Gerrard was Liverpool’s heart and soul, known for long-range strikes, late goals, and heroic leadership. His performance in the 2005 Champions League final epitomized his never-say-die spirit.
20. Thomas Müller
Müller is the ultimate Raumdeuter—finding space and delivering goals and assists with uncanny timing. A World Cup winner and multiple Champions League champion, his intelligence and unselfishness make him irreplaceable.
19. Sergio Ramos
Ramos combined leadership, physicality, and scoring threat from defence, becoming one of the most clutch players in Champions League history. His late equaliser in the 2014 final cemented his legacy.
18. Philipp Lahm
Lahm was the prototype of the modern full-back—comfortable on both flanks and even in midfield. A cerebral player and World Cup-winning captain, he rarely made a mistake across his illustrious career.
17. Ronaldo (R9)
R9’s magical 2002 World Cup and Ballon d’Or win secured his place on this list despite injuries shortening his prime. His power, speed, and flair made him one of football’s most electrifying forwards ever.
16. Wayne Rooney
Rooney was Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer and England’s once top marksman. Fierce, skillful, and tireless, he defined an era at Old Trafford with countless moments of brilliance.
15. Samuel Eto’o
Eto’o was a ruthless striker who delivered at the highest level for Barcelona and Inter Milan. A back-to-back treble winner, his pace and finishing made him one of the game’s deadliest forwards.
14. Luka Modrić
Modrić’s vision and control earned him the 2018 Ballon d’Or and five Champions League titles. His World Cup run with Croatia proved his influence went far beyond club football.
13. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan dominated every league he played in with swagger, power, and stunning goals. From Ajax to Milan to PSG, he scored nearly 500 club goals and always left a lasting impression.
12. Dani Alves
The most decorated player in football history, Alves was the ultimate attacking right-back. His chemistry with Messi at Barcelona and success across four countries showcased his versatility and winning mentality.
11. Karim Benzema
Benzema spent years in Ronaldo’s shadow before stepping into the spotlight and winning the 2022 Ballon d’Or. With five Champions League titles and a lethal mix of finesse and physicality, he ranks among the best strikers of the modern era.
10. Luis Suárez
Suárez was a force of nature—crafty, combative, and endlessly effective. From his record-breaking season at Liverpool to a sensational run at Barcelona, he combined outrageous skill with lethal finishing and fierce competitiveness.
9. Kaká
At his peak, Kaká was untouchable—gliding past players and delivering pinpoint assists or thunderous goals. His 2007 Ballon d’Or win crowned an era where he dominated Europe with Milan and dazzled the world with Brazil.
8. Manuel Neuer
Neuer redefined the goalkeeper role with his sweeping, playmaking style. A World Cup winner and Champions League champion, his reflexes, composure, and revolutionary approach changed football forever.
7. Thierry Henry
Henry was the Premier League’s most graceful predator, blending pace, poise, and precision. He became Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer and led France with elegance and brilliance throughout the 2000s.
6. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane’s technical mastery, balance, and big-game heroics—like his 2002 Champions League final volley—made him a generational talent. His grace on the ball was matched by leadership at Real Madrid and for France.
5. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho brought joy to the game like no one else, mesmerizing fans with skills, no-look passes, and impossible goals. His peak at Barcelona was brief but breathtaking, crowned by a Ballon d’Or and worldwide admiration.
4. Xavi
Xavi orchestrated the greatest club and national teams of the modern era, running games with surgical passing and supreme football IQ. He was the beating heart of Barcelona and Spain’s golden age.
3. Andrés Iniesta
Iniesta’s intelligence, dribbling, and calm under pressure made him a magician in midfield. His World Cup-winning goal and four Champions League titles make him a symbol of elegance and clutch brilliance.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo shattered records with unmatched physicality and relentless ambition, scoring over 900 goals across four countries. Five Ballon d’Ors and five Champions League titles make him one of the most complete players ever.
1. Lionel Messi
Messi stands alone at the top—an otherworldly talent who redefined what’s possible on a football pitch. With seven Ballon d’Ors, four Champions League titles, and a World Cup to his name, he is the ultimate combination of genius, consistency, and greatness.
