The 100 Greatest Footballers of the Decade (2010–2019) – Ranked

Football in the 2010s delivered legendary performances, unforgettable moments, and generational greatness. From players who dominated at the peak of their powers to those who rose from obscurity to global fame, this top 100 celebrates the individuals who defined the decade. We begin at number 100 and count our way up to the undisputed king of the era.

100. Jamie Vardy

Vardy’s rags-to-riches story is the ultimate football fairytale. From non-league pitches to Premier League champion and World Cup striker, his relentless energy and goals made Leicester City’s miracle a reality.

99. Keylor Navas

Navas became a household name with his incredible performances for Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup. Despite being underrated, he was vital to Real Madrid's Champions League dominance.

98. Fernando Torres

While his prime was in the 2000s, Torres still won every major trophy in the 2010s. His memorable goal at the Camp Nou and Champions League triumph with Chelsea solidified his legacy.

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97. James Rodríguez

The Colombian’s dazzling 2014 World Cup earned him a move to Real Madrid. Though consistency eluded him, his talent shone brightly in spells at Monaco, Bayern, and Madrid.

96. Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand entered the decade as one of the best defenders in the world. Though his career wound down by 2015, he still played a role in two Premier League-winning campaigns for Manchester United.

95. Marco Reus

Reus could have ranked far higher if not for constant injuries. Still, his technical brilliance and loyalty to Borussia Dortmund made him a Bundesliga icon.

94. Mario Mandžukić

A tireless striker who delivered everywhere he played, Mandžukić scored in two Champions League finals. He led Croatia to a historic World Cup final in 2018.

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93. Branislav Ivanović

Reliable and physical, Ivanović was one of the best right-backs of the decade. His goals, defensive solidity, and trophy haul with Chelsea cemented his legacy.

92. Roberto Firmino

Firmino’s work rate and intelligence were vital to Liverpool’s success under Klopp. While not prolific, his selflessness elevated those around him.

91. Andrea Barzagli

Barzagli was the quiet backbone of Juventus and Italy's defense. He formed part of one of the most formidable back lines of the era.

90. Ashley Cole

Cole started the decade as arguably the best left-back in the world. Although his level declined, his early-2010s form for Chelsea remained top-class.

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89. Maicon

Maicon was a force of nature at the start of the decade, particularly in Inter’s treble-winning season. Though his decline was swift, his early peak was undeniable.

88. Jan Oblak

Oblak earned a reputation as one of the world’s best goalkeepers with Atlético Madrid. His clean sheet records and composure made him a standout.

87. Miroslav Klose

Klose became the all-time World Cup top scorer during the decade. His experience and professionalism carried through his time at Lazio and on the international stage.

86. Daniele De Rossi

A leader and warrior, De Rossi was Roma's heartbeat for years. Though major trophies eluded him, his influence on the pitch was undeniable.

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85. Didier Drogba

Drogba’s crowning moment came in the 2012 Champions League final. Though past his prime, his impact in big moments was still immense.

84. Alisson Becker

Alisson transformed Liverpool’s defense and was pivotal in their Champions League and Premier League success. He also won multiple individual goalkeeper awards in 2019.

83. Samuel Eto’o

Eto’o starred in Inter’s historic treble before finding success in Russia and England. His career wound down by decade’s end, but his early contributions were vital.

82. Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku racked up goals for club and country throughout the decade. His consistency, particularly at Everton and Belgium, kept him among Europe’s elite.

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81. Antonio Di Natale

Despite playing for mid-table Udinese, Di Natale outscored most Serie A forwards. He was a clinical finisher and fan favorite in Italy.

80. David Alaba

Alaba was a key figure in Bayern Munich’s domestic dominance and their 2013 Champions League triumph. His versatility and intelligence made him one of the best left-backs of the decade.

79. Hugo Lloris

Lloris provided consistency and leadership for both Tottenham and France. He captained his country to World Cup glory in 2018 and remained one of the top keepers in the Premier League.

78. Carlos Tevez

Tevez’s tenacity and scoring touch helped Manchester City to their first Premier League title. He later shone at Juventus and returned to Boca Juniors to finish the decade on a high.

77. Diego Forlán

Forlán lit up the 2010 World Cup, winning the Golden Ball with a string of stunning goals. Though his club career declined after that, his international form was unforgettable.

76. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Aubameyang scored prolifically for Saint-Étienne, Dortmund, and Arsenal. He maintained a high output despite playing for struggling sides and even received a Ballon d'Or nomination.

75. Javier Mascherano

Mascherano transitioned from defensive midfielder to center-back at Barcelona with great success. His grit and tactical intelligence helped the club to multiple titles.

74. Thiago Alcântara

A silky technician, Thiago became a midfield metronome at Bayern Munich. He won numerous trophies and showcased one of the best passing ranges in Europe.

73. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva was the rock of PSG’s defense for most of the decade. Despite never winning the Champions League, his consistency and leadership never wavered.

72. Dani Carvajal

Carvajal returned from Leverkusen to become Real Madrid’s undisputed right-back. He played a crucial role in their Champions League successes from 2014 to 2018.

71. Paul Pogba

Pogba had moments of brilliance, especially during France’s 2018 World Cup win. However, inconsistency at club level kept him from climbing higher on this list.

70. Diego Costa

Costa brought aggression and goals to every team he played for. He powered Atlético Madrid to a La Liga title and helped Chelsea win the Premier League twice.

69. Sadio Mané

Mané rose from relative obscurity to become a Champions League winner with Liverpool. He was also crucial for Senegal, guiding them to an Africa Cup of Nations final.

68. Pepe

Pepe’s fierce defending helped Real Madrid win three Champions League titles in the decade. He was also instrumental in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph.

67. Petr Čech

Čech stayed at the top of his game well into the 2010s. He won domestic honors with Chelsea and Arsenal, finishing with the most clean sheets in Premier League history.

66. Vincent Kompany

Injuries couldn’t stop Kompany from becoming one of the decade’s great leaders. His dramatic goal in 2019 helped secure Manchester City’s title in a memorable run.

65. Jérôme Boateng

Boateng was a cornerstone for both Bayern Munich and Germany. His defensive strength played a crucial part in their Champions League and World Cup victories.

64. Steven Gerrard

Though past his prime, Gerrard still had standout moments for Liverpool, especially in the 2013–14 season. He remains one of the Premier League’s most iconic midfielders.

63. Yaya Touré

Touré’s 2013–14 campaign was one of the best ever by a midfielder. He played a crucial role in Manchester City’s rise to Premier League prominence.

62. Raphaël Varane

Varane won four Champions League titles and a World Cup by age 25. He quietly excelled as a calm, composed presence in Real Madrid’s backline.

61. Raheem Sterling

Sterling evolved into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers under Guardiola. His goals and creativity were key in City’s domestic dominance.

60. Thibaut Courtois

Courtois won La Liga with Atlético and Premier League titles with Chelsea. He also earned a World Cup Golden Glove and overcame early criticism in Madrid.

59. John Terry

Terry’s leadership and performances remained strong into his 30s. He was a defensive anchor in Chelsea’s 2014–15 title-winning season and won the Champions League.

58. Mats Hummels

Hummels combined elegance with defensive grit, excelling at Dortmund and Bayern. He won the World Cup with Germany and was long considered one of the top defenders in Europe.

57. Frank Lampard

Lampard bowed out with his reputation intact, becoming Chelsea’s all-time top scorer. He played a big role in their 2012 Champions League win and scored consistently throughout the decade.

56. Thomas Müller

Müller’s intelligence and movement made him a unique attacking force. He starred in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, lifting the trophy in Brazil.

55. Cesc Fàbregas

Fàbregas was a playmaking genius who shone for Barcelona and Chelsea. His 18-assist season in 2014–15 was one of the finest Premier League campaigns by a midfielder.

54. Harry Kane

Kane burst onto the scene and quickly became a world-class striker. He won back-to-back Golden Boots and a World Cup Golden Boot by the end of the decade.

53. Nemanja Vidić

Vidić remained a rock at the back for Manchester United until his departure in 2014. He led the defense during Ferguson’s final title-winning campaign and earned global respect.

52. Leonardo Bonucci

Bonucci was a masterful ball-playing defender who anchored Juventus' backline. He won multiple league titles and played in two Champions League finals.

51. Radamel Falcao

Falcao was the deadliest No. 9 in the world at his peak with Atlético Madrid. Despite injury setbacks and underwhelming loans in England, he rebounded with Monaco.

50. Diego Godín

Godín was the backbone of Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid revolution. He led the defense during La Liga and Europa League triumphs, and also shone for Uruguay at two World Cups.

49. Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne overcame a false start at Chelsea to become one of the Premier League’s greatest playmakers. His vision and passing range made him the creative heartbeat of Manchester City.

48. Ángel Di María

Di María was man of the match in the 2014 Champions League final and a key player for Argentina. Barring a short dip at Manchester United, he consistently delivered for club and country.

47. David Villa

Villa scored in a Champions League final and helped Spain to their World Cup and Euro triumphs. His intelligent movement and finishing made him one of the decade’s most effective strikers.

46. Mohamed Salah

Salah exploded into world-class form with Liverpool, winning two Golden Boots and a Champions League title. His pace, goals, and consistency transformed the Reds' attack.

45. Alexis Sánchez

Sánchez was electric at Udinese, Barcelona, and especially Arsenal, where he was among the Premier League’s best. He also led Chile to back-to-back Copa América wins.

44. Wesley Sneijder

Sneijder played a crucial role in Inter Milan’s historic treble and led the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final. His playmaking and goal tally that year were simply world-class.

43. Pedro

Pedro was a serial winner with Barcelona and Spain, contributing goals in key matches. Underappreciated by some, he also added a Premier League title with Chelsea to his packed trophy cabinet.

42. Wayne Rooney

Rooney became Manchester United and England’s all-time leading scorer during the decade. His peak may have passed early, but his talent and longevity ensured his place on this list.

41. Robin van Persie

Van Persie’s 2011–13 run was phenomenal, winning back-to-back Golden Boots and firing Manchester United to a Premier League title. His technique and goal scoring were world class.

40. Gareth Bale

Bale’s blistering pace and left foot terrorized defenses throughout the decade. He won four Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and took Wales to a historic Euro 2016 semifinal.

39. Giorgio Chiellini

Chiellini was the most dominant member of Juventus' famous back three. His aggression, positioning, and leadership kept Juve and Italy defensively sound for years.

38. Gonzalo Higuaín

Higuaín scored prolifically in Serie A and La Liga, hitting records at Napoli and starring for Argentina. Though criticized for big-match misses, his overall output was immense.

37. David de Gea

De Gea was arguably the best shot-stopper in the world at his peak. His heroics for Manchester United earned him multiple Player of the Year awards and global recognition.

36. Bastian Schweinsteiger

Schweinsteiger dominated midfield for club and country early in the decade. He played a vital role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win and Bayern’s 2013 treble.

35. Edinson Cavani

Cavani was one of the most consistent scorers in Europe, starring at Napoli and PSG. His work ethic and lethal finishing earned him a place among the elite strikers of the 2010s.

34. Mesut Özil

Özil dazzled as the world’s assist king during his peak years at Real Madrid and Arsenal. He also played a central role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning side.

33. Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s defense after his arrival in 2018. He helped the Reds to Champions League glory and came within a whisker of winning the Ballon d’Or.

32. Kylian Mbappé

Mbappé exploded onto the scene as a teenager, winning Ligue 1 with Monaco and the World Cup with France. By 22, he had already scored over 100 goals and become a global icon.

31. Jordi Alba

Alba’s speed and attacking threat made him a fixture in Barcelona’s and Spain’s sides. His chemistry with Messi and contributions from left-back were vital to multiple title runs.

30. N’Golo Kanté

Kanté’s rise from Ligue 2 to World Cup winner is nothing short of astonishing. He won the Premier League with Leicester and Chelsea, and became one of the best ball-winners in football.

29. Eden Hazard

Hazard lit up the Premier League with dazzling dribbles and clutch goals for Chelsea. He won every domestic trophy in England and was outstanding at the 2018 World Cup with Belgium.

28. David Silva

Silva was the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield and one of the best passers of his generation. He also won the World Cup and Euro 2012 with Spain, cementing a legendary career.

27. Toni Kroos

Kroos was a metronome in midfield, helping Bayern Munich and Real Madrid dominate Europe. His passing accuracy and calmness under pressure were unmatched.

26. Antoine Griezmann

Griezmann starred for Atlético Madrid and France, finishing as Euro 2016’s top scorer and winning the 2018 World Cup. His creativity and finishing defined the decade for both club and country.

25. Iker Casillas

Casillas may have been past his peak, but he still delivered iconic moments, including a crucial save in the 2010 World Cup final. He captained Spain and Real Madrid to major silverware before winding down his career at Porto.

24. Xabi Alonso

Alonso brought class and control to every midfield he played in. From Real Madrid to Bayern Munich, his intelligence and precision passing made him one of the most elegant players of the decade.

23. Philipp Lahm

Lahm captained both Bayern Munich and Germany to Champions League and World Cup titles. His tactical versatility and professionalism made him a modern full-back pioneer.

22. Sergio Agüero

Agüero became the most iconic striker in Manchester City’s history, scoring the unforgettable title-winning goal in 2012. With four Premier League titles and countless goals, he defined City’s golden era.

21. Franck Ribéry

Ribéry peaked in 2013 with a historic treble and a near-Ballon d'Or win. His dazzling wing play and productivity for Bayern Munich made him one of the decade’s most entertaining attackers.

20. Manuel Neuer

Neuer revolutionized goalkeeping with his sweeping style and unmatched distribution. He won the 2014 World Cup with Germany and numerous trophies with Bayern Munich.

19. Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo extended his brilliance into the new decade with Juventus and Italy. He orchestrated Euro 2012 and dominated Serie A with his unmatched vision and calm.

18. Carles Puyol

Puyol remained a defensive titan in the early 2010s, leading Spain to the World Cup and Barcelona to more silverware. His leadership and tenacity were legendary.

17. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Ibrahimović scored over 300 goals in the decade while starring for clubs across Europe. His flair, power, and self-belief made him one of football’s most magnetic figures.

16. Marcelo

Marcelo redefined the modern left-back with his creativity, flair, and attacking presence. He was central to Real Madrid’s Champions League dominance, winning four titles in the decade.

15. Sergio Busquets

Busquets quietly dictated games from deep for both Barcelona and Spain. He was the glue in the best midfield trio of the era, winning nearly everything there was to win.

14. Gianluigi Buffon

Buffon defied age and expectations to stay elite throughout the 2010s. He led Juventus to multiple league titles and was a finalist in two Champions League campaigns.

13. Arjen Robben

Robben’s trademark cut-ins and left-footed curlers were unstoppable. He won everything with Bayern Munich and was clutch in big matches, including the 2013 Champions League final.

12. Karim Benzema

Benzema was often overshadowed but delivered year after year at Real Madrid. He was key to four Champions League triumphs and became one of the competition’s all-time top scorers.

11. Gerard Piqué

Piqué was a rock in Barcelona’s defense, combining technical quality with physical dominance. He won nearly 25 major honors and helped Spain to international glory.

10. Luka Modrić

Modrić made history by breaking the Messi-Ronaldo Ballon d'Or streak in 2018. A midfield maestro for Real Madrid and Croatia, he was vital in four Champions League wins and a World Cup final run.

9. Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski was Europe’s most consistent striker, scoring over 300 goals in the decade. He dominated the Bundesliga and delivered jaw-dropping moments like his 5 goals in 9 minutes.

8. Sergio Ramos

Ramos was the ultimate warrior, scoring clutch goals and leading Real Madrid to four Champions League titles. He also anchored Spain’s defense during their final stretch of dominance.

7. Luis Suárez

Suárez combined skill, goals, and intensity like few others. After lighting up Liverpool, he formed the most feared front three of the decade at Barcelona and won a Champions League.

6. Dani Alves

Alves won more trophies than any other player in the 2010s, including everything at Barcelona and silverware in Italy and France. His attacking flair and leadership were constant across continents.

5. Neymar

Neymar was the decade’s biggest Brazilian star, dazzling with PSG and Barcelona. He won Champions League titles, Olympic gold, and reached 100 international goals and assists before turning 28.

4. Xavi

Xavi was the ultimate conductor, pulling the strings for both Barcelona and Spain. He won a World Cup, two Euros, and a Champions League in his final season, going out as a legend.

3. Andrés Iniesta

Iniesta was the soul of Spain and Barcelona, scoring the 2010 World Cup-winning goal and winning every possible honor. His elegance and intelligence made him the best midfielder of the era.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo scored 450 goals for Real Madrid in the decade and won four Ballon d'Ors. His Euro 2016 win, Champions League dominance, and unmatched drive made him an era-defining icon.

1. Lionel Messi

Messi was the undisputed king of the 2010s. Five Ballon d’Ors, 500+ goals, a record-breaking 91-goal year in 2012, and consistent magic on the pitch secured his place as the greatest of the decade.