Best Football Players in the World (2024)
In the realm of football, where the pitch becomes a stage and players morph into artists, the 2024 season is underway and it’s already been a canvas painted with deft touches, strategic masterstrokes, and moments that transcend the ordinary.
Let’s delve into the narratives of the maestros who have sculpted this season with their prowess, skill, and indomitable spirit.
1. Lionel Messi
Even in the twilight of his career, Lionel Messi continues to be a superstar in the football world.
His ability to meld skill, vision, and precision into a cohesive unit propels him into realms that few can traverse.
Messi, with his intrinsic playmaking abilities and goal-scoring prowess, has not merely played football; he has orchestrated symphonies on the pitch, making him an eternal icon of the sport.
And after being the Hero for Argentina in the World Cup, he has cemented himself as the Greatest Football Player to ever live.
2. Kylian Mbappe
The French forward, Kylian Mbappe, has solidified his position as not just a star but an icon in the sport.
His blistering pace, coupled with a clinical finishing ability, has seen him dismantle defenses with an almost nonchalant ease.
Mbappe’s trajectory isn’t just upward; it’s exponential, promising a future where he might don the crown of football royalty.
And still only 24 years old, he still has so much time to mature and evolve his game. And that, is frightening.
3. Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, has been the epitome of consistency and excellence in the midfield.
His ability to carve open defenses with his visionary passes and strike the ball with venom makes him a dual threat that has been pivotal in Manchester City’s domestic and continental pursuits.
He could be the best middle man in the world right now. But every Robin needs a Batman, and that man is Erling Haaland who has taken the league by storm. And a big part of that is the passing ability of Kevin De Bruyne.
4. Erling Haaland
A name synonymous with raw power and clinical finishing, Erling Haaland has been a force of nature in front of goal.
His physicality, paired with a ruthless goal-scoring instinct, has seen him ascend rapidly among the ranks, becoming one of the most feared strikers in the world.
And the 6’5 Viking is still only just 23 years old. Haaland joined Man City last season and lead them to the triple, but this is still just the start of his career.
And who knows how far this Norwegian will go…
5. Harry Kane
English talisman Harry Kane has continued to evolve, not just as a striker but as a comprehensive forward.
His goal-scoring record is exemplary, but it’s his ability to drop deep, create plays, and assist that has added a multifaceted dimension to his game, making him a linchpin for club and country.
He can finish almost any ball that comes to him, and when he steps up to the penalty spot, you can rest assured it is smashing into the back of the net.
6. Karim Benzema
Benzema has been Real Madrid’s silent guardian and ever-reliable forward, consistently delivering in crucial moments.
His finesse, intelligence, and ability to score from nearly any situation was instrumental in keeping Madrid’s forward line potent and lethal.
However he has moved to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Arabia wave so many players been riding.
He has had an illustrious career and has had some incredible moments. Now he’s getting a paycheck will still performing like the best in the world.
7. Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski, has been a synonym for goals.
His impeccable positioning, aerial ability, and sharpshooting have seen him shatter records and remain one of the most prolific strikers in the world, continuing to be the spearhead of Bayern Munich’s attack.
After Barcelona he has continued his aggressive goal scoring playstyle and lead the teams to wins after wins.
Although nearing the end of his career, Lewandowski is still a top 10 football player.
8. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has blossomed into one of the brightest young talents in the footballing world.
His dribbling, pace, and improved finishing have made him a constant threat on the wing, providing Real Madrid with youthful exuberance and dynamic attacking options.
He’s a social media superstar and a complete baller. Vinny Jr is the future of football. Enjoy the show as you watch this young man evolve into a football legend.
9. Luka Modric
The Croatian magician, Luka Modric, continues to defy age, orchestrating play with his sublime control, visionary passing, and strategic acumen.
Modric has been a timeless maestro in the midfield, weaving plays that are both effective and aesthetically splendid.
And his loyalty to Real Madrid is inspiring.
He has been through every era of Real Madrid football and continues to be a midfielding maestro that you can always trust with the ball.
10. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham, the young English midfielder, has showcased maturity and skill well beyond his years.
His ability to control the tempo of the game, break up play, and contribute offensively has made him a gem in the midfield, promising a future where he could potentially ascend to be one of the greats in the sport.
From Birmingham to the Bernabeu, Jude Bellingham has shown what is possible when you chase your dreams.
And he is still only 20 years old… And he is already a man against boys.
In a world where the ball dances to the tunes of these maestros, the 2023/24 season has been a testament to skill, strategy, and moments that will be etched into the annals of football history.
These players have not just performed; they have enthralled, ensuring their legacies will resonate through time.
Honourable Mentions
Cristiano Ronaldo
A name that has become synonymous with relentless pursuit of greatness, Cristiano Ronaldo, even beyond his prime, continues to defy the norms, showcasing a level of fitness and goal-scoring prowess that remains crucial for whichever team he graces. His dedication, unmatched athleticism, and lethal finishing have cemented his place as one of the greatest footballers in history.
Neymar
Neymar Jr., with his dazzling footwork, flair for the dramatic, and an innate ability to change the course of a game, has been a spectacle in the footballing world. His journey from the streets of Brazil to becoming one of the most marketable footballers globally is a testament to his skill, charisma, and impact on and off the pitch.
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian King, as adoringly called by fans, Mohamed Salah has been a revelation since his ascent in the Premier League. His speed, agility, and remarkable consistency in front of goal have not only brought him individual accolades but have also been pivotal in Liverpool’s domestic and international successes in recent years.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a linchpin for Manchester United, orchestrating plays, scoring, and assisting with a level of consistency that has seen him become one of the Premier League's standout performers. His leadership, vision, and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made him an indispensable asset to his team and a player worthy of recognition among the elites.
Football Packages with Above + Beyond
FAQs about the Best Football Players
Who is the No 1 player of football history?
Determining the number 1 player in football history is subjective and often influenced by personal biases and the era one has witnessed. Names like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo often surface in this discussion due to their incredible achievements and impact on the game.
Who is the best man footballer in the world?
As of the 2023/24 season, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Kevin De Bruyne are frequently highlighted due to their consistent, top-tier performances. However, the "best" is often subjective and can vary based on personal preferences and specific criteria like goal-scoring, assisting, or overall influence on matches.
Who is the richest footballer?
As of the last few years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been among the richest footballers, with massive earnings from their respective clubs and numerous endorsement deals. Other players like Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe are also among the highest earners in the sport.
Who is better: Messi or Ronaldo?
The Messi vs. Ronaldo debate has been ongoing for over a decade, with fans and pundits alike divided. Both have distinct playing styles and have dominated the football world with their incredible skills and goal-scoring records. The "better" player is subjective and often comes down to personal preference.
Who is better than Messi?
While Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, discussions about being "better" could involve legends like Pelé or Maradona, or contemporaries like Cristiano Ronaldo, depending on personal biases and the criteria used for evaluation.
Who is the king of football all time?
The title "King of Football" has been associated with legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona. Different eras have seen different kings, making it a challenging title to definitively assign.
Who is the goat: Messi or Ronaldo?
The "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) debate between Messi and Ronaldo is one of the most divisive in football. Both have staggering statistics and have achieved immense success throughout their careers. Preferences often boil down to personal biases or the specific qualities one values in a player.
Who is No 3 football king?
If we consider Messi and Ronaldo as 1 and 2 (in no particular order), names like Neymar, Andrés Iniesta, or Xavi Hernández might be considered for the No. 3 spot based on their impact on the game, skills, and contributions to their respective teams.
Who is the real GOAT in football history?
The "real GOAT" in football history is subjective and varies from person to person. Names that commonly appear in this discussion include Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, each having showcased exceptional talent and achieved remarkable success in their era.
Who has more records: Messi or Ronaldo?
Messi and Ronaldo both hold numerous records. While Messi holds records such as the most goals for a single club and the most Ballon d'Or wins, Ronaldo has records like the most goals in the UEFA Champions League. They both have a plethora of records to their names, and comparing them can often be a complex task.
Who is the penalty missed king in football?
While the term "penalty missed king" isn't widely recognized, notable players have missed crucial penalties in their careers. Roberto Baggio’s miss in the 1994 World Cup final is often remembered, but it's essential to note that even the greatest like Messi and Ronaldo have missed penalties in crucial moments.
Who is better: Ronaldo or Neymar or Messi?
The comparison between Ronaldo, Neymar, and Messi is multifaceted, given their different playing styles and strengths. Messi is celebrated for his incredible playmaking and goal-scoring, Ronaldo for his athleticism and remarkable goal record, and Neymar for his flair, skill moves, and creative play. "Better" is subjective and can depend on team allegiance, personal preference, and the specific criteria being considered.