Who is the best player of the 21st century: Top 8 soccer superstars
Who is the best player of the 21st century? Over the past two decades, world football has witnessed the emergence and development of many outstanding talents. From exquisite moves, superb techniques to superb scoring ability, many players have left an indelible mark. However, when discussing the title of “best player of the 21st century”, the debate often revolves around names like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and a few other legends. Today, let’s learn about the best football superstars of the 21st century with Kingsoccertips.com through the article below!
Who is the best player of the 21st century?
1. Lionel Messi – Who is the best player of the 21st century
Lionel Messi has built a great career with a series of incredible achievements. He has won 10 LaLiga championships, 7 Copa del Rey championships, 4 Champions League championships and 6 Champions League top scorers. In addition, Messi has also been selected 17 times in the FIFA FIFPro World XI, won the World Cup, won the Copa América twice and won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice. In particular, with 8 Golden Balls, he has broken the record in football history. Messi is also the player who scored the most goals for Barcelona (672 goals) and the Argentina national team (109 goals).
Messi winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 is probably one of the most beautiful endings that football has ever witnessed, like coming out of a Hollywood movie. After the bitter defeat in the 2014 final, it seemed that the World Cup dream would be far away for Messi. However, at the age of 34, he reached the peak of his career, scoring two goals in the final when Argentina defeated France on penalties. This victory not only affirmed Messi’s legendary status but also sparked emotions and joy all over the world.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Who is the best player of the 21st century
Cristiano Ronaldo is the epitome of success and ambition in football. He has won 5 Ballons d’Or, 5 Champions League titles, 3 Premier League titles, 2 LaLiga titles and 2 Serie A titles. In addition, Ronaldo also holds the world record for the most international goals scored by a man, reaching 130 goals – an incredible milestone in football history.
The story of Cristiano Ronaldo is not only the story of an outstanding athlete, but also a testament to relentless motivation and will. Ronaldo once said: “If you don’t believe you are the best, you will never achieve all that you are capable of.” Throughout more than two decades at the top of football, he has lived up to that belief and continuously proven himself through outstanding performances, leaving an indelible legacy in the history of the king of sports.
3. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is one of the most complete and successful players in football history. He has won every major honour, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Champions League, Club World Cup and top tournaments such as the Premier League (twice), LaLiga (twice), Ligue 1, FA Cup (twice) and Copa del Rey.
Thierry Henry was not only a talented player but also revolutionised the role of the number 9 striker. With his ideal height, explosive speed, outstanding strength, sharp tactical thinking and charismatic style, he represented a generation of modern strikers. One of the most memorable achievements of Henry’s career was leading Arsenal through the entire 2003-2004 Premier League season unbeaten – a feat that has never been repeated in modern English football history. With goals that left a strong personal mark, Henry left an unforgettable legacy, becoming a symbol not only of Arsenal but also of world football.
4. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest players in football history, with a huge list of achievements including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Champions League, LaLiga, two Serie A titles, Ballon d’Or and Intercontinental Cup. These titles not only affirm his outstanding talent but also prove Zidane’s great influence in both club and national team.
Zidane turned football into an art with his elegant playing style, superb technique and boundless creativity. He is remembered for his double against Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, contributing to the championship for France. But perhaps the most memorable moment of his career was his stunning volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final, a stunning strike with his weaker foot that fans consider a symbol of perfection. Zidane was not just a player, but a true artist on the pitch.
5. Luka Modric
Luka Modric is one of the best players in the world, with an impressive record throughout his career. He has won the Ballon d’Or, six Champions Leagues, four LaLiga titles, and is the most capped player for Croatia. Modrić also reached the World Cup final with Croatia, helping the team achieve a historic feat. He has also won numerous trophies with Real Madrid, becoming one of the most important players in the club’s history.
Modrić is known not only for his excellent ball control and creative play, but also for his tenacity and perseverance, which has allowed him to maintain his peak form over the years. His success, both at club and international level, has cemented Modrić’s place among the greats of modern football.
6. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe, one of the brightest talents in world football, has achieved impressive success at a very young age. He has won the World Cup, seven Ligue 1 titles and four Coupe de France titles. These achievements have confirmed Mbappe excellence for both club and country.
Mbappe has followed the path of a footballing prodigy, making his professional debut at 16, scoring his first goal at 17, playing for France at 18 and winning the World Cup at 19 – an incredible feat that few players can achieve. His move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid this summer promises to take Mbappe career to the next level, further cementing his status as the rightful successor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the next generation of great players.
7. Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta is one of the great legends of world football, with a huge list of achievements including a World Cup, two European Championships, four Champions Leagues, nine LaLiga titles and a Ballon d’Or runner-up. Iniesta is not only famous for his titles but also a symbol of sophistication and ingenuity in his playing style.
On July 11, 2010, Iniesta changed the history of Spanish football forever. In the World Cup final in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the match tied at 0-0 and entering extra time, Iniesta received a perfect pass from Cesc Fabregas and fired the ball into the net of the Netherlands, helping Spain win 1-0. This shot not only brought Spain their first and only World Cup, but also made Iniesta the most beloved hero in the hearts of Spanish football fans.
8. Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez is one of the greatest players in football history, with a glorious career full of trophies. He won the World Cup, two European Championships, two Champions Leagues and eight LaLiga titles. However, it was not only the trophies but also Xavi’s style of play that created a unique legacy in football.
Xavi had many memorable moments in his career. One of the most famous victories was the “El Clasico” between Barcelona and Real Madrid, a 6-2 victory, in which Xavi contributed to four goals. Or his masterful performance in the 2009 Champions League final, when he provided the pass for Lionel Messi to open the scoring.
His best performances were also evident in Spain’s 4-0 win over Italy at Euro 2012, when Xavi’s tiki-taka was masterminded to perfection. But if he had to pick a season that stood out, it would be 2008-09, when Xavi registered 20 assists in 35 La Liga games, cementing himself as the greatest passer of all time.
Conclusion
Above, we have introduced to you who is the best player of the 21st century, who have contributed to the glory of world football with their talent and tireless dedication. Each player has his own mark, creating memorable moments and intense emotions for fans. No matter who you are impressed with, the important thing is that all have been and are enriching the legacy of the king sport. Continue to love football and wait for new miracles from the next generation of players!
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