Who is the best player of the 21st century?

Over the past two decades, the football world has witnessed the emergence and brilliance of a series of talented stars. From exquisite ball handling, top-notch techniques, to incredible scoring ability, many players have left a deep impression on fans. However, when it comes to the title of “greatest player of the 21st century”, the discussion often focuses on legends such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and a number of other big names. Let’s explore with Premiumsoccertips.net who is the best player of the 21st century 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 brilliant career with countless impressive achievements. He has won 10 La Liga titles, 7 Copa del Rey titles, 4 Champions League trophies, and 6 Champions League top scorer titles. In addition, Messi has also been honored 17 times in the FIFA FIFPro World XI, won the World Cup, won the Copa América twice, and received the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball twice. In particular, with 8 Golden Balls, he has set a historical record in the football world. Messi also holds the title of the player with the most goals for Barcelona (672 goals) and the Argentina national team (109 goals).

Winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina is the most glorious moment in Messi’s career, like a perfect ending from a movie. After the heartbreaking defeat in the 2014 World Cup final, many thought that his dream of winning the World Cup was out of reach. However, at the age of 34, Messi reached the pinnacle when he scored two crucial goals in the final, helping Argentina overcome France on penalties. This victory not only cemented his legendary status but also spread joy and intense emotions to millions of fans around the world.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is a symbol 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. Moreover, Ronaldo also holds the world record for the most international goals in men’s football history, with 130 goals – an extraordinary achievement.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey is not only the story of an outstanding player but also a testament to determination and strong will. He once shared: “If you don’t believe you are the best, you will never achieve what you deserve.” In more than two decades of fighting at the top, Ronaldo has proven that belief through top performances, creating an everlasting legacy in the history of the king sport.

3. Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry is one of the great players who redefined the role of the number 9 striker in modern football. Possessing an ideal height, outstanding speed, impressive strength and sharp tactical thinking, he was the perfect combination of technique and strength. Henry brought a unique style of play, becoming a model for later strikers and a symbol of beautiful football.

Who is the best player of the 21st century: Thierry Henry

One of Henry’s most outstanding achievements was leading Arsenal through the 2003-2004 Premier League season unbeaten – an unprecedented feat in the history of modern English football. His emotional goals not only contributed to Arsenal’s success but also left an indelible legacy in the hearts of fans, affirming Henry’s position as one of the legends of world football.

4. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest legends in world football, with an incredible trophy cabinet that includes the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, Champions League, LaLiga, two Serie A titles, the Ballon d’Or and the Intercontinental Cup. These achievements are not only testament to his immense talent but also to the profound influence Zidane has had on both club and international level.

Who is the best player of the 21st century: Zinedine Zidane

Zidane elevated football to an art form with his elegant style of play, superb technique and boundless creativity. He is remembered for his brilliant header against Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, which helped France win the title on home soil. Another memorable moment in his career was his spectacular volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final, a goal that is considered a symbol of elegance and perfection. Zidane was not only a player, but also an artist, leaving an indelible mark on the field.

5. Luka Modric

Luka Modrić is one of the greatest players in the world, with a brilliant career and an enviable collection of trophies. He has won the Ballon d’Or, contributed to six Champions League titles, four LaLiga titles, and is the player with the most appearances in the history of the Croatian national team. In particular, Modrić led the Croatian team to the World Cup final, marking a historic milestone for the country’s football. He also played a key role in many successes of Real Madrid, making his name in the club’s history.

Who is the best player of the 21st century: Luka Modric

Modrić is known for his skillful ball control, creative play, and ability to dominate the midfield. Not only is he outstanding for his talent, he also impresses with his tenacity and strong will, which has helped him maintain excellent form over the years. Modrić’s achievements at both club and national team level have affirmed him as one of the legends of modern football.

6. Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe, one of the most outstanding young stars in modern football, has achieved incredible success at an early age. He has won the World Cup, seven Ligue 1 titles and four Coupe de France titles. These achievements have affirmed Mbappe’s outstanding talent at both club and national team level.

Mbappe began his journey as a football prodigy with memorable milestones: making his professional debut at the age of 16, scoring his first goal at 17, playing for the national team at 18 and becoming a World Cup champion at 19. These are feats that few people can achieve. His move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid this summer was expected to take his career to the next level, cementing Mbappe’s status as a global football icon and the perfect successor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the next generation of great players.

7. Andres Iniesta

Andres Iniesta is one of the greatest players in football history, with a host of prestigious titles including a World Cup, two European Championships, four Champions Leagues, nine LaLiga titles, and a Ballon d’Or runner-up. Iniesta is remembered not only for his outstanding achievements but also for his refined, skillful and inspiring playing style, becoming a symbol of art on the pitch.

July 11, 2010 was an unforgettable milestone in Spanish football history. In the World Cup final in Johannesburg, when the match entered extra time and the score was still 0-0, Iniesta received a pass from Cesc Fabregas and fired the decisive shot, bringing a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands. This goal not only helped Spain win the World Cup for the first time but also deeply engraved Iniesta’s image as an eternal hero in the hearts of Spanish fans.

8. Xavi Hernandez

Xavi Hernandez is considered one of the greatest legends in football, with a brilliant career and a series of noble titles. He won the World Cup, two European championships, two Champions Leagues and eight LaLiga titles. However, what made Xavi famous was not only the titles but also the artistic style of play and the ability to control the game masterfully.

Who is the best player of the 21st century: Xavi Hernandez

Xavi has left many memorable moments in his career. In the legendary “El Clasico” match when Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 6-2, he contributed four assists. Or in the 2009 Champions League final, his perfect pass helped Lionel Messi score an important goal. One of Xavi’s top performances was in the Euro 2012 final, where Spain crushed Italy 4-0 with the perfect tiki-taka style of play led by him. If I had to pick one season that stood out, it would be 2008-09, when Xavi made 20 assists in 35 La Liga games, establishing himself as the all-time passing master.

Conclusion

Here we have introduced the greatest players of the 21st century, who have devoted their talents and tireless efforts to bring glory to world football. Each player has left their own mark, created unforgettable moments and created strong emotions for fans. No matter who you are impressed with, the important thing is that they have all contributed to enriching the legacy of the king of sports. Continue to be passionate about football and look forward to new miracles from the next generation of players!