Football is not just a sport, it is an emotion for many. Many sportsmen are inspirations who defied the odds and earned a title in this crowded world. In this article, we will tell you about the top 10 footballers in the world. These players made a mark in this world and proved that no matter what everyone says, if you love something and dare to give it your 100 per cent, then you are limitless.
As Albert Einstein once said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts”, These players proved that they didn’t stop by failures.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese professional footballer, is known for scoring the most number of goals. He is the captain of two teams- the Saudi Professional League club Al Nassr and the Portuguese National Team.
Ronaldo made his debut at the age of 18 in Portugal. He also earned several awards and titles like best Portuguese player of all time, solver boot, five Ballon d’Or awards, 32 trophies, La Liga titles, Copas del Ray titles, Serie A titles, and more.
2. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland, a Norwegian professional footballer, is well-known in the football world for his speed and positioning on the football pitch. He plays for the Norwegian international team and Manchester City for €60 million.
Haaland became the first teenager in the 2019–2020 session to score five consecutive goals in the UEFA Champions League with Salzburg. He also won the tournament’s golden boot in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup by scoring nine goals in a single match.
3. Harry Kane
Harry Edward Kane, an English professional footballer, is well-known as a great striker and goal scorer. Kane captains the England national team and plays for Tottenham Hotspur.
In Tottenham Hotspur, he began his career when he was 16 years old, before getting promoted to the senior team. When he was a captain, he led England to number 4 in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, winning the golden boot for top scorer. Moreover, he also led England to the runner-up position at the UEFA Euro.
4. Karim Benzema
Karim Mustafa Benzema is a French footballer, well-known as a great striker for his Technical skills on the football pitch. Karim was one of the top scorers at Real Madrid before joining the Saudi professional league club Al-Itihad. Karim has also won the title of France’s sixth-highest all-time goal scorer.
The Ballon d’Or was also awarded to Benzema, he was the sixth French player to receive it. He was also awarded the UEFA Player of the Year and more. He announced his international retirement in December 2022.
5. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne, a Belgian professional footballer, is one of the best midfielders. Kevin plays for Manchester City and captains the Belgian national team.
Kevin won a great number of awards and titles as well, like Premier League Player of the Session, PFA Players’ Player of the Year, UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the Season, Footballer of the Year, Belgian Sportsman of the Year, and more.
6. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé Lottin, a French footballer, is known for his speed, dribbling skills, and finishing on the football pitch. He not only captains the French national team but also plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Mbappé‘s career took off when he won the League 1 title in Monaco. In 2017, he moved to PSG for €180 million and became the most expensive teenage player.
On international grounds, he played an important role in France’s World Cup victory in 2018 and even set records in the 2022 World Cup.
7. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, an Argentine professional footballer, is often regarded as one of the best footballers in the world. He captains the Argentina national team and the Inter-Miami Club.
At the age of 22, Messi won his first Ballon d’Or, and till now he has a record-breaking seven Ballon d’Or awards. In addition to that, he has won six golden shoes, been named as the Ballon d’Or dream team, la Liga titles, Copa del Rey titles, the Uefa Champions League four times and the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
8. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian professional footballer, is well known for his great finishing, speed, and dribbling. Salah captains the Egypt national team and plays for Liverpool as well.
In 2017, he joined Liverpool for £36.9 million and helped Liverpool reach the finals of the 2018 UEFA Champions League. On international grounds, he played a major role in Egypt’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He has won several awards and titles, like the 2017 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament, CAF Most Promising African Talent in 2012, and more.
9. Neymar
Neymar da Silva Santos Junior is a Brazilian footballer who is considered one of the best players in the world as well as the greatest Brazilian footballer. He plays for the Brazilian national team and Paris Saint-Germain.
He became one of the most expensive players as he transferred to PSG for €222 million. And Neymar didn’t disappoint; he helped PSG win the title and got the team into the championship finals despite the injuries he suffered. He was also awarded the FIF Pukas Award, Olympic medals, and more. He is also regarded as the world’s fourth-most famous athlete in 2016.
10. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski, a professional Polish footballer, is regarded as one of the best strikers; he is also considered good at positioning as well as finishing. Being the captain of Poland’s national team, he also plays for Barcelona.
He began his football career at Znicz Pruszków and Lech Pozna and later moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2010. In 2022, he won the Supercopa de Espana, the La Liga title, and the Pichichi Trophy in his debut session with Barcelona.
