In the 21st century, football has seen a revolution in terms of tactics, fitness, and technology. However, amidst these advancements, a question resonates among fans, pundits, and experts: Who is the best player of the 21st century? While opinions may vary, a few names dominate this debate, notably Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and a select group of other exceptional talents. This article of Win Tips Bet will explore their achievements, impact, and why they are considered the greatest of this era.
Who is the best player of the 21st century?
1, Lionel Messi
Who is the best player of the 21st century? Lionel Messi's illustrious career is a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication, making him one of the greatest footballers in the game's history. From his early days in Argentina to his rise as a global icon at Barcelona, Messi has continually redefined excellence on the pitch. At just 17 years old, he made his competitive debut for Barcelona in 2004, marking the beginning of a journey that would see him break records and capture the hearts of millions.
Messi's list of accomplishments is staggering: 10 La Liga titles, six Ballon d'Or awards, four Champions League trophies, and a record six European Golden Shoes, among countless other accolades. He is Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer with 672 goals and holds the record for the most goals in La Liga with 444. For Argentina, Messi has scored over 100 goals, including some of the most memorable moments in international football.
The crowning achievement of his career came in 2022 when Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory. At the age of 34, he scored twice in the final against France, capping off a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout. It was a moment of pure triumph, completing his legacy as not just a club legend but a national hero. As Brazilian legend Ronaldo put it, Messi’s victory transcended rivalries, uniting fans worldwide in admiration of his genius.
2. Who is the best player of the 21st century? Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's career is the embodiment of extraordinary talent, unrelenting determination, and a fierce will to win. From his humble beginnings at Sporting CP to becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in history, Ronaldo’s story is one of perseverance and excellence. His journey has been defined by the belief that success begins with self-confidence, as encapsulated in his own words: "If you don't believe you are the best, then you will never achieve all that you are capable of."
Ronaldo’s list of achievements is nothing short of legendary. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner and five-time Champions League champion, he has also triumphed in the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A, winning multiple titles in each league. With a record 130 international goals, Ronaldo has cemented his status as the top scorer in the history of men’s international football. He also holds records for the most goals and assists in UEFA Champions League history—an incredible 130 goals and 40 assists.
The Portuguese icon’s career has been a testament to consistency and brilliance. Since his debut in 2002, Ronaldo has made over 1,000 professional appearances and scored more than 700 senior career goals. His accomplishments extend beyond club football, as he led Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and became the first European player to surpass 100 international goals.
3. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry redefined the role of a striker, blending grace, power, and intelligence to create a unique style that revolutionized modern football. Known for his towering presence, blistering pace, technical finesse, and unyielding determination, Henry epitomized the evolution of the number 9. His charisma and confidence on the pitch only added to his legend, making him one of the most iconic sports figures of his generation.
Henry’s career is decorated with accolades, including a FIFA World Cup title, a UEFA European Championship victory, and multiple domestic trophies across England, Spain, and France. His most remarkable achievement, however, came in the 2003-2004 season when he spearheaded Arsenal's legendary "Invincibles" campaign, leading the team to an unbeaten season in the Premier League—a feat unmatched in modern English football.
4. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane elevated football to an art form with his unparalleled elegance, technical mastery, and mesmerizing skill. Watching him play was akin to witnessing a magician at work, effortlessly weaving magic on the pitch. Zidane's unique blend of grace and control left fans and opponents alike in awe, and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments set him apart as one of the sport’s true legends.
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His career is defined by a series of iconic achievements. Zidane was instrumental in leading France to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring two unforgettable goals in the final to cement his nation's place in history. Beyond that, he lifted the UEFA European Championship trophy in 2000 and dominated European club football, winning league titles in both Serie A and La Liga. However, perhaps his most memorable moment came in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final, when Zidane scored a breathtaking volley for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen—a goal hailed as one of the greatest in football history, struck with his supposed weaker foot.
5. Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić is a symbol of elegance, consistency, and resilience in modern football, celebrated not just for his extraordinary skills on the pitch but also for his character off it. With a career marked by quiet brilliance, Modrić has been the driving force behind Real Madrid's unprecedented success over the past decade and a source of immense pride for his home country, Croatia.
The midfield maestro’s list of accomplishments speaks volumes. A Ballon d'Or winner, six-time Champions League champion, and Croatia’s most-capped player, Modrić has consistently delivered at the highest level. While his crowning moment on the international stage was leading Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018—a feat no one anticipated—his true greatness lies in his year-after-year excellence. His ability to control the tempo of a match, deliver pinpoint passes, and rise to the occasion in critical moments has solidified his place among football's elite.
6. Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé is the embodiment of a generational talent, a player who has taken the footballing world by storm with his extraordinary skills, speed, and composure far beyond his years. From a teenage sensation to one of the most dominant figures in global football, Mbappé’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
He burst onto the professional scene at just 16, scored his first goal at 17, and by 18, was representing France on the world’s biggest stage. At 19, he achieved what most players only dream of—lifting the FIFA World Cup. His historic goal in the 2018 World Cup final placed him alongside Pelé as the only teenager to score in such a match, solidifying his reputation as a prodigy destined for greatness.
Mbappé’s star continued to rise as he cemented his place among football's elite. His hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final, despite France's loss to Argentina, further demonstrated his ability to shine when it matters most. At just 25, his accomplishments already rival those of legends. Seven Ligue 1 titles, four French Cup victories, and a World Cup triumph mark the foundation of a career that promises even greater heights.
7. Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta is a name forever etched in the history of football, not only for his immense talent but also for the defining moments he created on the world stage. On July 11, 2010, he became a national hero, delivering the goal that sealed Spain's first-ever FIFA World Cup victory. In the 116th minute of the final against the Netherlands, Iniesta received a pass from Cesc Fàbregas, controlled it effortlessly, and struck a low shot past the goalkeeper, Maarten Stekelenburg. That single moment of brilliance brought euphoria to an entire nation, solidifying his place as one of football's most beloved figures.
Iniesta’s influence extended far beyond that iconic goal. As an elegant and skillful playmaker, he was the heartbeat of Spain's golden era, contributing to their consecutive UEFA European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012. At the club level, he was a linchpin of Pep Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona team, widely regarded as one of the greatest sides in football history. During his time at Barcelona, Iniesta won an incredible nine La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies, showcasing his unmatched vision, creativity, and composure on the ball.
8. Xavi Hernández
Xavi Hernández is widely celebrated as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, a maestro whose vision, precision, and intelligence redefined the art of passing. His career was marked by countless iconic moments, making it nearly impossible to single out just one. Perhaps it was his instrumental role in Barcelona's historic 6-2 victory over Real Madrid in 2009, where he provided assists for four of the goals. Or his commanding presence in the 2009 Champions League final, where his pinpoint cross set up Lionel Messi's memorable headed goal.
For many, Xavi's masterful performance in the 2011 Champions League final stands out, as Barcelona overwhelmed Manchester United 3-1, showcasing their tiki-taka dominance. Equally unforgettable was his role in Spain's emphatic 4-0 victory over Italy in the Euro 2012 final, a game that epitomized the short-passing, possession-based style of play that Xavi symbolized.
Conclusion
Above are the top 8 best players that soccer fans surely know. Who is the best player of the 21st century? However, the debate over the best player of the 21st century is likely to continue for decades. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have set standards that may never be matched, captivating fans with their unique styles and consistent brilliance. In the end, football is richer because of these players, and the question of who is the best may be less important than appreciating the magic they bring to the sport.
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