Now there is constant debates on who are the best soccer players in the world, and everyone has the right to their own opinion. So here’s mine. I’m basing my views on player productivity in big games and overall domination over the past year.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovich
Who he is: Ibrahimovich is a Swedish striker, who plays for the L.A. Galaxy in the Major League Soccer, the top division in the United States. He plays striker, and is known for scoring many miraculous goals for both country and club.
Why he’s here: He moved to the MLS after leaving Europe where he previously played for many top club teams including, Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United. In his first 24 starts at L.A. Galaxy, he scored 22 goals, showing his domination in yet another division.
4. Eden Hazard
Who he is: Hazard is a left winger, from Belgium. He plays for Chelsea, leading them to third place in the English Premier League and a bid to the Champions League next fall. He is known for his ball control and being able to take over games.
Why he’s here: Chelsea has consistently struggled, especially against lower level teams even though they are ranked high in their league. But, when the game is on the line Hazard will put the game on his back week in and week out to provide winning goals. He has scored every 71 minutes for Chelsea last season. He also led Belgium to the World Cup semi-final last summer.
3. Neymar
Who he is: Neymar has one of the biggest names in world football. Known for his playmaking ability and speed, this Brazilian winger has nothing more to prove to fans. Playing for Paris Saint Germain, the best team in all of France, and for Brazil, he has showed outstanding ability to outplay some of the best opponents.
Why he’s here: He led Brazil to the quarterfinals of the World Cup last summer, providing crucial goals in the group stages. His ability to get around defenders is unmatched to anyone else in the world. He also has scored or had an assist every 65 minutes for PSG in his last season there.
2. Lionel Messi
Who he is: Lionel Messi has been a top 3 player in the world for the last 10 years. He has won 5 ballon D’Ors (player of the year award), many league titles. He is a right winger from Argentina who plays for Barcelona, the best team in Spain. He is known for being creative on and off the ball and his 1-on-1 attacking ability.
Why he’s here: Many people would say he is the best player in the world. But again, these are all just opinions. He will go down in history as one of the best players to ever play the game. The only reason I don’t have him at the number one spot is his inconsistency. Even though his statistics might be far better than anyone else’s, in big club games and the World Cup, he fails to deliver, missing penalty kicks, or putting the games on his shoulders when he should be more of a teammate.
1. Christiano Ronaldo
Who he is: Ronaldo is a Portuguese forward, who plays for Juventus, Italy’s best team. He has won 5 Ballon D’Ors in the last 11 years, also winning the Champions League 5 times, UEFA European Championship, and 6 league titles on three different teams. He is known for his signature skill moves, and being able to score in any way.
Why he’s here: Why I think he should be at this number one spot over Messi is pretty simple. Both hold many records for titles, and having crazy statistics, but his ability to deliver when his team needs it most is unmatched. In the World Cup, unlike Messi, when Portugal faced Spain they needed a win. Ronaldo scored all three goals to savor a much needed point in the group stage to advance to the next round. He also has saved Juventus from early exits from the Champions League in just his first year. When the game is on the line, he is your man. And no one can do it better.
The 91st minute 