As the new season dawns on us, football fans all over the World are gearing up for yet another scintillating season of the beautiful game, the game that transcends boundaries, touches lives and creates stars out of the common man. Skills and hard work are appreciated all over the World for athletes in different sports, but footballers have a special status quo that is second to none. And that is why, we list down the Top 10 Footballers in the World right now.
10. Raheem Sterling
It might be tough choice between Sterling and Kane in this spot, but Sterling gets the nod ahead of the England striker because of his exploits in the season gone by. Sterling has improved by leaps and bounds under Pep Guardiola and one cannot underestimate his value to the City setup. He is wanted by Real and Bayer, and rightly so.
9. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva had a not-so-great World Cup with Portugal in Russia 2018, but things changed for him when he returned to England and Manchester City. Pep Guardiola was handicapped with injuries to key figures Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva through the season and that’s where Bernardo grabbed his opportunity and shone. He was spectacular in a number of positions throughout the season, a joy to watch in City’s domestic treble campaign.
8. Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch defender has been a revelation for Liverpool at the back since he’s signed for the Reds. Rock solid at the back, he gives Jurgen Klopp’s side the assurance to attack on all fronts. Van Dijk has also been responsible for the Dutch national team resurgence under Danny Blind, where he partners Ajax wonder kid and captain de Ligt in central defense.
7. Joao Felix
Joao Felix was snapped up by Atletico Madrid at 142 million in a bid to improve their attacking options. So good is the 19 year old Portuguese starlet, clubs of the stature of Atletico, Bayern, City, Real, United and even PSG were fighting for his signature. His skills and range of passing coupled with his vision are exactly what makes him one of the best players in the World right now.
6. Allison Becker
The only goalkeeper in this list, Brazil and Liverpool’s No.1 deserves mention for what he is worth. Recently a Copa America winner with Brazil, Allison was outstanding all season for the Reds in their race to 2nd spot in the Premier League and Champions League glory. If there is one match that defines Allison this season, it is his performance against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Semifinal victory.
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5. Eden Hazard
Real Madrid’s latest Galactico, Eden Hazard leaves Chelsea with a legendary tag to his name. The Belgium skipper carried the team to the Semis of the World Cup in Russia before he worked wonders in Sarri’s system at Chelsea and almost single-handedly gave Chelsea a third place finish and the Europa League.
4. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe is the most exciting talent in World football right now and guess what! He’s got a World Cup Winners’ medal to his name. Mbappe was clinical in France’s surge to the 2018 FIFA World Cup dominance in Russia. The self-proclaimed CR7 fan tore apart defenses and set a benchmark for generations to come.
3. Mohammed Salah
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The Egyptian prince has won hearts of fans whoever you may support. He is a story of resilience, of determination and of patience. From being carried off in tears in the last Champions League Final to finally lifting the trophy with Liverpool in Madrid, Salah is no one-season wonder. And there is more to come from him, as you might well have guessed.
2. Lionel Messi
The season might have ended badly for La Pulga, with Argentina crashing out of the Copa America at the hands of bitter rivals Brazil, but Leo Messi’s form and talent even today is unparalleled. He had an exceptional season yet again with Barcelona, missing out only on the Champions League crown this time.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese goal machine has aged gloriously and is showing no signs of stopping. A Champions League specialist, his performance for Juventus to come back from 2-0 down in the first leg of the Champions League Quarterfinals to scoring a hat trick for Juventus was one of his best, and the season’s best UCl performances. Even at this age, he’s simply unstoppable.