ESPN’s Top 25 Players of the 21st Century – Full List
Football fans worldwide have been debating greatness for years, and now ESPN has officially ranked the top 25 players of the 21st century. While Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead the way, the list features legends from different eras, each leaving an unforgettable mark on the game.
🏆 The Top 25 Players of the 21st Century
1️⃣ Lionel Messi 🇦🇷
The undisputed GOAT? Messi’s incredible dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability have defined modern football. From Barcelona to PSG and now Inter Miami, his greatness remains unmatched.
2️⃣ Cristiano Ronaldo 🇵🇹
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Champions League king, and goal-scoring machine. CR7’s dominance in England, Spain, and Italy proves his versatility and longevity.
3️⃣ Thierry Henry 🇫🇷
A Premier League icon, Henry was unplayable at his peak. His Arsenal “Invincibles” era and Barcelona triumph cement his legacy.
4️⃣ Zinedine Zidane 🇫🇷
The magician who made football look effortless. Zidane’s 2002 Champions League final volley and 1998 World Cup heroics are unforgettable.
5️⃣ Luka Modric 🇭🇷
A midfield maestro who broke Messi and Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or dominance. Modric’s vision and longevity have been key to Real Madrid’s success.
6️⃣ Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷
The youngest player on this list, but already a World Cup winner and goal-scoring phenom. His speed and finishing make him the heir to football’s throne.
7️⃣ Andres Iniesta 🇪🇸
The silent genius behind Spain’s golden era. Scored the 2010 World Cup-winning goal and was the heartbeat of Barcelona’s tiki-taka.
8️⃣ Xavi 🇪🇸
The architect of Barcelona and Spain’s dominance. His passing accuracy and football IQ made him a generational talent.
9️⃣ Ronaldo Nazario 🇧🇷
A two-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest strikers ever. Injuries limited him, but his peak was unstoppable.
🔟 Ronaldinho 🇧🇷
The entertainer of football. His skill, flair, and joy made millions fall in love with the game.
🔟+ The Rest of the List
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic 🇸🇪
- Kevin De Bruyne 🇧🇪
- Toni Kroos 🇩🇪
- Sergio Ramos 🇪🇸
- Carles Puyol 🇪🇸
- Karim Benzema 🇫🇷
- Sergio Busquets 🇪🇸
- Robert Lewandowski 🇵🇱
- Kaka 🇧🇷
- Neymar Jr 🇧🇷
- Andrea Pirlo 🇮🇹
- Wayne Rooney 🏴
- Patrick Vieira 🇫🇷
- Luis Suárez 🇺🇾
- Gianluigi Buffon 🇮🇹
🔥 Debate Time: Who’s Missing?
Some big names are left out—where’s Mohamed Salah? What about Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, or even Didier Drogba? The debate never ends!
