Top 10 Greatest Football Players Of All Time in the 21st Century

Football has seen a lot of the greatest players over the years, and it is hard to rate the top 10. Today, and 20 years later, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will surely make the list. The impact of the players on their teams and living up to their potential make every footballer enter the list of the greatest.

When we talk about the greatest footballers, you surely can’t rule out players like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Sir Bobby Charlton, Ferenc Puskás, Gerd Müller, Lev Yashin, and many more. Football has changed over the recent years, and players have adapted very well. The intensity and competitiveness level have increased.

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Top 10 Greatest Football Players in the 21st Century

10. Paolo Maldini

His 25 years of football came to an end in 2009. Maldini is said to be the greatest defender ever. He was the leader and nightmare for the strikers. Paolo played as a left centre and centre back throughout his career.

Full Name	Paolo Cesare Maldini
Date of Birth	June 26, 1968
Place of Birth	Milan, Italy
Height	1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position	Left-back, Centre-back
Current Role	Co-owner of Miami FC, Former Sporting Director at AC Milan
International Career	Italy National Team (1988–2002)

9. Xavi

Xavi, the Barcelona midfielder, has been one of the pillars of FC Barcelona’s team. He was known for his deep line playmaking and accurate passing. Xavi played more of a defensive role. He also coached FC Barcelona recently.

Full Name	Xavier Hernández Creus
Date of Birth	January 25, 1980
Place of Birth	Terrassa, Spain
Height	1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position	Midfielder
Current Role	Manager of FC Barcelona
International Career	Spain National Team (2000–2014)

8. Thierry Henry

The French striker was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and clinical finishing abilities. Especially a threat for the defenders to play against. He was the leader of the team and set a tone for his team with his work ethic.

Full Name	Thierry Daniel Henry
Date of Birth	August 17, 1977
Place of Birth	Les Ulis, France
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position	Forward
Current Role	Football Pundit and Coach
International Career	France National Team (1997–2010)

7. Sergio Busquets

If anyone wants to understand what football is, they have to watch Sergio Busquets. He controlled the tempo of the games, proving that it doesn’t matter if you don’t have pace or a physically strong build-up, your brain is what you need.

Full Name	Sergio Busquets Burgos
Date of Birth	July 16, 1988
Place of Birth	Sabadell, Spain
Height	1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position	Defensive Midfielder
Current Club	Inter Miami
Club Jersey Number	5
International Career	Spain National Team (2009–2022)

6. Luka Modric

Luka Modric stopped the dominance of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi over winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018. It was the first time since 2008 that a different player won the award apart from Messi and Ronaldo.

Full Name	Luka Modrić
Date of Birth	September 9, 1985
Place of Birth	Zadar, Croatia
Height	1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Position	Central Midfielder
Current Club	Real Madrid
Club Jersey Number	10
International Career	Croatia National Team (since 2006)

5. Andrés Iniesta

Everyone remembers the goal he scored in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but this is just one thing. Iniesta was just close to the Ballon d’Or, but unfortunately, he didn’t win. He was known for his exceptional technical ability, vision, and composure.

Full Name	Andrés Iniesta Luján
Date of Birth	May 11, 1984
Place of Birth	Fuentealbilla, Spain
Height	1.71 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position	Midfielder
Current Role	Retired Footballer
International Career	Spain National Team (2006–2018)

4. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho is said to be the greatest Brazilian player in the 21st century. His silky moves to get past defenders are what people still remember about the winger.

Full Name	Ronaldo de Assis Moreira
Date of Birth	March 21, 1980
Place of Birth	Porto Alegre, Brazil
Height	1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position	Attacking Midfielder, Left Winger
Current Role	Football Ambassador
International Career	Brazil National Team (1999–2013)

3. Zinedine Zidane

Zidane is said to be the Greatest Midfielder of All Time. The famous goal he scored in the Champions League final for Real Madrid against Leverkusen. Zidane also managed Real Madrid and made them win the three-peat in the Champions League.

Full Name	Zinedine Yazid Zidane
Date of Birth	June 23, 1972
Place of Birth	Marseille, France
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position	Attacking Midfielder
Current Role	Former Manager of Real Madrid
International Career	France National Team (1994–2006)

2. Lionel Messi

Coming from La Masia to become one of the greatest ever to play the game. The World Cup winner has won every possible trophy for both club and country. He spent the majority of his career at FC Barcelona; currently, he plays for Inter Miami in the MLS.

Full Name	Lionel Andrés Messi
Date of Birth	June 24, 1987
Place of Birth	Rosario, Argentina
Height	1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Position	Forward
Current Club	Inter Miami
Club Jersey Number	10
International Career	Argentina National Team (since 2005)

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player ever, as he has proved himself in three different leagues and dominated all of them. He is currently on 933 senior goals and is aiming to score 1000 goals. Next year would be his last chance to fulfill his dream of winning the World Cup.

Full Name	Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Date of Birth	February 5, 1985
Place of Birth	Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Height	1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position	Forward
Current Club	Al-Nassr
Club Jersey Number	7
International Career	Portugal National Team (since 2003)