Best Football Players In The World 2021: Top Ranked

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

The year 2021 witnessed some truly remarkable footballing talent, and figuring out who the absolute best players were is always a hot topic. This article dives into the top performers of that year, highlighting their achievements, key stats, and overall impact on the beautiful game. So, who made the cut for the best football players in the world 2021? Let's break it down and celebrate the stars who lit up the pitch!

Defining "Best": What Metrics Matter?

Before we jump into the list, it's important to understand what criteria we're using to define "best." It's not just about scoring goals, though that's certainly a big part of it. We also need to consider factors like:

  • Overall Performance: Consistency throughout the year, not just flashes of brilliance.
  • Impact on the Team: How much better did the player make their team?
  • Key Stats: Goals, assists, passes, tackles, and other relevant metrics.
  • Leadership: Did the player inspire and motivate their teammates?
  • Big Game Performances: Did they deliver when it mattered most?
  • Versatility: Ability to play multiple positions or adapt to different tactical systems.

Considering all these elements, we aim to give a balanced and comprehensive view of the top football players of 2021. It’s not just about individual brilliance, but also about how that brilliance translated into team success and overall impact on the sport. The best players elevate those around them and consistently perform at the highest level, leaving a lasting mark on the game. With those criteria in mind, let's delve into the players who truly shone in 2021.

The Contenders: A Look at the Stars

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski absolutely dominated the scoring charts in 2021. The Polish striker had a sensational year with Bayern Munich, breaking Gerd MĂĽller's long-standing Bundesliga record for most goals in a single season. Lewandowski's predatory instincts in the box, combined with his clinical finishing, made him a nightmare for defenders. His goals were crucial in Bayern's continued success, and he was widely regarded as one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Lewandowski's work rate and tactical intelligence made him an invaluable asset to his team. He consistently made intelligent runs, created space for his teammates, and contributed defensively when needed. His all-around game, coupled with his remarkable goal tally, solidified his place among the elite players of 2021. Whether it was a tap-in, a powerful header, or a stunning volley, Lewandowski found the back of the net with remarkable consistency, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of his scoring ability. The stats speak for themselves, but the impact he had on Bayern Munich's dominance was immeasurable.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, even amidst a turbulent year that saw him move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, still showcased moments of absolute genius in 2021. While his transition to PSG took time, his performances for Argentina, particularly in leading them to victory in the Copa América, were truly exceptional. Messi's dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability remained top-notch, and he continued to defy defenders with his magical touch. The Copa América triumph was particularly significant, as it marked Messi's first major international trophy with Argentina, silencing many critics who had questioned his ability to replicate his club form on the international stage. Throughout the tournament, he displayed incredible leadership, scoring crucial goals and providing assists that propelled Argentina to victory. His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he inspired his teammates with his unwavering determination and passion for the game. Even in the face of adversity, Messi consistently demonstrated his unparalleled talent, reminding the world why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. The transition to a new club might have presented challenges, but his impact on the pitch remained undeniable, solidifying his place among the best in 2021.

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah was on fire for Liverpool in 2021, scoring some truly spectacular goals and consistently terrorizing defenses. His pace, skill, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat, and he played a key role in Liverpool's attacking prowess. Salah's ability to cut inside from the right wing and unleash powerful shots with his left foot became his trademark, and defenders struggled to contain his explosive bursts of pace and trickery. Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Salah's work rate and commitment to the team were also commendable. He consistently tracked back to help defend, pressed opponents relentlessly, and created opportunities for his teammates. His all-around contribution to Liverpool's success was undeniable, and he was a constant source of inspiration for his teammates and fans alike. Whether it was a stunning solo goal, a crucial assist, or a tireless defensive effort, Salah consistently delivered for Liverpool, cementing his status as one of the premier attackers in the world. His performances throughout 2021 were a testament to his dedication, talent, and unwavering desire to succeed, making him a worthy contender for the title of best player.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite his age, continued to defy expectations in 2021, showcasing his incredible goal-scoring ability and unwavering determination. Whether he was playing for Juventus or Manchester United, Ronaldo found the back of the net with remarkable consistency, proving that age is just a number. His aerial prowess, powerful shots, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat, and defenders struggled to contain his relentless pursuit of goals. Beyond his goal-scoring exploits, Ronaldo's leadership and influence on his teammates were also significant. He consistently set a high standard for himself and others, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence. His return to Manchester United generated enormous excitement among fans, and he immediately made an impact with his goals and presence on the pitch. Even in the face of criticism and scrutiny, Ronaldo remained focused on his goals, silencing doubters with his performances on the field. His dedication, work ethic, and unwavering belief in his abilities have made him one of the most iconic and successful players in the history of the game. Whether it was a stunning overhead kick, a crucial penalty, or a towering header, Ronaldo consistently delivered moments of magic in 2021, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé continued to showcase his incredible talent and potential in 2021, dazzling fans with his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability. The French forward was a constant threat for Paris Saint-Germain, terrorizing defenses with his explosive bursts of speed and intricate dribbling. Mbappé's ability to beat defenders with ease and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the world. Beyond his individual brilliance, Mbappé's tactical awareness and understanding of the game were also impressive. He consistently made intelligent runs, found space in the final third, and linked up effectively with his teammates. His performances in the Champions League were particularly noteworthy, as he showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage against the toughest opponents. At a young age, Mbappé has already achieved so much, and his potential for future success is limitless. His combination of speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his performances in 2021 solidified his status as one of the brightest stars in the game. Whether it was a stunning solo goal, a crucial assist, or a dazzling display of dribbling, Mbappé consistently delivered moments of magic, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of his talent. He absolutely deserves to be on the list of best football players in the world 2021.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, the world of football is full of talent, and many other players deserve recognition for their outstanding performances in 2021. Here are a few honorable mentions:

  • N'Golo KantĂ©: Chelsea's midfield maestro, known for his tireless work rate and ball-winning abilities.
  • Kevin De Bruyne: Manchester City's creative genius, with his exceptional passing range and vision.
  • Erling Haaland: Borussia Dortmund's prolific goal-scorer, with his incredible speed and finishing ability.
  • Karim Benzema: Real Madrid's experienced striker, who enjoyed a resurgence in form in 2021.

Conclusion: A Year of Footballing Brilliance

The year 2021 was filled with incredible footballing moments and outstanding individual performances. While it's always a debate who the absolute best player was, the names mentioned above undoubtedly represent the pinnacle of the sport. Each player brought something unique to the game, captivating audiences and inspiring fans around the world. The best football players in the world 2021 list is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication that exists within the sport, and we can only look forward to witnessing even more brilliance in the years to come. Whether it was Lewandowski's goal-scoring heroics, Messi's Copa América triumph, Salah's dazzling displays for Liverpool, Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of goals, or Mbappé's electrifying performances, 2021 was a year to remember for football fans around the globe. These players represent the best of the best, and their contributions to the game will be celebrated for years to come. So, let's raise a glass to these footballing legends and look forward to another year of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments! It was really difficult to put up a list of the best football players in the world 2021, and even with our metrics, there were so many names that could have been on the list.