Top 100 Best Footballers In the World

The best talent in the game today.



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100. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

Stylish Spaniard has adopted more of a holding role this year but has been as consistent as ever, a reliable performer, surely one of the first names on Arsene Wenger's team sheet.



99. Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid)

Scores goals at ill, overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo and may well have to leave Real Madrid before he gets the credit he richly deserves.



98. Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)

Outgrown Athletic Bilbao and likely to leave San Mames for a move that may put him on the map and help to force his way into Vicente del Bosque's national team starting line-up.



97. Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund)

Solid and dependable and a rock in the Borussia Dortmund defence. Would be far higher on this list but for his sides shaky start to the Bundsliga campaign.



96. Leandro Damiao (Internacional)

Brazilian who can not stop scoring for club and country and surely set for a European adventure sooner rather than later.



95. James Rodriguez (FC Porto)

Talented young Colombian has won two domestic titles since moving to FC Porto and is a regular provider at club and country level and a target of a number of Europe's elite.



94. Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

Barcelona keeper probably doesn't get the credit he deserves but the custodian has been the undisputed number one at the Nou Camp for to long for anyone to doubt his ability.



93. Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille)

Crafty pint sized French midfielder has been outstanding this term, helping Marseille to mount a genuine title challenge.



92. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Armenian attacker has been in amazing form since moving to the Donbass Arena



91. Pedro (Barcelona)

Tricky winger is always lively and a real handful and a player that perfectly suits Barcelona's short passing game.





90. Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG)

Former Napoli man had an uneasy start to his PSG career but the Argentine is always a threat up front and a player who should in time form an excellent partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.



89. Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich)

Battling Spaniard had to leave Athletic Bilbao to grow as a player and has adapted excellently to life in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.



87. Javier Pastore (PSG)

Was one of PSG's first tranche of 'marquee' signings and is a player always able to lay on a delightful assist or cracking goal.



86. Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donestk)

Rangy Brazilian has helped Shakhtar Donetsk build from domestic dominance into a tough side to break down in Champions League action.



85. Lucas Moura (PSG)

Young Brazilian has promised a lot in Brazil with Sao Paulo and now set to make an impact at the Parc des Princes.



84. Lukas Podolski (Arsenal)

Arsenal man has been used primarily in a wide attacking role and his comfortable ability on the ball makes him something of an ideal Arsene Wenger signing.



83. Miroslav Klose (Lazio)

Veteran German has experienced a real renaissance in Italy with Lazio, still has a lot in the tank.



82. Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen)

Young attacker is wanted man following a solid first 18 months at Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea are hopeful of snapping up the industrious 22 year old forward.



81. Paulinho (Corinthians)

Another Brazilian said to be on Chelsea's radar. Helped Corinthians to a FIFA Club World Cup triumph in Japan.





80. Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)

Solid Juventus defender has exemplified Antonio Conte's approach to winning. The Turin side have been pretty much unbeatable for 18 months and the Italian centre-back has helped to secure a clean sheet more often than not.



79. Luis Antonio Valencia (Man United)

Ecuadorian winger has returned from injury a far more effective attacker and a player that Sir Alex Ferguson rates very highly indeed. A great engine, never stops running and always ready to track back.



78. Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan)

Though Inter Milan are now very much focused on the long term the Argentine belies his 39 years, still a crucial member of the Nerazzurri set-up.



77. Mario Balotelli (Man City)

Had an excellent Euro 2012 and may have struggled to retain a spot in Roberto Mancini's Man City line-up but nonetheless on his day one of the most exciting strikers in Europe.



76. Leighton Baines (Everton)

One of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League and a player Everton dare not sell.



75. Patrice Evra (Man United)

Man United defender is perhaps not the same player he was a couple of years back but is still one of the best full-backs in the world.



74. Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)

Rock solid German defender who has been at the top of his game for the past two and a half seasons.



73. David Villa (Barcelona)

Though perhaps not used as much as he'd like the Spanish international veteran is still one of the most effective strikers in Europe. Rarely wastes a chance.



72. Daniele De Rossi (Roma)

Italian midfielder hit a low note when he was sent off in the Rome derby for punching Stefano Mauri but the Roma man is still a wanted man, just ask Roberto Mancini!



71. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

Gets more than his fair share of abuse and whilst the former Liverpool man is still yet to justify the £50m outlay the Chelsea man is beginning to get back near his best. 14 goals thus far this season.





70. Dani Alves (Barcelona)

Stylish Brazilian is now fighthing Adriano for a spot in the Barcelona starting line-up but is undoubtedly one of the best wide-men around.



69. Isco (Malaga)

Recently voted the best young talent on the planet by Tutto Sport the Malaga midfielder has a very bright future and is already making a real impact in La Liga.



68. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Consistent finisher who started his spell at Real Madrid in sedate fashion but finished last term on fire.



67. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Liverpool legend has perhaps gone off the boil in recent seasons but over the last year has continued to mature into a top class performer.



66. Javier Mascherano (Barcelona)

Battling Argentine has become a hugely important player at the Nou Camp, able to fill in at the back when needed.



65. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

Seemingly a bit part player at Stamford Bridge but still a player with great ability when called upon and could still have a part to play at Stamford Bridge.



64. Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich)

Talented young midfielder is usually at the heart of much of Bayern Munich's creative play and is beginning to forge a place in Joachim Low's national team set-up.



63. Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Talented Brazilian full-back has been out injured for a decent period but is a player young enough to recover and regain his place as one of the best wide defensive players in the world.



62. Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)

The young German agreed a move back to the Westfalenstadion in January but didn't let that affect his form at Monchengladbach, where he scored and provided assists with abandon.

The 23 year old then continued that fine form at Borussia Dortmund and became indispensable to Joachim Low at international level, a player with a bright future, an adaptable attacking talent who has had a marvelous 2012.



61. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Another player who has suffered with injuries, the young Gunners midfielder is very much the future of the North London club. Recently penned a new deal, delighting fans who realise just how much of a talent the England man is.





60. Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)

A player who provides a great deal to the Barcelona attack, great distributor and a player who works well in alongside Xavi, a man he may well end up replacing in the long term.



59. Carlos Tevez (Man City)

Had his fair share of troubles at Man City but you can't fault his scoring record and the effort he puts in when called upon.



58. Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)

A player who is renowned for his diving but is also a great unlocker of defences. The wiry Argentine is a player has great vision and weighs in with more than his fair share of assists.



57. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Still finding his feet at the Bernabeu but has already impressed Bernabeu fans with his measured displays. Tottenham still looking for an adequate replacement.



56. Ramires (Chelsea)

Brazilian makes things happen. Full of running, crunching tackler, scores crucial goals and rarely wastes possession, in many ways a perfect all round midfielder.



55. Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

Keeper has been in excellent form this season and has won over the Bayern Munich faithful who were not at first all that keen on the former Schalke custodian.



54. Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich)

Brought in to challenge Mario Gomez for the striking spot, took over the position when the German got injured, and hasn't looked back since.



53. Hernanes (Lazio)

Brazilian midfielder has been top notch at the Stadio Olimpico, great creative force for the Serie A side.



52. Oscar (Chelsea)

Young Brazilian has adapted well to life in the Premier League and has a bright future at Stamford Bridge. Capable of lighting up a game with a single touch and the type of talent that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.



51. Hulk (Zenit)

Powerhouse striker who may have gone off the boil since his move to Russia but is still a lethal customer up front.





50. Mario Gotze (Borussia Dortmund)

Stunning young talent who already has two Bundesliga titles to his name, 20 national team caps and doesn't turn 21 until next June!



49. Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Veteran full-back who may well leave Chelsea this summer, a left-back who probably had his best Blues season last term and still has plenty in the tank.



48. Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

Recently announced that he has no intention of leaving the Allianz Arena. Now into his six season at Bayern Munich with over 100 assists for the Bavarian side to his name.



47. Marek Hamsik (Napoli)

Slovakian has served Napoli well, provides able goal-scoring support to Edinson Cavani and a player the Serie A side must try to keep hold of.



46. Jordi Alba (Barcelona)

Quality wing-back who has added another angle to Barcelona's attack plan whilst also being sold on the back foot.



45. Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

Not afraid to put his head where most would not stick their feet the Barcelona man is the heartbeat of the Nou Camp defence.



44. Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan)

May well be surplus to requirements at the San Siro but that decision seems more political than footballing. Dutch master will be a much sought after property if sold by Inter Milan.



43. Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)

Veteran full-back seems to have been around for an age and is still a hugely effective player at the Allianz Arena.



42. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Spanish international has been consistent even if Real Madrid themselves have at times lost their heads at the back.



41. Willian (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Brazilian has pushed his Ukrainian side onwards and upwards but may well need to move on to fully realise his obvious potential.





40. Vincent Kompany (Man City)

Rock solid Belgian was pivotal in Man City's title success and is doing a sterling job at national team level to boot.



39. Nemanja Vidic (Man United)

Returning from injury and not a moment too soon for a Man United side that have looked a complete mess at the back. Serbian is certainly one of the best centre-backs in world football, Sir Alex Ferguson will hope to keep the defender fit and able to steady the ship.



38. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

Dutch winger has won fans over after a few glaring errors last term, ludicrously one footed but boy what a foot!



37. Christian Eriksen (Ajax)

Young Dane is a real star of the future. Has two Eredivisie titles to his name and will leave Ajax before making a huge impact at one of Europe's 'Elite'.



36. Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan)

Young Italian was given the huge task of reverting from a wide player to a striker in order to fill the void left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and has been a sterling success.



35. Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Belgian has sparked Everton into life this term and is perhaps another player who must leave his current club to really step up into a different sphere of success.



34. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)

Powerful Pole helped his side to a domestic double with 30 goals last term and has been similarly lethal this term.



33. Pepe (Real Madrid)

Improved on all levels over the past year. More solid and dependable and less liable to mad fits of rage.



32. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke)

Dutch international has taken the term goal machine to new levels. Signed a new Schalke deal to repay the club that helped to resurrect a career that had taken a dip at both Real Madrid and AC Milan.



31. Joe Hart (Man City)

Best keeper in the Premier League by a country mile and England's number one by some distance.





30. Thiago Silva (AC Milan)

If the Brazilian isn't the most in-form defender in world footballer over the course of 2012, then it would be hard to imagine who would take the crown from the former AC Milan man.

PSG spent big money to bring the centre-back to the Parc des Princes and ten clean sheets in 17 Ligue 1 games this year proves that it was worth every penny.



29. Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)

German forward rarely misses when in front of goal. Great with his head, from close range and a player who can be relied upon to put in a real shift up front.



28. Arturo Vidal (Juventus)

Former Bayer Leverkusen has grown into a midfield role alongside Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo and has become a hugely important figure in Antonio Conte's all conquering Juventus side.

The 25 year old has the tricks and turns to wow the fans but is also more often than not on hand to score crucial goals, as he did against Napoli and Roma last term.



27. Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

Welsh wizard continues to score and create chances with alarming regularity, can Tottenham keep hold of the young wide-man?



26. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich midfielder is as reliable a midfield performer as you can get. Has significantly upped his game this season to help the Allianz Arena side to a runaway lead at the top of the Bundesliga table.



25. David Luiz (Chelsea)

Has recently stepped up until a midfield role that may well suit the Brazilian better than his usual spot in the center of defence. The former Benfica man has grown into an excellent player, albeit one who can occasionally be caught out of position.



24. David Silva (Man City)

Assist-making machine was key to Roberto Mancini's Premier League title triumph. Sometimes appears to have the ball on a string.



23. Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)

Spaniard had an excellent Euro 2012 and helped Real Madrid to a La Liga title, a player who can break up opposition attacks, keep hold of the ball, drive onwards, ping a 50 yard pass to a teammates shoelaces.



22. Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid)

German flair player is perhaps Real Madrid's second most productive player and has begun to display that ability at national team level over the past year.



21. Sergio Aguero (Man City)

30 goals in his debut season at Man City, proving that his goal-scoring exploits can be replicated in any league, be it in Argentina, Spain or England.





20. Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)

Young lanky attacker may at first not strike many as a player who can perform out wide but the Bayern Munich has proved any doubters wrong on that score.

Nine goals and seven assists this season have shown that the German international can make goals and score them even whilst on the right-hand side of the attack.



19. Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Is often, and rightly, called up on his diving antics but without the metronome of Busquets in the Barcelona midfield the Catalan side could at times be overrun, such are their attacking intentions. Alex Song was brought in to keep the midfielder on his toes and he has upped his game accordingly.



18. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)

Has pretty much single-handedly kept Liverpool ticking along during what has been a fairly traumatic year for the Anfield side. The 25 year old has scored goals regularly but offers far more to the Merseyside club.

Full of running and an endless source of invention and a player who is near unplayable for defenders when he is in the mood. Without his goals during the current Premier League season Brendan Rodgers would have a side fighting relegation to the Championship.



17. Juan Mata (Chelsea)

A joy to watch. The slightly built attacker has formed a terrific understanding with Eden Hazard to further the impact he made in his first term at the club, when he helped his side to an FA Cup and Champions League double.



16. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

At times the Spaniard has single-handedly kept the opposition at bay, both for club and country. Dropped by Jose Mourinho last weekend, big mistake.

A keeper who helped Real Madrid to La Liga glory and Spain to the Euro 2012 crown.



15. Yaya Toure (Man City)

The heartbeat of a Man City side that won the Premier League title and the midfield engine that has helped Roberto Mancini's side in their concerted efforts to repeat that success in 2012/13.

Was named African Footballer of the year for 2011 and may well repeat that feat in 2012, and deservedly so.



14. Wayne Rooney (Man United)



Man United man has evolved into a more withdrawn forward and has reveled in the role and gives Sir Alex Ferguson a new attacking weapon as a result. Last term was the striker's most productive to date, netting 34 goals in all competitions.

13. Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)

Hugely talented Spaniard had a marvelous season at Malaga where he helped his side to a maiden Champions League berth and has gone to become an instant cult hero at the Emirates Stadium. Great touch, a quick-thinker with the ability to score long range efforts at will.



12. Edinson Cavani (Napoli)

The very definition of a 'lethal finisher' Edinson Cavani has not suffered without the support of PSG bound Ezequiel Lavezzi and has in fact further improved in the second half of 2012.

Indeed Napoli can consider themselves genuine title chasers simply because they have a forward who seems to net with pretty much every effort he fires on goal.



11. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

He's been around for an age but 2012 is perhaps the strongest year the 34 year has had to date.

Juventus finished last season with the meanest defence and hold that crown for 2012/13 to boot. Also his form between the sticks helped Buffon's defensively minded Italian side to a runners-up spot in Euro 2012.





10. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

Belgian was a huge success in Ligue 1 with Lille and many fully expected the youngster to make an impact at Chelsea but Hazard has excelled beyond those expectations. Already has 15 assists to his name and we are not even into 2013.



9. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

Veteran Italian chose to leave AC Milan for Juventus and hasn't looked back. Rarely loses possession, always thinking two seconds ahead of a marker and has the ability to hit set pieces like a magician waving a wand.

A truly memorable year both for club and country and good news for both his Turin employers and his national team followers, Pirlo just seems to be getting better with age.



8. Neymar (Santos)

Yes we can all question the quality of defences the youngster scores an alarming amount of goals against whilst in Santos colours but when you score THAT much then there is no denying your quality.

At times the Brazilian starlet has toyed with defences as a predator would with it's lifeless prey. A move to Europe is on the cards and any argument about whether he can weave the same magic in a 'top league' will be answered.



7. Xavi (Barcelona)

The midfield maestro that keeps giving.

It is possible to sometimes take for granted the abilities the veteran Spaniard possesses but such is his craft and guile that both Barcelona and Spain may have serious problems filling the void that will appear when the 32 year old calls it a day.



6. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)

Some questioned whether the 26 year old could replicate his FC Porto form in the confines of La Liga, well in 2012 those questions were answered with aplomb. He has essentially single-handedly, or should that be single-footedly, Radamel Falcao has led Atletico Madrid to a genuine title challenge and appears to get better and better as the year wears on.

Scored a hat-trick to see his side past Chelsea to win the Super Cup then goes on to separate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the top-scorers table in Spain thanks to a five goal haul against Deportivo La Coruna.

Can the Vicente Calerdon side keep hold of a player who is quite literally on fire.



5. Robin Van Persie (Man United)

Arsene Wenger must have made Sir Alex Ferguson's decade when he relented and sold Arsenal's prized possession to a Premier League rival. Robin Van Persie was scoring goals aplenty with Arsenal in the first half of 2012 and was there any real doubt he would continue to do so whilst wearing another club's shirt?

Man United's defence has been so poor that the Old Trafford side have had to adopt the mentality of 'We're going to score one more goal, than you' and without the Dutchman spearheading the attack Ferguson's side would not be top of the table.



4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)

Anyone who believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic is 'over-rated' needs a reality check. Year on year the powerful Swede has proven himself. In the toughest leagues he has succeeded and consistently delivered and 2012 has been his most successful on an individual basis.

AC Milan fans were dismayed to see their owner sell the big striker to PSG and the fact that the San Siro side have struggled this season whilst PSG have mounted a Ligue 1 title challenge as well as comfortably booked a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League says it all.

Ibrahimovic netted 18 goals for AC Milan in the first half of 2012 and 19 with his new French employers in the second half.

Oh and there's the small matter of his 35 yard overhead kick goal that is quite rightly considered one of the best ever scored.



3. Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Barcelona'a architect supreme and Spain's lucky charm, Andres Iniesta is the type of player the opposition places numerous markers to contain only to see their numbers overrun but a neat turn or a quick flick.

2012 has been another tremendous year for the Nou Camp hero and his form at club level is a huge reason why Barcelona already look a shoe-in to wrestle the title back from Real Madrid.

Hasn't done bad for the national team either, rightly named the player of the tournament at Euro 2012.



2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Another tremendous year for the Portuguese attacker. Helped end Barcelona's run of domestic success in the first half of the year and despite Real Madrid's lacklustre start to the current campaign Cristiano Ronaldo still manages to score goals with incredible frequency.

But for penalty shoot-out heartache Ronaldo could have also collected a Euro 2012 winners medal.

Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved astonishing success at Real Madrid, with a mesmerizing total of 169 goals from 170 appearances, a record that makes the record breaking £80m investment seem like a bargain.



1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

There may have been some who didn't think that the Argentine could get any better but his 91 goals in the calendar year just elevates the Barcelona man that little bit higher up the legends ladder.

Simply unplayable and must be an absolute nightmare to defend against. Full of the tricks, turns and skills and able to unlock a defence in the blink of an eye.

Quite simply one of the best footballers to have ever played the game, maybe even the very best.....




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