For two decades, Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have ruled the world of football. However, it seems upcoming athletes are indirectly (or directly) telling them their time is up as their positions are being challenged. The next generation of stars is posing an increasing threat to these two great players, but not entirely. Both players still rank among the top ten best football players in the world.
We have considered a few factors and curated our list of the top five most outstanding football players this year. We’ve considered the strength of leagues, trophies won, raw statistics, and several other aspects in classifying these players. Thus, let’s get into it; we give you the top five most outstanding football players in the world in 2022.
1. Lionel Messi
We are putting Lionel Messi first on this list despite the fact that he hasn’t had a great season. However, he has had at least fifteen years of dominance in the world of football; he gets a pass. Besides, half a season of not-so-great playing shouldn’t erase those fifteen years of being an inspiration to young football players. Regardless of how things turn out, the fact remains that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will remain the top three players ever.
However, while Ronaldo’s performance in recent years has boiled down somehow, Messi is still displaying his full-fat self. After finally lifting a trophy with Argentina and an outstanding final season in Barcelona, he is the reigning Ballon d’Or winner. We cannot downplay the talents of this GOAT football player, at least not yet. Nevertheless, we are watching how the next season will turn out; we may drop him down the list if he doesn’t gear up.
2. Robert Lewandowski
The Bayern Munich football player, Robert Lewandowski, is considered the world’s most in-form player at the moment. He didn’t gain this title recently; he has held it for some time and probably will for a long time. However, despite this feat, it is a little disappointing that he is yet to lift a Ballon d’Or. Still, we cannot deny his well-balanced pace portfolio, sublime movement in the box, and exceptional technical ability.
Lewandowski has a great positioning that is always on a point such that he would be first-call in a one-on-one face-off. We agree that it isn’t about the numbers, but we cannot neglect them either, so we will give you some. Out of 357 games played by Robert Lewandowski, he has scored 328 goals for Bayern Munich, which is simply outstanding. These goals include the 41 Bundesliga strikes in twenty-nine games last season; at the moment, he is averaging over one goal per game.
3. Kevin De Bruyne
When it comes to raw talent and fun, Mohammed Salah should be number three, but we’re giving it to Kevin De Bruyne. That is because Salah has nothing on Bruyne when it comes to skill set, physical merits, complete package, mental toughness, and technical ability. More so, it would be safe to say Kevin De Bruyne is the world’s number most complete footballer in 2022. His passes are outrageous; they are probably the most outrageous passes you will likely see.
Bruyne holds the record for being the best football crosser in the history of the Premier League, and even those who prefer games like the Jhandi Munda game over football can’t deny this. Additionally, this outstanding football player doesn’t just create goals; he rips off nets from their stanchions – all on his own.
While these are impressive qualities, his most impressive quality has to be his fascinating physicality and pace. He moves very rapidly (like wildfire) with the ball and he is stronger than you would expect; he is outstanding!
4. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is a Liverpool football player and also one of the most outstanding players in 2022. Normally, Salah should be the second-best football player, but we are considering a whole range of criteria. Thus, we put him in fourth place because he comes behind the first three players we listed. However, it goes without saying that Salah is a remarkable football player, particularly when you consider his ball-picking ability.
As far as direct running goes, some footballing snobs may view Salah’s as basic, but we cannot deny his effectiveness. He is exceptional when it comes to picking up the ball out wide and driving it into the box with speed. Salah, one of the best African football players ever, is the talisman, icon, and Egyptian king of the Liverpool team, bringing them numerous wins and keeping them on the map. Although his career started late, Mohamed Salah will remain one of twenty-three Premier League greats.
5. Kylian Mbappe
PSG’s Kylian Mbappe is Haaland’s main competitor for the world’s best player; he is the youngest on this list. At only twenty-three years old, Mbappe boasts acceleration that even the great DeLorean cannot match. Even at his young age, Mbappe has scored twenty-four goals in fifty-three France national games and eighty-eight goals in 100 PSG games. His close control and clinical finishing ability are exceptional, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Conclusion
Messi remains the undisputed king of football, even if the younger generation of footballers is threatening the position. You may not agree with our list, and that is okay; but, based on important criteria, this list is 100% accurate.
