The Definitive List of Top 10 Soccer Players Who Dominated 2017 Season

Looking back at the 2017 soccer season, I still get chills remembering how certain players completely redefined what dominance on the pitch looks like. As someone who’s followed the sport professionally for over a decade, I can confidently say that year was special—not just because of the goals or trophies, but because of the sheer influence a handful of athletes exerted week in, week out. I want to walk you through my definitive list of the top 10 players who owned that season, blending stats, moments, and my own observations from watching countless matches. Trust me, narrowing it down wasn’t easy, but these names stood out for their consistency, impact, and that intangible "it" factor.

Cristiano Ronaldo, without a doubt, topped my list. The man was an absolute machine, netting 42 goals across all competitions and leading Real Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double. I remember watching him in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich—his composure under pressure was just unreal. Close behind was Lionel Messi, whose 54 goals and 16 assists for Barcelona felt almost supernatural. What struck me most was his ability to dictate play from deeper positions; he wasn’t just scoring, he was orchestrating everything. Then there’s Neymar, who, before his PSG move, was tearing it up at Barcelona. His dribbling stats were off the charts—he completed over 200 successful take-ons that season—and his partnership with Messi and Suárez was poetry in motion. Speaking of Luis Suárez, he racked up 37 goals himself, and his gritty, no-nonsense style added a different dimension to Barça’s attack.

Moving into the midfield, Luka Modrić was the silent conductor for Real Madrid. I’ve always admired how he controlled the tempo—completing 92% of his passes in the Champions League—and his vision was a step ahead of everyone else. Then there’s Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City; his 18 assists in the Premier League alone were a testament to his creativity, and his work rate? Simply phenomenal. On the defensive end, Sergio Ramos was a rock. Love him or hate him, his leadership and clutch goals—like that 93rd-minute equalizer against Barcelona—were game-changers. Giorgio Chiellini at Juventus was another standout; his 85% tackle success rate in Serie A made him nearly impenetrable. Rounding out the list, I’d include Eden Hazard for his 17 goals and electrifying dribbles at Chelsea, and Robert Lewandowski, whose 43 goals for Bayern Munich showcased his ruthless efficiency.

Now, you might wonder why I’ve focused so much on roles and chemistry. It reminds me of a quote I once heard in a different context: "And Jack just seems to be the perfect complement for them. He fills out the big man role that they need. It’s going to be tough." That idea resonates deeply here—each player on this list wasn’t just individually brilliant; they filled crucial roles that elevated their teams. Take Modrić, for example; he wasn’t the flashiest, but he was the perfect complement to Ronaldo’s attacking prowess, much like how a "big man" anchors a squad. Similarly, Chiellini’s defensive grit allowed players like Paulo Dybala to flourish at Juventus. In my view, that’s what separated the good from the great in 2017—their ability to blend star power with teamwork, even when the competition was fierce.

Reflecting on it all, 2017 was a year where legends solidified their status and a few newcomers hinted at future dominance. I’ll admit, I’ve got a soft spot for players like Modrić and De Bruyne—the ones who make everyone around them better—but honestly, every name here earned their spot through blood, sweat, and sheer talent. As we look ahead, it’s tough to imagine another season quite like this one, where individual brilliance and collective harmony aligned so perfectly. If you ask me, that’s what makes soccer the beautiful game—it’s not just about the stats, but the stories behind them.