The Top 10 Soccer Players of 2017: Ranking the World's Best Footballers

As I sat down to compile this list of the top 10 soccer players of 2017, I found myself reflecting on what truly makes a footballer exceptional. It's not just about goals scored or trophies won—it's about how they complement their teams and elevate everyone around them. This thought immediately brought to mind that insightful comment I recently came across about how certain players fill crucial roles: "And Jack just seems to be the perfect complement for them. He fills out the big man role that they need," adding "It's going to be tough." That sentiment perfectly captures what separates good players from truly great ones—the ability to complete a team's puzzle in ways that might not always show up on the stat sheets but fundamentally transform how a team performs.

When I look at Lionel Messi's 2017 campaign, where he scored 54 goals across all competitions despite Barcelona's relative struggles, what stood out to me wasn't just the staggering numbers but how he adapted his game. At 30, he'd evolved from the explosive winger of his youth into the team's central orchestrator, dropping deeper to dictate play while still maintaining his incredible scoring rate. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo's 42 goals might seem slightly lower than his usual output, but his performances in crucial Champions League moments—particularly his back-to-back hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid—demonstrated that clutch factor that defines true greatness. What fascinates me about these two isn't their rivalry but how they've continuously reinvented themselves to remain at the pinnacle.

The middle of my list features players like Neymar, whose €222 million transfer to PSG shattered world records but also highlighted his desire to step out of Messi's shadow. His 20 goals and 27 assists for Barcelona before the move showed his creative brilliance, though I've always felt he sometimes tries too hard to be spectacular. Then there's Luka Modrić, who might not have the flashy numbers—just 6 goals all season—but remains Real Madrid's metronome, completing 89.2% of his passes in La Liga. He's that "perfect complement" who makes everyone around him better, much like the player described in that quote I mentioned earlier. I've always had a soft spot for these midfield maestros who control games through intelligence rather than physical dominance.

What surprised me most in 2017 was the emergence of players like Kylian Mbappé, who at just 18 scored 26 goals for Monaco and played a pivotal role in their shocking Champions League run. His €180 million move to PSG—making him the second most expensive player ever—signaled a changing of the guard. Meanwhile, veterans like Gianluigi Buffon, at 39 years young, maintained incredible form, keeping 19 clean sheets in Serie A and proving that greatness isn't limited to outfield players. I've always believed goalkeepers don't get enough credit in these discussions, but Buffon's leadership and consistency throughout Juventus' domestic double campaign reminded everyone why he's considered among the best ever.

As I reach the later names on my list, I'm struck by how many players fit that "complement" role—the ones who make their teams whole. Players like Sergio Busquets, whose defensive midfield work for Barcelona often goes unnoticed but remains absolutely vital, or Kevin De Bruyne, whose 21 assists for Manchester City showcased his incredible vision and passing range. These are the players who might not always grab headlines but form the foundation upon which champions are built. Looking back at 2017, what stands out isn't just individual brilliance but how these players interconnected to create memorable teams and moments. The beautiful game ultimately remains a collective endeavor, and the true greats understand that their individual achievements must serve the team's greater purpose—that delicate balance between personal excellence and collective success that defines football at its highest level.