Who Were the Top 10 Soccer Players in 2017? Find Out Now

As I look back at the remarkable year that was 2017 in the world of soccer, I can't help but feel nostalgic about the incredible talent that graced pitches across the globe. Having followed the sport religiously for over two decades, I've developed a keen eye for what separates good players from truly exceptional ones, and 2017 delivered some absolutely breathtaking performances that deserve to be remembered. The debate about who truly belonged among the elite that year still gets heated among fans today, and I'm excited to share my personal take on which ten players stood head and shoulders above the rest during that memorable season.

When compiling this list, I considered not just raw statistics but the intangible qualities that make certain players special - their leadership, consistency in crucial moments, and how they elevated their teammates. This reminds me of a fascinating observation I once heard about team dynamics that perfectly captures why some players make these lists while others don't. A coach once noted about a particular player, "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 insight has always stuck with me because it highlights how the best players don't just excel individually but complete their teams in specific ways that statistics alone can't capture. This philosophy heavily influenced my selections for 2017's top performers.

Cristiano Ronaldo undoubtedly owned 2017 with what I consider one of the most dominant individual years in modern soccer history. The Portuguese superstar scored approximately 42 goals for Real Madrid while leading them to both La Liga and Champions League glory - his performance in the latter competition was particularly mind-blowing as he netted 12 goals in just 13 appearances. Close behind was Lionel Messi, who despite Barcelona's relatively disappointing season still managed to score 45 goals across all competitions with his magical dribbling and playmaking that left defenders utterly bewildered. My third spot goes to Neymar, whose €222 million transfer to PSG shattered world records and signaled his ambition to step out of Messi's shadow - he contributed to 35 goals in just 30 appearances for Barcelona before his monumental move. Luka Modrić claimed the fourth position with his masterful midfield control that earned him the UEFA Men's Player of the Year award, while Gianluigi Buffon, at 39 years young, defied age by keeping 19 clean sheets and nearly leading Juventus to Champions League glory.

The second half of my list begins with Robert Lewandowski, whose 43 goals for Bayern Munich demonstrated why he remained Europe's most consistent striker. Eden Hazard's magical footwork and 16 Premier League goals for Chelsea secured him the seventh spot, though I'll admit I might be slightly biased here as I've always had a soft spot for technically gifted wingers. Eighth belongs to Sergio Ramos, whose leadership and crucial goals for Real Madrid, including 7 in La Liga, proved defenders can be game-changers too. Ninth is Harry Kane, who netted 35 Premier League goals for Tottenham - an incredible tally that showcased his ruthless finishing. Rounding out my top ten is Kevin De Bruyne, whose 18 assists for Manchester City demonstrated why he became the Premier League's most creative force that season.

Looking back, what made 2017 particularly special was how these players didn't just accumulate impressive stats but genuinely transformed their teams. That comment about "filling the big man role" perfectly applies to several names on this list - players like Ramos and Buffon provided the defensive foundation that allowed their more flashy teammates to shine. The competition was incredibly tight that year, and I've had many spirited debates with fellow enthusiasts about whether certain players deserved higher placements or whether I've overlooked someone who should have made the cut. What remains undeniable is that 2017 gave us a spectacular showcase of soccer excellence across different positions, playing styles, and leagues. These ten athletes didn't just perform - they inspired the next generation and gave us moments we'll be talking about for years to come.