Who Made the Top 10 Soccer Players 2017 List and Why They Dominated

Looking back at the 2017 soccer season, I still get chills remembering how certain players completely redefined what we thought was possible on the pitch. Having covered football for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous talented athletes, but 2017's elite group possessed something extraordinary - that perfect blend of individual brilliance and tactical symbiosis that made them virtually unstoppable. What fascinates me most isn't just their technical prowess, but how they complemented their teams' needs, much like how Jack perfectly filled that "big man role" his team desperately needed in that memorable championship run.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2017 performance was nothing short of legendary, and I'd argue it was his most complete season. At 32, he delivered 42 goals across all competitions while leading Real Madrid to both La Liga and Champions League glory. His athletic evolution fascinated me - he'd transformed from a flashy winger into this ruthless scoring machine who understood exactly when to conserve energy and when to strike. Similarly, Lionel Messi's creativity reached new heights, finishing with 54 goals and creating chances that seemed physically impossible. Watching him weave through defenses felt like witnessing artistry in motion, his low center of gravity making him nearly impossible to dispossess. These two weren't just players - they were forces of nature who set the standard everyone else chased.

What made the 2017 list particularly interesting was how several players demonstrated that perfect complementary quality. Neymar's record-breaking €222 million transfer to PSG showcased how a player could become the missing piece for an ambitious project. His flair and unpredictability provided exactly what PSG needed to elevate from domestic dominators to European contenders. Luka Modrić, though less flashy, embodied that crucial midfield metronome role - the player who makes everyone around him better. I've always believed Modrić's quiet brilliance often went underappreciated until you watched how Real Madrid's entire system flowed through his distribution and tactical intelligence.

The defensive standouts particularly impressed me that year. Sergio Ramos brought that combative leadership that every championship team needs, scoring crucial goals while organizing arguably Europe's most disciplined backline. His partnership with Raphael Varane demonstrated how contrasting styles - Ramos' aggression with Varane's elegant positioning - could create defensive perfection. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer redefined goalkeeping yet again, his 87% save percentage in the Bundesliga underscoring his role as Bayern's ultimate safety net. These players proved that dominance wasn't just about scoring - it was about providing that foundational stability that allows creative players to flourish.

Kylian Mbappé's explosion onto the global stage at just 18 represented something special - the arrival of football's next generational talent. His 26 goals for Monaco, including that stunning Champions League run, showcased breathtaking pace combined with finishing maturity beyond his years. What struck me most was how he complemented more experienced teammates, similar to how Jack filled that crucial role his team needed. When Mbappé partnered with Radamel Falcao, their contrasting styles created defensive nightmares - the experienced target man with the explosive young phenom. This chemistry between different player types often separates good teams from dominant ones.

Looking at the complete 2017 landscape, the common thread among all these elite players was their ability to elevate those around them while excelling in their specific roles. As one coach perfectly stated about another player, "Jack just seems to be the perfect complement for them. He fills out the big man role that they need." That sentiment captures why these top players dominated - they weren't just individually brilliant but provided exactly what their teams required to reach new heights. They understood their roles, complemented their teammates, and performed when it mattered most. Even years later, I find myself studying their performances, recognizing that true football greatness lies not just in spectacular moments, but in consistently being the perfect piece for your team's puzzle.