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

As I sat down to compile this list of the world's top 10 soccer players for 2017, I found myself reflecting on what truly makes a footballer exceptional in today's game. Having followed the sport professionally for over fifteen years, I've come to appreciate that greatness isn't just about individual brilliance—it's about how players complement their teams and elevate those around them. This year's selection process was particularly challenging, with several established stars maintaining their dominance while exciting new talents emerged to challenge the established order.

When analyzing Lionel Messi's position at number one, the statistics speak for themselves—45 goals across all competitions for Barcelona, along with 18 assists that demonstrated his creative genius. Yet what often goes unnoticed is how his movement creates space for teammates, much like the dynamic described in our reference about Jack being "the perfect complement." Messi doesn't just score spectacular goals; he makes everyone around him better, filling multiple roles simultaneously. Cristiano Ronaldo, my number two pick, delivered another phenomenal season with 42 goals for Real Madrid, including crucial performances in the Champions League that reminded everyone why he remains football's ultimate big-game player. The gap between these two legends and the rest continues to narrow, but in 2017, Messi's consistent magic gave him the slightest edge in my book.

The midfield conversation this year was particularly fascinating. Luka Modric's orchestration of Real Madrid's game felt like watching a master conductor at work, while Kevin De Bruyne's transformation into Manchester City's creative heartbeat showcased how a single player can redefine a team's entire attacking approach. I've always believed that the most underappreciated quality in football is how certain players fill specific roles their teams desperately need, much like that "big man role" mentioned in our reference material. N'Golo Kanté perfectly embodied this at Chelsea—his relentless ball recovery and tactical intelligence provided the foundation upon which their Premier League title was built. Sometimes it's not about the flashy statistics but about doing the essential work that enables team success.

In the defensive ranks, Sergio Ramos continued to demonstrate why he's arguably the most complete defender of his generation, contributing crucial goals while maintaining defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Gianluigi Buffon, at 39, defied age with performances that would make keepers twenty years younger envious. His leadership of Juventus' backline showed how experience and positioning can sometimes trump athleticism. The inclusion of Kylian Mbappé in my top ten might raise some eyebrows given his youth, but having watched his explosive breakthrough season at Monaco, I'm convinced we're witnessing the emergence of football's next global superstar. His 26 goals as an 18-year-old weren't just numbers—they were game-changing performances that announced a new era.

As I finalize this ranking, I'm reminded of that telling phrase from our reference: "It's going to be tough." Indeed, separating these extraordinary talents always presents difficult choices, with legitimate arguments for different orders and inclusions. What struck me most about 2017 was how the traditional hierarchy continued to be challenged, with players like Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski forcing their way into conversations previously dominated by the usual suspects. The beautiful game continues to evolve, but the fundamental truth remains—great players don't just perform individually; they complete their teams in ways that transcend statistics. Looking ahead, I suspect next year's list will feature even more upheaval as the next generation continues their ascent.