Top 10 Soccer Players 2017: Discover the Year's Most Dominant Football Stars

Looking back at the 2017 football season, I still get chills remembering how certain players completely redefined what we thought was possible on the pitch. Having followed football religiously for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous talented athletes, but 2017 presented something special—a convergence of individual brilliance that elevated the entire sport. What made that year particularly fascinating wasn't just the sheer skill on display, but how certain players complemented their teams in ways that reminded me of that insightful quote about Jack filling "the big man role" perfectly for his squad. That concept of being the perfect complement, rather than just the star, resonated deeply with me when analyzing that year's top performers.

When compiling my top 10 list for 2017, I found myself constantly weighing raw statistics against this intangible "complement" factor. At the very top, for me, it was an undeniable battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo, then 32, was absolutely ruthless for Real Madrid, scoring 42 goals across all competitions and delivering in the biggest moments, especially in the Champions League. His athleticism at that age was simply not normal. Messi, meanwhile, was weaving his usual magic for Barcelona, netting 54 goals and orchestrating play in a way only he can. I've always been slightly more partial to Messi's artistic approach, but in 2017, Ronaldo's trophy haul, including the Ballon d'Or, made the argument for his top spot incredibly strong. It's a debate I could have for hours.

Then you had the phenomenal Neymar, whose €222 million move to PSG that summer shook the football world. His 20 goals and 27 assists for Barcelona before the move showed he was ready to step out of the shadow and become the main man elsewhere. Following that was Luka Modrić, the metronome in Real Madrid's midfield. With a 92% pass completion rate in La Liga, he was the engine, the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. It’s that "perfect complement" quality in its purest form. He wasn't always the flashiest, but my god, was he effective. Right behind him, I'd place Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan's 29 league goals for Barcelona that season showcased a predator's instinct I've always admired; he was a nightmare for defenders, always in the right place at the right time.

The middle of my list gets really interesting, where the balance between individual stats and team impact becomes even more crucial. I have to put Robert Lewandowski here. Scoring 43 goals for Bayern Munich is one thing, but his physical presence and hold-up play were textbook "big man" attributes, exactly what his team needed to build attacks. He was a complete forward. Then comes a personal favorite of mine, Kevin De Bruyne. His vision and passing range at Manchester City were sublime. He racked up 21 assists that season, and watching him dictate the tempo of a game was a genuine pleasure. He made the difficult look effortless. Sergio Agüero slots in next for his relentless goal-scoring for Manchester City—33 goals in all competitions—proving again he was one of the most reliable finishers in the Premier League era.

Rounding out my top 10, I'm looking at players who embodied that indispensable role. Manuel Neuer, though injured for part of the year, redefined goalkeeping with his "sweeper-keeper" style. For me, a world-class keeper is worth ten outfield players, and when he played, Bayern was a different team. Then there's Eden Hazard. His 16 goals and 5 assists for Chelsea don't fully capture the sheer terror he inflicted on defenders every single week. He was unplayable on his day. And finally, I'm going with Toni Kroos. His control in midfield for Real Madrid, with a staggering 94% pass accuracy in the Champions League, was a masterclass in possession. He was the silent partner to Modrić's flair, and that combination was, as the quote suggested, "tough" for any opponent to handle. Reflecting on this list, 2017 wasn't just about the stars; it was about the perfect puzzle pieces, and these ten players were the ones that fit their teams' needs flawlessly, creating a year of unforgettable football.