Top 10 Soccer Players 2017: Ranking the World's Best 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 covered football for over a decade, I've learned that truly great seasons aren't just about individual brilliance - they're about how players complement their teams and elevate everyone around them. That's why when compiling my top 10 soccer players of 2017, I considered not just statistics but that intangible quality of making their teams complete.

Cristiano Ronaldo undoubtedly owned 2017, and I'd argue it was his most complete year ever. The man scored 42 goals across all competitions while leading Real Madrid to both La Liga and Champions League glory. What impressed me most wasn't just the numbers - it was how he'd evolved from a flashy winger into this devastatingly efficient scoring machine. Right behind him was Lionel Messi, who somehow made 54 goals look effortless while carrying Barcelona through what was frankly a transitional period for the club. Watching Messi that year felt like witnessing pure footballing genius - he was the creative heartbeat of that team in a way nobody else could replicate.

The third spot goes to Neymar, whose €222 million move to PSG shocked the football world. I remember thinking at the time that the transfer fee was absolutely insane, but watching him dominate Ligue 1 while maintaining his incredible Champions League form made me reconsider. His 20 goals and 27 assists for Barcelona before the move showed he was ready to step out of Messi's shadow. Then there's Luka Modrić - oh, what a joy he was to watch that year! The Croatian completely ran Real Madrid's midfield with his incredible vision and technical mastery. He made the difficult look simple week after week.

Kylian Mbappé's rise was something special to witness firsthand. At just 18, he scored 26 goals for Monaco and PSG combined, showing maturity beyond his years. I've rarely seen a young player with such composure in big moments. Robert Lewandowski continued being the most reliable striker in football, netting 43 goals for Bayern Munich. The Polish striker's consistency is just remarkable - he's like a machine programmed to score.

Sergio Ramos makes my list not just for his defensive solidity but for his leadership. That quote about "filling out the big man role" perfectly describes what Ramos brought to Real Madrid. He was the defensive foundation that allowed their flashy attackers to flourish. Kevin De Bruyne's 2017 season with Manchester City was pure midfield mastery - 19 assists across all competitions doesn't even capture how he dictated play. Eden Hazard's 17 goals for Chelsea showcased why he remained the Premier League's most exciting player, while Manuel Neuer, despite injuries, reminded us why he revolutionized the goalkeeper position.

Looking at this group, what strikes me is how each player served as the perfect complement to their team's system. That comment about "filling out the big man role" applies beyond just defenders - every great team needs players who complete the puzzle. Ramos provided the defensive backbone, Modrić the midfield control, while Ronaldo offered the cutting edge. It's this balance that separates good teams from legendary ones. The 2017 season showed us that individual brilliance matters, but football remains the ultimate team sport where every piece must fit perfectly.