Best Soccer Players (Footballers) in the World Right Now
Who are the best soccer players, or “footballers,” in the world right now? Whenever we say the word “football” in the States, we usually mean American football. But, around the world, the term football, of course, is really what we call soccer here. The sport is heating up this summer, so let’s look at the biggest and the best.
Best Soccer Players, or Footballers, Currently in the World
Soccer appears to be becoming more popular in the U.S. In fact, the United States’ 2-0 win over Bolivia in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 last weekend garnered a record-breaking audience for a non-World Cup game on Fox Sports. On X (formerly Twitter), Fox Sports PR tweeted out that they had a “massive start” for the games and that at “3,165,000 viewers for Sunday’s Group Stage opener” it was the “most watched non-World Cup soccer broadcast ever” on the network. It was also the most-watched English-language Copa America broadcast in the U.S. As WorldSoccerTalk.com notes, “Looking specifically at the English-language coverage of the summer of soccer, FOX will be massively pleased with the number of fans watching both the Euros and the Copa America.” They add, “The USMNT’s appearance in the Copa America, plus the rise in the number of teams, has massively helped viewership of the tournament.”
Now, onto the best soccer players in the world right now. The greatest soccer player in the world right now has to be Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. Many think this incredible Brazilian player will be the next Ballon d’Or winner. He’s also young, just in his early 20s, so if he’s this good now, just imagine what he’ll be like when he gets a little more experience under his belt. Coming in at No. 2 on my tally is Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain. At 25 years old, this French player has already played on some of the world’s biggest soccer stages. Besides, who can resist that mask? No. 3 on my roster is Rodri of Manchester City. Recently, he was suspended after two yellow cards, with En.as.com.com explaining, Rodri was shown yellow cards in both matches, incurring a one-match suspension which stopped him from being named either on the starting lineup or on the bench against Albania.” But, aside from that, he’s a star and one of the strongest players of the minute. Finally, No. 4 on my tally of the best soccer players is Phil Foden of Manchester City and No. 5 is Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid. I’m excited to watch these players this summer, as I wait patiently for the other kind of football to start. Reach out to me with your soccer thoughts, too.
Latest 2024 NFL Power Rankings
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Experts have so many differing opinions on the Bengals. Some think they’ll go to the Super Bowl this year. Some don’t think they’ll be in play at all. I’m somewhere in between. But, Joe Burrow is strong, so he could push them to victory.
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
9. Green Bay Packers
As a Detroit Lions fan, it pains me to admit that the Green Bay Packers, once again, will be strong in 2024. They were strong last year. Jordan Love is on his way to being one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Watch out for these guys.
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
8. Dallas Cowboys
No offense to Dallas Cowboys fans, but they can be pretty annoying. But, I won’t let that cloud my thoughts on this year’s team. While the Cowboys haven’t spent much in the offseason, they’re still a strong team, and Dak Prescott is a strong quarterback. They’ll be a contender.
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
7. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have rebuilt faster than any team I can remember. They were surprisingly stellar last season. I mean, experts thought they would be good, but they were better than good. C.J. Stroud is a superstar.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
6. Philadelphia Eagles
What happened to the Philadelphia Eagles last season? It was a dismal end to what started out as a strong season. I’m sure Eagles fans would like to forget about it. But, the Eagles have spent a lot in this offseason, and they’re determined to fly back.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
5. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are hot or cold. But, Josh Allen is a stellar quarterback, and he still has a lot to prove with this team. He’s great, but he hasn’t been able to lead the Bills to a Super Bowl yet. This could be his year.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
4. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, hands down. That’s not up for debate. But, the Ravens fell in the AFC championship game last season, and it was a surprise to many. Will Jackson bring the guys back to win it all? It’s a strong possibility.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
3. San Francisco 49ers
I’ve noticed that some NFL experts have the 49ers as the best team in the league next year. I just don’t get it. Sure, Brock Purdy is a great quarterback. But, I don’t see this team really being the best in the league. They almost lost to the Lions in the NFC Championship game last season and ultimately made it to the Big Game but fell short. But, they are always solid.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
2. Detroit Lions
Full discloser: I’m a Detroit Lions fan. As a Michigan native, I’m for all the Detroit teams, especially the Lions and Pistons. But, that’s not why I have them at No. 2 on my 2024 NFL Power Rankings tally. I really think they’re that good. The Lions have spent the most money in the NFL during the offseason, both to secure current talent, such as superstar quarterback Jared Goff, and add new talent. They also came within inches of making it to the Super Bowl last season. I think this is their year.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Will it be three in a row for the Kansas City Chiefs? Maybe. The guys have won two Super Bowls in a row now, and they’re still strong. They could do it again, but I think one of the teams on this roster will get in the way. Still, I believe they’re the strongest, most complete team going into the 2024 NFL season.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
