Top 40 Best Football Players in the World 2019

The year 2019 saw a dazzling display of skill and talent on the football pitch, with established stars and emerging prodigies captivating fans worldwide. But who truly stood out amongst the best? This article delves into the captivating world of top-tier football, ranking the top 40 best football players who dominated the sport in 2019.

Lionel Messi dribbling past defenders

From mesmerizing dribblers and clinical finishers to tactical geniuses and defensive stalwarts, this list recognizes the exceptional individuals who left an unforgettable mark on the beautiful game. Get ready to relive the brilliance, the goals, and the moments that defined a remarkable year in football history.

The Criteria: What Makes a Top Football Player?

While goals and assists undoubtedly play a crucial role, this ranking takes a holistic approach, considering various factors:

• Individual Performance: Consistency, impact on the game, and contributions throughout the calendar year.
• Technical Prowess: Dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control, and overall technical mastery.
• Tactical Acumen: Decision-making, positioning, game intelligence, and contribution to team strategy.
• Mental Fortitude: Leadership qualities, composure under pressure, and ability to inspire teammates.
• Global Impact: Recognition and accolades received, influence on the sport, and global fan base.

Liverpool players celebrating their Champions League victory

The Top 10: Reigning Supreme

The 2019 season witnessed fierce competition at the pinnacle of the sport. These ten exceptional individuals consistently performed at an extraordinary level, establishing themselves as the best among the best:

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina): A magician with the ball at his feet, Messi continued his reign as the undisputed king of football, mesmerizing opponents with his dribbling wizardry, precise passing, and clinical finishing.
2. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/Netherlands): A defensive colossus, Van Dijk’s dominance in the heart of Liverpool’s defense played a pivotal role in their Champions League triumph.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Portugal): A goal-scoring machine, Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of excellence and hunger for goals remained undiminished, leading Juventus to another Serie A title.
4. Raheem Sterling (Manchester City/England): Sterling’s electrifying pace and clinical finishing transformed him into one of the most dangerous attackers in the world.
5. Alisson Becker (Liverpool/Brazil): A commanding presence between the posts, Alisson’s shot-stopping ability and composure provided the foundation for Liverpool’s defensive solidity.
6. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/France): The lightning-fast forward continued his meteoric rise, showcasing his breathtaking speed, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing ability.
7. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/Belgium): A midfield maestro, De Bruyne’s vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game made him the creative hub of Manchester City’s dominant side.
8. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt): Salah’s lethal left foot continued to torment defenders, with his pace, trickery, and eye for goal proving invaluable to Liverpool’s success.
9. N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea/France): The tireless midfielder’s exceptional work rate, tackling ability, and interceptions made him the engine room of Chelsea’s midfield.
10. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/Portugal): Silva’s versatility, technical ability, and intelligent movement made him a key component of Manchester City’s fluid attacking play.

Beyond the Top 10: Stars in Their Own Right

The following players, ranked from 11 to 40, may not have cracked the top 10, but their contributions to their respective teams and leagues were undeniable:

11. Sadio Mané (Liverpool/Senegal)
12. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur/England)
13. Frenkie de Jong (Ajax/Netherlands)
14. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool/England)
15. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Poland)
16. Marc ter Stegen (Barcelona/Germany)
17. Sergio Agüero (Manchester City/Argentina)
18. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool/Scotland)
19. Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli/Senegal)
20. Ederson Moraes (Manchester City/Brazil)
21. Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund/England)
22. Dusan Tadic (Ajax/Serbia)
23. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham Hotspur/Denmark)
24. Jan Oblak (Atlético Madrid/Slovenia)
25. Aymeric Laporte (Manchester City/France)
26. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid/Spain)
27. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur/South Korea)
28. Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund/Germany)
29. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid/France)
30. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal/Gabon)
31. David Silva (Manchester City/Spain)
32. Nabil Fekir (Lyon/France)
33. Thiago Alcântara (Bayern Munich/Spain)
34. Paulo Dybala (Juventus/Argentina)
35. Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli/Italy)
36. Gerard Piqué (Barcelona/Spain)
37. Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain/Uruguay)
38. Hakim Ziyech (Ajax/Morocco)
39. David Alaba (Bayern Munich/Austria)
40. Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur/Belgium)

Conclusion: A Year of Footballing Brilliance

The 2019 football season showcased a captivating blend of individual brilliance, tactical mastery, and unforgettable moments. This list of the top 40 players reflects the diverse talents that graced the global stage, leaving fans in awe of their skills and athleticism. As the sport continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the pursuit of excellence and the passion for the beautiful game will continue to inspire generations to come.

FAQs

Who was considered the best player in the world in 2019?

Lionel Messi was widely regarded as the best player in the world in 2019, earning his sixth Ballon d’Or award.

Which team had the most players in the top 40?

Liverpool, the 2019 Champions League winners, had the most players featured in the top 40, with a total of 7 players making the list.

Were there any surprises in the top 40 rankings?

The emergence of players like Frenkie de Jong and Jadon Sancho in the top 20 demonstrated the rise of young talents making a significant impact on the global stage.

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