The Best Male Soccer…

North America is currently hosting some of the world’s biggest soccer stars. While recent tournaments like the Copa América and Club World Cup showcased immense talent, nothing compares to the excitement of a World Cup. Although a few notable players, such as Gianluigi Donnarumma and Trent Alexander-Arnold, are absent due to qualification issues or team selection controversies, the majority of top talents are lighting up the fields across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The question of which nation boasts the best team is on everyone’s mind. But what about individual brilliance? Traditionally, Lionel Messi has been the undisputed best, but now the landscape is more uncertain. Is it Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Rodri, or Ousmane Dembele? The answer could vary from week to week.

In this piece, we aim to explore this dilemma by revisiting the history of the “Best Male Soccer Player Alive” championship belt across the last 45 years. We’ll begin with the 1979-80 season and identify the top men’s player at any given moment. I’ve previously compiled similar championship belts for NFL pass rushers, quarterbacks, head coaches, starting pitchers, and outstanding American athletes.

A variety of awards already seek to determine the best player in soccer, with each significant competition offering its own distinction. The Ballon d’Or typically recognizes the top player for a given year, mirroring the MVP honors found in American sports. While these awards celebrate performance within a specific time frame, my approach considers longer periods. I’m not evaluating transfer value or prospective development.

If you needed to win a single match and could select any player globally to join your team, who would you choose?

Generally, the focus tends to gravitate towards creators and goal-scorers, as their impact can dramatically shift the outcome of matches. Consequently, this list will reflect that. While individual awards and statistics will be referenced, context is crucial. Did the player revolutionize their club upon arrival or lead their national team to glory? Did they achieve success against fierce competition? Did they deliver on the biggest stages?

While recent performances are paramount, there’s a sense of “to be the man, you have to beat the man” when it comes to the championship belt. A mere close performance against the current holder won’t suffice to change the title. For it to change hands, the existing champion must notably decline, suffer a significant injury, or be clearly outperformed by a contender.

For each 12-month period, I’ll evaluate players’ performances for both club and country. This period begins with the major European leagues in August and concludes with the key international tournaments the following summer. For instance, the 2021-22 award encompasses club competitions from that season and the 2022 World Cup; it excludes the 2021 Copa América and any achievements from the 2020-21 club season or anything from the 2022-23 season.

Having established these criteria, let’s dive into the recapping of the winners, starting with the 1979-80 season and a striker from a country that no longer exists.

1979-80 to 1981-82: Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, FW, Bayern Munich/West Germany

We kick off with an attacking player who made a phenomenal leap forward. In the 1979-80 season, Rummenigge netted 26 goals, nearly doubling his previous career-best and claiming the top scorer position in Europe’s Big Five leagues. Those goals were pivotal as Bayern Munich clinched the title by two points over Hamburger SV. Shortly after, Rummenigge helped West Germany secure the European Championship in 1980, earning a spot on the Team of the Tournament.

Having confirmed his status as a global standout, Rummenigge followed his breakout season with 29 goals the next year and added six goals in eight matches during the European Cup, although Bayern was eliminated in the semifinals by Liverpool. A year later, he contributed six more goals on the way to the final, but Bayern lost to Aston Villa.

Rummenigge consistently performed on grand stages, scoring four times in the group stage at the 1982 World Cup before suffering a hamstring injury. Despite being limited to a substitute role, he scored shortly after coming onto the pitch in the semifinal, helping West Germany stage a comeback against France before winning in penalties. However, West Germany fell to Italy in the final, leaving Rummenigge without an international winner’s medal.

His subsequent career continued to shine in the Bundesliga, even following a troubled stint at Inter Milan, while another sensation was set to take the title from him.

1982-83 to 1984-85: Michel Platini, MF, Juventus/France

The first of several players from Juventus to hold this title, Platini transitioned to Serie A at age 27 after a stellar career in France. Although he had already clinched titles with Saint-Etienne, he struggled for consistency on the biggest stages with club and country prior to his move to Juventus. He captained France during the fateful 1982 World Cup semifinal, where they led West Germany 3-1 in extra time before ultimately losing in a penalty shootout.

Upon arriving at Juventus, Platini found his groove and propelled both club and country to success. He finished as the league’s top scorer in 1982-83 (16 goals), 1983-84 (20), and 1984-85 (18). Under his guidance, Juventus captured the Italian league titles in 1983-84 and 1984-85. They won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983-84 and the European Cup in 1984-85, with Platini scoring the title-clinching penalty in a match overshadowed by a stadium disaster.

He was vital in France’s first title triumph at Euro 1984, delivering arguably the greatest individual performance in the competition’s history by scoring nine goals, including hat tricks in consecutive matches. His crucial goal in the semifinal against Portugal and an opener in the final secured the trophy for France.

Following the European Cup win, Platini contributed to another Serie A title and an Intercontinental Cup triumph before retiring post the next World Cup.

1985-86 to 1989-90: Diego Maradona, MF, Napoli/Argentina

Maradona was already a household name, having set the record for the highest transfer fee twice in his moves from Boca Juniors to Barcelona and then to Napoli. Celebrated for his skill and temperament, despite his move to Europe, he had yet to lead Argentina to tournament success or win a league title in either Spain or Italy.

However, the 1986 World Cup marked Maradona’s arrival as the undisputed global star. He helped Argentina secure their second World Cup, scoring five goals, including two in the quarterfinal against England, and providing an audacious assist for Jorge Burruchaga’s winning goal in the final.

Returning to Napoli post-World Cup, he propelled the club to its first league title, netting 17 goals along the way, while also lifting the Coppa Italia. He again topped the scoring charts with 15 goals in the following season as Napoli finished as runners-up. The club also achieved UEFA Cup glory the next year, cementing Maradona’s legacy at Napoli by clinching a second Serie A title in 1989-90.

Despite a strong performance against Brazil in the 1990 World Cup, Maradona couldn’t clinch another title for Argentina, narrowly missing out after falling to West Germany in the final.

His reign of dominance came to an abrupt end as he faced a cocaine suspension during a lackluster stint with Seville, after which he returned to Argentina before making one final World Cup appearance in 1994.

1990-91: Lothar Matthäus, MF, Inter Milan/West Germany

With Maradona stepping down, Matthäus emerged as the frontrunner. A World Cup-winning captain for West Germany just before the 1990-91 season, Matthäus established himself as a key player, scoring 21 goals across all competitions.

In a season where Inter claimed the Italian title and the UEFA Cup, Matthäus scored in each of the final rounds. His style may have differed from the flair of Maradona or Platini, but his results could not be denied.

Unfortunately, an ACL injury limited Matthäus in the following season, preventing him from contributing to the reunified German team. He eventually transitioned to the back line, mirroring Franz Beckenbauer’s role as a sweeper for club and country.

1991-92: Marco van Basten, FW, Milan/Netherlands

Van Basten had already etched his name in history owing to his legendary goal during the Euro 1988 final. Despite being a top scorer throughout his time in Serie A, injuries plagued his tenure at Milan.

Fortunately, in 1991-92, when healthy, Van Basten netted 25 goals in 31 matches, far ahead of his nearest competition. Under his leadership, Milan scored 74 goals and went undefeated in league play.

Unfortunately, injury struck again, and despite starting the 1992-93 season strong, van Basten re-injured himself and ultimately retired following two unsuccessful years dedicated to rehabilitation.

1992-93: Roberto Baggio, FW, Juventus/Italy

With Van Basten sidelined, a clear successor wasn’t apparent. Eric Cantona’s arrival at Manchester United transformed the club, while Chris Waddle thrived in England, and the Milan defense featured several stars.

Instead, it was Baggio, known as the Divine Ponytail, who rose to the occasion. He had a standout season, netting 21 goals in 26 matches. Although this was only good for fourth in Serie A, he was pivotal in leading Juventus to a UEFA Cup title, netting six goals through the competition.

Baggio was also Italy’s standout performer, scoring five goals in the 1994 World Cup. However, the tournament ended in disappointment as he famously missed the decisive penalty in the final against Brazil.

1993-94: Romario, FW, Barcelona/Brazil

The Brazilian striker had a sensational debut season in a major European league, finishing as the Pichichi Trophy winner with 30 goals and contributing significantly to Barcelona’s La Liga success. He was instrumental in reaching the Champions League final, even as the team fell to Milan.

For Brazil, he made his impact felt, returning to the squad just in time for the World Cup. Romario was crucial, scoring five goals, including the title-winning penalty in the final against Italy, securing Brazil’s fourth World Cup.

However, like several stars before him, Romario struggled to maintain peak form, facing a tumultuous career post-1994.

1994-95 to 1998-99: Ronaldo, FW, PSV Eindhoven/Barcelona/Inter Milan/Brazil

Ronaldo faced significant challenges following the World Cup. Although George Weah won the Ballon d’Or in 1995, Ronaldo began his European journey at PSV Eindhoven, captivating audiences as a teenager and scoring 30 goals in his debut season.

The following year, despite a tendon injury restricting his appearances, he maintained a strong scoring rate, netting 19 times in just 21 matches. His record-breaking transfer to Barcelona followed, where he scored an incredible 34 goals in his first season.

After dominating the Copa America, Ronaldo transferred to Inter Milan for another record fee and continued to perform at elite levels, helping to secure multiple titles, despite facing personal challenges and injuries.

His remarkable resurgence came during the 2002 World Cup, where he claimed the Golden Boot with eight goals and led Brazil to their fifth title. Following a successful spell at Real Madrid, he earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest forwards.

1999-00 to 2002-03: Zinedine Zidane, MF, Juventus/Real Madrid/France

Many argue that Zidane’s claim to this title was solidified after scoring twice in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil. Yet, his dominance was sometimes overshadowed by inconsistent club performances. Nevertheless, Zidane catalyzed France’s success, leading to their Euro 2000 victory while earning Player of the Tournament.

Following a prosperous club career with Juventus and Real Madrid, where he amassed significant accolades, Zidane remained one of the most compelling players until his retirement.

2003-04: Thierry Henry, FW, Arsenal/France

Henry was integral to the success of Arsenal, transitioning from a promising young striker to a top player in the Premier League, winning multiple accolades for his goal-scoring prowess.

In the 2003-04 season, he achieved a league-best tally of 30 goals, helping Arsenal finish the league season unbeaten—the first team to do so since 1889. He also excelled in the Champions League, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s finest players.

2004-05 to 2005-06: Ronaldinho, FW, Barcelona/Brazil

Ronaldinho revitalized Barcelona, leading them back to prominence with his dazzling skills and creativity. He was instrumental in helping the club land La Liga titles and a Champions League victory, while making sporadic impacts on the international scene.

2006-07: Andrea Pirlo, MF, Milan/Italy

Pirlo solidified his place as one of the world’s top players following Italy’s World Cup victory. He excelled in the UEFA Champions League, playing a crucial role in leading Milan to victory, demonstrating his playmaking brilliance.

2007-08: Cristiano Ronaldo, FW, Manchester United/Portugal

Ronaldo’s physical development allowed him to evolve into a key figure at Manchester United. In the 2007-08 season, he achieved unprecedented scoring results, and his performances in the Champions League further solidified his status as one of the best.

2008-09 to 2014-15: Lionel Messi, FW, Barcelona/Argentina

With Cristiano Ronaldo gone, Messi took up the mantle as the leading player in world football, embarking on a historic era at Barcelona. His impressive goals and assists led the club to multiple titles across domestic and European competitions.

This featured an epic rivalry with Ronaldo that further heightened their respective legacies. Over their years in Spain, their performances became benchmarks for excellence, with both establishing records that stood for years.

2015-16: Cristiano Ronaldo, FW, Real Madrid/Portugal

During the 2015-16 season, Ronaldo exhibited remarkable goal-scoring ability, helping Real Madrid secure crucial victories in both La Liga and the Champions League, including spearheading Madrid’s success in the final.

2016-17 to 2020-21: Lionel Messi, FW, Barcelona/Argentina

Messi decisively returned as the top player, leading Barcelona to a successful season while outpacing Ronaldo’s numbers and helping the club secure more silverware.

2021-22 to 2022-23: Kylian Mbappe, FW, Paris Saint-Germain/France

Although the Messi-Mbappe-Neymar trio at PSG struggled to clinch a Champions League title, Mbappe excelled individually, producing impressive goal stats and distilling his substantial contributions in the 2022 World Cup.

2023-24: Jude Bellingham, MF, Real Madrid/England

Having made a significant impact as an 18-year-old, Bellingham quickly established his credentials at Madrid, showcasing his potential and proving pivotal in their campaign for the La Liga title and even contributing at Euro 2024.

2024-25 to ???: Lamine Yamal, FW, Barcelona/Spain

Yamal transformed from a promising prospect to a global superstar in Euro 2024, earning acclaim for his performance and continuing to impress in victories for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.

The future remains bright for football, with potential successors like Mbappe or Bellingham eager to reclaim the belt as the competition continues to evolve.