There probably isn’t a subject more open to uncompromising debate in sport than a list that names the best ten footballers in the world. Indeed, tribalism, personal grudges, and downright ambivalence seem to dominate discourse over who is currently at the summit of world football. Irrespective of the furor that these topics bring, we’ve taken the somewhat ill-advised decision to go ahead and name the top ten footballers in the world. In this instance, however, there’s no bias or agenda, just straight facts. So, without any further ado, here are the best ten footballers on the planet at the moment.
10. Sadio Mane
The Senegalese forward hasn’t hit the heights he normally would for his club during the 2021/2022 season but he’s been a revelation on the international scene after driving Senegal onto African Cup of Nations Glory. Mane’s contribution in Cameroon was so immense that he was named AFCON Player of the Tournament after scoring three goals and registering two assists in the competition. Crucially, the 29-year-old also scored the winning penalty in the final against Egypt.
9. Thiago Silva
These lists of the best players in the world tend to be light on defenders given how celebrated attackers are, which means that players tasked with keeping clean sheets have to be exceptional to earn praise. For Thiago Silva, however, the Brazilian center-back stands out during every game he plays for club and country. In addition to this and at 37, Silva doesn’t show any signs that age is catching up to him as he shepherds Chelsea’s defense with the type of composure that money can’t buy. Indeed, you can travel the world and you won’t currently find a defender who is calmer on the ball.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s powers are waning but he’s still good enough to make this list of the best footballers in the world. All in all, the man they call CR7 had made 26 appearances in domestic competitions this season and has scored 14 goals whilst chipping in with three assists. It may seem like a meager return for the great Ronaldo who is one of the richest footballers on the planet, but he’s scored some vital goals for the Red Devils to spare their blushes on more than one occasion this season.
7. Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy’s journey to the top of professional football will undoubtedly be made into a Hollywood movie one day. Simply put, the 29-year-old is the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment and like Sadio Mane, has just played an integral role for Senegal in helping them win the African Cup of Nations. On top of that, Mendy was voted the AFCON keeper of the tournament which he can now add to his growing list of achievements along with a Champions League winners medal. It was, in fact, the Champions League tournament where Mendy became a global household name after being a complete unknown in the third division of French football only five years ago.
Europe’s premier football tournament does have a tendency to propel footballers to stardom given the international television coverage and also the increasing amount of exposure it gets on bookmakers’ websites. Indeed, take this list of the best betting sites in Bangladesh for example, all of these bookies offer odds on the competition, with LeoVegas Sport, interestingly, pricing Mendy’s Chelsea at 15/2 to defend their 2021 title. You would have to say that with Edouard Mendy in goal, anything is possible. Plus, the fact that countries the world over are offering odds on this tournament clearly demonstrates the continued widespread appeal and popularity of this sport perpetuated by quality players like this.
6. Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian magician went through an indifferent patch at the start of the season but has now started pulling the strings in Manchester City’s midfielder once more and has the Citizens on course to win the Premier League. Indeed, with six goals and two assists in 17 league appearances, De Bruyne is back to his devastating best.
5. Raphinha
Raphinha is the only player on this list who is not playing Champions League football but that will change next season as the world’s biggest clubs circle around him. The 25-year-old has almost single-handedly kept Leeds United in the Premier League but it is his form for his nation Brazil that has set him apart after scoring twice in just five appearances since making his debut in October 2021.
4. Karim Benzema
The evergreen French forward is enjoying a thrilling swansong in his career after scoring 24 goals in 28 appearances for Real Madrid this season. What’s more, is that Benzema has provided nine crucial assists on top of that, which has set Los Blancos on course to win the La Liga title for a record-breaking 35th time in the club’s illustrious history.
3. Erling Haaland
Borussia Dortmund’s superhuman striker seemingly doesn’t have an off switch and continues to operate in front of goal with robotic-like consistency. Indeed, 23 goals in only 20 appearances mean that he is averaging better than a goal a game for BVB this season. It is no wonder that Real Madrid is courting the Norwegian for a summer switch to Spain’s capital.
2. Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has been so prolific this season that he is six goals ahead of the nearest top goalscorer in the Premier League despite spending a month away on AFCON duty with Egypt. The 29-year-old’s 16 Premier League strikes have given him the perfect platform to win the golden boot award for the first time since 2019 when he shared it with teammate Sadio Mane.
1. Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski’s numbers are nothing short of astounding having scored 35 times in 29 appearances this season. The Polish marksman has shown a level of consistency that should help him win the Ballon d’Or if he can keep it up through 2022 which would be a remarkable effort given that he will be 34 at the time of the awards ceremony.
So, there you have it. The top 10 best footballers in the world in 2022. However, what fans love about the sport is its unpredictability, and who knows who could rise to the occasion and knock a couple of these players off their pedestal? Only time will tell.
