Football's Brightest Stars of 2024

1. Summary

• This report provides an insightful analysis of the top football players in 2024, focusing on how the global football landscape continues to evolve following the illustrious careers of legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It features an assessment of key players by position, including iconic figures like Paolo Rossi, who secured Italy's 1982 World Cup triumph, and Kylian Mbappé, a significant force in both club and national teams aiming for European Championship success. Additionally, the report highlights prolific goal-scorers such as Erling Haaland and midfield maestros like Luka Modric, who remain instrumental in shaping contemporary football dynamics. Through evaluating their achievements, playing styles, and contributions to football, the report also sheds light on underrated talents who deserve greater acknowledgment within the sports community.

2. The Greatest Strikers in Football History

• 2-1. Paolo Rossi's Influence on Italy's 1982 World Cup

• Paolo Rossi played a pivotal role in securing the 1982 World Cup for Italy, scoring six crucial goals during the tournament, which also earned him the golden boot. Once regarded as the most expensive player ever, Rossi demonstrated remarkable talent at both club and international levels, topping the Serie B and Serie A scoring charts for Vicenza in consecutive seasons.

• 2-2. Emiliano Butragueno's Legacy at Real Madrid

• Emiliano Butragueno made his mark at Real Madrid by scoring two goals on his debut in 1984 and leading the famous 'Quinta del Buitre,' a group of homegrown players who significantly contributed to the club's dominance in Spanish football throughout the 1980s. Known for his agility and skill, Butragueno accumulated a total of 123 goals in La Liga, cementing his legacy as one of Madrid's great forwards.

• 2-3. Longevity and Talent: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alan Shearer

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had an impressive career, continuing to score prolifically even as he reached his thirties, showcasing his resilience and talent at clubs across Europe, including a successful return to Europe after a stint in the MLS. Alan Shearer remains a legend for his goal-scoring capabilities in the Premier League, celebrated for his iconic celebration and his remarkable skill in finding the net despite a lack of major trophies with Newcastle.

• 2-4. Remarkable Accomplishments: Marco van Basten, Ferenc Puskas, and Eusebio

• Marco van Basten is remembered as one of football's greatest forwards, retiring at age 28 with over 300 goals, three Ballon d'Or awards, and numerous trophies despite facing injuries during his career. Ferenc Puskas, an iconic figure from Hungary's golden era, is recognized for his flair, power, and passion, holding the record as the third highest scorer in official football history with 808 goals. Eusebio, known for his powerful shot, was a crucial player for Benfica in the 1960s and 70s and was the top scorer for Portugal during the 1966 World Cup, earning wide acclaim as one of the game's best.

3. Top Players of Copa America and Euro 2024

• 3-1. Kylian Mbappé's Pursuit of European Championship Glory

• Kylian Mbappé, a 25-year-old striker from France currently playing for Real Madrid, emerged as one of the top players to watch in the European Championship. Having previously won the World Cup in 2018, he aimed to secure his first European Championship win after a disappointing performance in Euro 2020, where he missed a penalty in the knockout stage. During the FIFA World Cup 2022, he was the tournament's top scorer with eight goals. Mbappé's goal-scoring records and strong performances have positioned him as a frontrunner for the prestigious Ballon d'Or, especially with his anticipated impact in the upcoming championship.

• 3-2. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior

• Jude Bellingham, a 20-year-old central midfielder from England, has impressed since his transfer to Real Madrid for a record fee exceeding $100 million. He led the club in scoring, helped secure both Spanish and European titles, and was named La Liga's MVP, positioning him as a top contender for the Ballon d'Or. Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior, a 23-year-old left winger from Brazil, has achieved tremendous success with Real Madrid, winning multiple titles including Champions League honors. However, he seeks success on the national stage after missing out on previous major tournaments.

• 3-3. Harry Kane and the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot

• Harry Kane, at 30 years old and currently with Bayern Munich, remains a crucial player for England. Although he did not secure a trophy in his first season in Germany, he was the highest scorer in the Bundesliga with 36 goals. Kane also seeks to draw on his experience as the Golden Boot winner at the 2018 World Cup to lead England to their first major trophy since 1966 in the upcoming Euro 2024.

• 3-4. Lionel Messi's Return to Copa América

• Lionel Messi, now 36 and playing for Inter Miami CF, has returned to the Copa América after a triumphant 2021, which ended Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought. Despite changes in his career, Messi’s ability to perform at a high level remains intact, as demonstrated at the 2022 World Cup. He is expected to lead Argentina once again and strives to enhance his international legacy as he nears retirement.

4. Elite Midfielders of 2024

• 4-1. Jude Bellingham and Kevin De Bruyne's Key Attributes

• Jude Bellingham, playing for Real Madrid, is recognized as one of the best young talents in the world in 2024. His performance has made him a sought-after player, showcasing attributes of an energetic box-to-box midfielder. He excels in holding possession, finding spaces within the opponent's half, winning balls, and driving forward to create assists or score goals. Defensively, he successfully averts dangerous opportunities. Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City is also highlighted as one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League. He is celebrated for his playmaking abilities, being a natural assist-maker, a free kick specialist, and a team leader, contributing vital goals and assists for his team.

• 4-2. Rising Stars: Gavi and Florian Wirtz

• Gavi, from FC Barcelona, is notable as one of the best young midfielders in the world. He won the Golden Boy Award in 2022 due to his remarkable impact on the Spanish national team, becoming the youngest player to represent the team. Despite his passionate playing style, recurring injuries have hindered his consistency on the field. Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen had an outstanding season in 2024, winning the Bundesliga and setting personal and league records, solidifying his status as one of the best young midfielders globally.

• 4-3. Veterans' Contributions: Toni Kroos and Luka Modric

• Toni Kroos of Real Madrid continues to be recognized as one of the best midfielders globally, bringing a wealth of experience to his game. He has consistently ranked among the top in his position, contributing significantly to his team's success since joining Real Madrid. Luka Modric, also from Real Madrid, shows no signs of slowing down with age. He played a pivotal role in helping the club secure the Champions League title last season, becoming one of the players with the highest number of trophies in football history.

5. A Snapshot of the World’s Best Football Players in 2024

• 5-1. Karim Benzema’s Impact at Real Madrid

• Karim Benzema is recognized as one of the top football players at Real Madrid and in Europe. He plays as a striker, demonstrating remarkable goal-scoring abilities, and excels in holding the ball and linking with teammates. Benzema's exceptional performances have earned him the current Ballon d’Or, and he has spent 14 successful years at Real Madrid, further enhancing his reputation and loyalty to the club.

• 5-2. Erling Haaland’s Premier League Ascendancy

• Erling Haaland has emerged as one of the brightest talents in world football. After successful stints at RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, he has made a significant impact in the Premier League. As of 2024, he is the leading scorer in the league, surpassing the goal tallies of previous season's Golden Boot winners, demonstrating his extraordinary goal-scoring talent.

• 5-3. Luka Modric’s Career Achievements and Current Form

• Luka Modric is celebrated as one of the most decorated players in Croatian football history. He has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in Europe over the last decade. Modric is known for his composure and precise passing, guiding Croatia to the finals of the 2018 World Cup. At 37 years old, he continues to perform at a high level both for Real Madrid and the Croatian national team.

6. Emerging and Established Talents in 2024

• 6-1. The Rise of Young Stars: Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé

• Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé are two young football stars recognized for their exceptional talent and contributions to the game as of 2024. Haaland has consistently performed at an elite level, scoring an impressive number of goals in the Premier League despite facing injury challenges. Mbappé's performances on the international stage, including his remarkable hat-trick in the World Cup final, have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in world football.

• 6-2. The Maintained Grandeur of Lionel Messi

• Lionel Messi, despite transitioning to Inter Miami in a lower-profile league, retains a notable status among the top players globally. His influence on matches continues to be significant, demonstrated by his contributions helping Argentina secure the Copa America and the World Cup. His playing style remains impactful, characterized by intelligence and strategic game manipulation, even as he adapts to the evolving landscape of football.

• 6-3. The Ranking of Football Icons by Position

• The ranking of football icons in 2024 reflects a dynamic landscape where traditional legends are now evaluated alongside emerging talents. The comprehensive list includes established players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham, who showcase a blend of historical achievements and contemporary prowess. This analysis articulates the shifting perception of who qualifies as the best, emphasizing both contribution to the game and statistical achievements.

7. The Most Underrated Footballers of 2024

• 7-1. Federico Chiesa and Gerard Moreno's Overlooked Talents

• Federico Chiesa is a winger for Juventus, initially recognized as the best player during his time at Fiorentina. Many doubted his potential at Juventus due to the high caliber of players around him, yet he has consistently proven his worth with solid performances and crucial goals. Despite suffering from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022 that sidelined him for seven months, Chiesa's exceptional abilities remain underappreciated. Conversely, Gerard Moreno, a striker for Villareal, exhibits remarkable versatility as a complete striker. Having scored 18 goals in the 2019/20 season and 23 goals with 7 assists in the following season, he notably contributed to Villareal's Europa League triumph. In the ongoing 2022/23 season, he recorded 6 goals and 2 assists in just 14 La Liga matches and achieved a total of 10 goals in 27 appearances during the 2023/24 season but still lacks the recognition he deserves.

• 7-2. Versatility and Impact: Lois Openda and Tim Ream

• Lois Openda, a skilled forward, is currently playing for RB Leipzig after a successful stint at RC Lens, where he played a vital role in the team's qualification for the UEFA Champions League. He made headlines by scoring the fastest hat-trick in Ligue 1 history in a mere four minutes and 30 seconds. As of now, he is among the top goalscorers in Europe with 21 Bundesliga goals, yet continues to be underrated. On the other hand, 36-year-old Tim Ream, an American center-back for Fulham, has exhibited exceptional ball control and passing capabilities. His adaptability as he excels in both center-back and left-back positions makes him a valuable player, and notable figures like Pep Guardiola have recognized his potential, suggesting he would have been signed if he were younger.

8. Leading Goalkeepers in World Football as of 2024

• 8-1. Emerging Talent: Giorgi Mamardashvili and Emi Martinez

• Giorgi Mamardashvili, the Valencia and Georgia goalkeeper, has been recognized for his extraordinary abilities and impressive performances, particularly during the Euro 2024 tournament where he helped Georgia reach the knockout stages. He is noted for his physical stature at 6ft 6in and his skill in handling both high and low balls. Emi Martinez, the Aston Villa and Argentina keeper, has gained significant recognition after his pivotal role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory and has continued to demonstrate his talent, contributing to Aston Villa's success in the Premier League and the Europa Conference League.

• 8-2. Manuel Neuer's Career Post-Injury

• Manuel Neuer, the goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and Germany, is considered one of the most influential keepers in football history, having popularized the sweeper-keeper style. However, he suffered a severe leg injury after the 2022 World Cup that sidelined him for 12 months. As he returns to action with Bayern Munich, there are expectations for him to bring his experience and leadership to the German national team in Euro 2024.

• 8-3. The Evolution of Goalkeeping Styles

• The past decade has witnessed significant evolution in goalkeeping styles, shifting from traditional shot-stopping roles to more modern approaches that include playing out from the back and contributing to the build-up play. This evolution is reflected in the techniques and skill sets of today's top goalkeepers, who are increasingly required to exhibit proficiency in distribution, ball control, and communication with defenders, in addition to their shot-stopping capabilities.

9. Conclusion

• The comprehensive review of 2024's top football players highlights a dynamic shift in the sport's hierarchy, with figures like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé at the forefront of transforming modern football through their athletic prowess and goal-scoring feats. Midfielders such as Luka Modric continue to demonstrate their tactical genius, underscoring the critical roles they play in both club success and international competitions. However, it's important to acknowledge the report's limitations, including potential biases in player rankings and the subjective nature of individual evaluations. Future work should aim to include a broader range of data, such as engaging fan perspectives and advanced game analytics, to present a more rounded view of player impacts and achievements. The report equally emphasizes the enduring importance of recognizing both celebrated veterans and emerging talents, ensuring a balanced perspective that honors football's rich past while embracing its future. Practical applications of these analyses extend to talent scouting, team management, and enhancing fan engagement by showcasing diverse player narratives across the sport's global stage.

10. Glossary

• 10-1. Paolo Rossi [Person]

• An influential Italian football striker, known for his pivotal role in Italy's 1982 World Cup victory, illustrating exceptional goal-scoring ability.

• 10-2. Kylian Mbappé [Person]

• Renowned for remarkable speed and skill, pivotal in PSG and the French national team. A rising star aiming for a European Championship victory.

• 10-3. Erling Haaland [Person]

• A prodigious goal-scorer in the Premier League, reshaping modern football narrative with his dynamic performances and significant influence.

• 10-4. Luka Modric [Person]

• Celebrated Croatian midfielder, recognized for leadership and tactical prowess, continuing to excel at both club and international levels.

11. Source Documents

• The 30 greatest strikers of all timehttps://www.90min.com/posts/greatest-strikers-of-all-time-ranked
• Top 100 players of Copa America and Euro 2024https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/top-100-players-of-copa-america-and-euro-2024
• Top 20 best midfielders in the world 2024https://interestingfootball.com/top-20-best-midfielders-in-the-world/
• Top 10 Best Football Players in the World as of 2024https://technosports.co.in/top-10-best-football-players-in-the-world/
• Best football players in the world ranked 2024https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sport/football/best-football-players-world/
• Top 20 Most Underrated Footballers In The World (2024) - Top Soccer Bloghttps://topsoccerblog.com/top-most-underrated-footballers-world/
• Top 10 Best Football Players in the World as of 2024https://technosports.co.in/top-10-best-football-players-in-the-world/
• Ranked! The 10 best goalkeepers in the worldhttps://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ranked-the-10-best-goalkeepers-in-the-world