For the best part of two decades, the mantle of best footballer in the world or world player of the year, has been dominated by two individuals.
Sadly, as we all know, all good things come to an end, and father time catches up with us all.
Although Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both at the tail end of their careers, squeezing the last bits of their talents out while helping emerging leagues raise their profiles. The world of top-level football needs a new king or kings.
It’s not only Messi and Ronaldo. We are in somewhat of an era transition with footballers such as Neymar, Lewandowski, Modric, Benzema, Suarez and Ramos in the twilight of their careers and will be bowing out. So, who are the emerging, next potential world’s best players?
KYLIAN MBAPPE
There is no doubt that the most likely air to the throne is the Frenchman.
If you are judging potential by performances in big games, then the World Cup was a bigger indication than any, although France did not emerge with the trophy.
Mbappe already has a World Cup trophy to his name, and 12 World Cup goals at the tender age of 24, putting him joint 5th on the all-time list.
His goal-scoring record in all competitions is phenomenal. However, PSG underperforming in Europe has been a hindrance. For all their financial backing, he may feel the need to leave to put himself in the position to cement the world’s best footballer title.
ERLING HAALAND
Solely on club exploits, his goal-scoring record is unmatched in recent years, breaking all sorts of records.
In his first season at Man City he fired them to the treble, and doesn’t seem to be letting up this season.
The fact that he is only 23, looks the complete striker, but is still growing and learning is a frightening prospect.
However, to truly take on the mantle of the best player in the world, he may have to somehow fire his nation into a major tournament, and try to perform there.
Norway has yet to make a major final’s with Haaland, so that goal should be at the top of the list before he can step into the best player in the world’s shoes.
MO SALAH
Regardless of opinions, he has been one of the most consistent performers over the past five years.
In the last five Ballon d’Or awards, he has placed sixth, fifth, seventh, fifth and eleventh. Few can top that in the last five years.
His consistency in goals and breaking records since he arrived at Liverpool is almost unparalleled. He continues to be one of the top performers for goal involvement’s every season, no matter the circumstances or how big the game or occasion.
That said, he is 31 now, and although he has kept himself in peak condition, the question will be how long he can keep up such unrelenting form to be named the world’s best.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Few can rival the Man City midfielder for pure ability. KDB is a classy footballer who has proven he can do it at the very top level under any circumstances, demonstrating exceptional vision and passing abilities, not to mention his eye for a spectacular goal.
A big game player, he can run, control, and dictate games against the best opposition football has to offer, as we have already seen. He is a striker’s dream to play in front of.
However, the only mark against his name is internationally, in what was supposed to be Belgium’s golden era, he has not driven his team to any success. Also, more recently, he has started to become injury-prone, which will certainly hinder any best-in-the-world talk.
HARRY KANE
England’s greatest goal scorer might not be on many lists, but his numbers speak for themselves. Not only has he been a supreme scorer throughout his career. But in recent years, he has shown the ability to adapt his game and provide assists.
This has added an extra dimension to his game which has come with education and maturity. Having not picked up any team trophies, his move to Bayern Munich should fill that gap in his trophy cabinet.
Missing out on big trophies has hindered his argument, but now performing at the highest level, he will have no other excuses to pick up all the team accolades that have eluded him.
However, at 31, he cannot afford any slip-ups as his window for being called the best in the world is narrow.
RODRI
Not an obvious choice, but on sheer ability, accolades, achievements and influence, how can he not be in the running?
A winning goal in the Champions League final. Super Cup and English treble winner, multiple Premier League champions and a Nations League winner.
But it’s not just team accolades; he was the Champions League player of the season and the Nations League finals player of the tournament. His influence on a star-studded Man City team cannot be ignored or understated. Without him, city are a weaker outfit.
Due to not having the silky skills of most or the prolific goal-scoring abilities of others, he may not get the same recognition or consideration of being in the best player of the world bracket, where numbers seem to dictate more.
JUDE BELLINGHAM
The way he has started his Real Madrid career, he looks the most likely to be the next best thing.
Nobody can argue with the records he has broken in the few months since he arrived at the best club side in world football.
He has shown maturity beyond his tender age of just 21, and nothing seems to faze him, the bigger the occasion the better. He is already playing like a seasoned professional and already looks like an all-around footballer with everything in his locker.
The challenge will now be to maintain the lofty standards he has already set, as players will target him. Also, internationally, if he helps England to a first major honour since 1966, who can argue with him being the best in the world?
VINICIUS JR
At just 23, he has already scored the winning goal in a Champions League final and has five major honours.
He is pound for pound, one of the most skilful footballers in today’s game and an absolute nightmare for defenders.
His ability to glide past defenders with a combination of speed, skill, and trickery is mesmerising, and is often the difference in tight games, where teams seem deadlocked or defences or on top.
As a Brazilian, naturally, the pressure is on to perform at club level, but also internationally. His temperament has been called into question, which has caused him to be targeted. These can all be things to watch and monitor as they could hinder his prospects to called the best in the world.
RAFAEL LEAO
This would go into the potential bracket for the future.
Leao has all the attributes to be a world-beater and has demonstrated this on several occasions.
He is a presence on the pitch, and not only does he possess pace and power, but has skill and ball control, with balance and agility that mesmerises defenders.
However, as good as he is, he is still young. So, has to turn that potential into a definite. The challenge is to use his talents and tools to make big impacts or decide games on a much more regular basis. Then his name can be considered in the world’s best conversation.
