Who are the best football (soccer) players in the world today? If you do not know, you are probably on the wrong side of the planet. The world knows football, except for a few. The Philippines is much like the US wherein football (I mean soccer) does not have enough followers. No wonder we’re ranked very low even in Southeast Asia.

In my opinion, (I say this with emphasis- my opinion), the 5 best football players in the world today are:


No. 1 – Cristiano Ronaldo

This 23-year old plays for Manchester United and is the top player of Portugal’s National Team. Among the many awards he received in his career, the highest so far is the 2008 FIFA Player of the Year Award. He also won the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (2007–08), FIFPro World Player of the Year (2007–08) and the Ballon d’Or (2008).

His accomplishments in the Manchester United team include: Premiere League Title, UEFA Champions’ League Title, and the World Club Trophy.

As to his Portuguese team, he played a vital role in Euro and in the World Cup.

Ronaldo is very fun to watch everytime he is on the field. His dribbling skills is amazing, beating defenders like it is so easy. His assists are also very accurate. His penalty kicks are sure fire. I would be saddened if he leaves Man U for Real Madrid.

No. 2 – Kaka

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, popularly known as Kaka, is a 26 year old Brazilian who plays for Italy’s AC Milan and Brazil’s National Team. He was the recipient of both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2007.

His accomplishments in the AC Mila team include a UEFA Champions’ League Title in 2007.

No. 3 – Lionel Messi

This 21-year old Argentine plays for FC Barcelona and Argentina’s National Team. He is a runner-up in 2008 and 2007 for the FIFA Player of the Year honors. This young man is often compared to Diego Maradona, the legendary player and currently the head coach of Argentina’s National Team.

With the departure of Ronaldinho, Messi plays a vital role in FC Barcelona’s attack. Messi also played an important role in Argentina’s Beijing Olympics gold victory.

I have seen him play and he is quick footed. You’ll surely love to watch this guy move in the football field, because he is everywhere.

No. 4 – Frank Lampard

This 30-year old Chelsea player is one of the best in England. Though I must admit that his peak was in 2006 under Jose Mourinho, he is still a strong force to reckon with under England’s Team and Chelsea FC.

No. 5 – Ronaldinho

The 28 year old Brazilian standout is a two time FIFA Player of the Year awardee. He won successively in 2004 and 2005. He also led FC Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League Title against Arsenal in 2006. The team also won the World Club Play trophy that same year. Currently, he plays for AC Milan alongside with Kaka.

The names listed above are the players to watch for when you are viewing a football game. Pinoys may find the game boring, but when you see the top players dribble the ball with their feet, pass accurately to their teammates, make curling free kicks, and do incredible tricks to make a goal, you’d surely be amazed. The world is football crazy. Except, perhaps, in this side of the planet.

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