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Football fans around the world eagerly await the annual ranking of the 100 best players in the world by popular football magazine FourFourTwo. In a surprising turn of events, two football legends, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have failed to make it to the top five this year.
While Messi secured sixth place, Ronaldo was not even deemed worthy of a spot on the list. This article dives into the reasons behind their exclusion and highlights the new faces that have claimed spots among the top five.
Messi’s Sixth Place and Factors Impacting His Ranking
Despite his remarkable performance of scoring 32 goals in all competitions and representing a major European club for half the year, Lionel Messi finds himself in sixth place on this year’s list. Several factors may have contributed to his lower ranking.
Firstly, his move to a comparatively weaker league and the absence of participation in the prestigious Champions League may have played a role in not placing him higher. Nonetheless, Messi’s sixth-place position is still a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
Kylian Mbappe’s Rise to Fourth Place
Fourth place on the list is secured by Messi’s former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammate, Kylian Mbappe. The young French striker has consistently proven his mettle and clinched yet another Ligue 1 title with PSG last season. Mbappe’s talent and impact on the field make him a force to be reckoned with and a deserving candidate for a top-ranking position.
English Talent Shines: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham
Two English players have secured places within the top three of the list, showcasing the talent that the country has to offer. In third place, we have Harry Kane, the prolific striker from Bayern Munich. Kane’s move to the Bundesliga in the summer has been nothing short of impressive, as he became the fastest player in the league’s history to score 20 goals. His exceptional performance has earned him a spot among the world’s best players.
Sitting comfortably in second place is Jude Bellingham, an English midfielder who currently represents Real Madrid. Bellingham has emerged as an unstoppable force in midfield, exhibiting remarkable skill and contributing significantly to his team’s success. With 13 league goals in his first 15 appearances, Bellingham has surpassed his goal-scoring record during his entire three-year spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Erling Haaland Claims the Top Spot
For the second consecutive year, Erling Haaland has secured the coveted top spot on the list. The City forward’s record-breaking performance of scoring 38 goals in the previous Premier League season, leading his team to an inaugural treble, solidifies his position as one of the best players in the world. Additionally, Haaland’s achievements on the field have garnered immense recognition and established him as a footballing sensation.
Ronaldo’s Surprising Absence
While Lionel Messi’s exclusion from the top five is remarkable, the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo altogether is even more surprising. Ronaldo, a football icon known for his exceptional skills and numerous awards, did not make it to the list this year. The reasons behind his exclusion remain unclear, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the factors that influenced the decision.
Conclusion
The annual ranking of the world’s best football players by FourFourTwo has brought some unexpected results. Lionel Messi’s sixth-place position and Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the list have raised eyebrows among fans and experts alike.
However, the emergence of new talents like Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland showcases the ever-evolving nature of the sport. Moreover, football enthusiasts eagerly await future rankings and continue to celebrate the achievements of their favorite players.
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