What do you think?  Make your list below:

1. Zidane.... No one can ever doubt him
2. Gerrard.... Greatest leader of all times....
3. Xavi.... Great playmaker
4. Pirlo.... Absolute class.... Great long passing ability
5. Carlos.... What a great pair of hammer legs....
6. Maldini.... Another great leader....
7. Oliver kahn.... No need to tell about him....
8. Messi.... On his way to greatness and best individual skills....
9. Ronaldo.... Great brazilian 2002 world cup is best ex of his greatness....
10. Ronaldinho

The question is: when did "the modern era" began?

For me, after 1990s, just based on players' best performance period it will be in this order. If not, my top of the list will be Maradona since he retired after 94.

1. Zinedine Zidane- The best French player for me. The classiest and the ultimate playmaker. Able to draw all the attention to himself with his Marseille Roulette and then set free his strikers to score with the most effortless through pass.

2. Ronaldo Luis- His dribbles are like CRonaldo, full of tricks, yet probably 10 times more likely to fake his way through than CR7. Incredible finishing accuracy is also his forte. Only thing that stops his rise was injuries and the ill-advised move to Inter. (yeah, its a dig at Inter, but its a fact that Inter almost ruined him during his time there.)

3. Lionel Messi - Probably a lot of younger generation prefers him higher up this list because of his string of incredible performances after 2009. A Maradona imprinted dribbling ability - with the ball glued on to his feet- combined with utter cool finishing makes him one of my favorite. But his rise coincide with Barca's, Xavi and Iniesta's rise as well. Would probably raise his position if he proved he can play with anyone -> he can outdribble anyone, but put him in another team without Xavi and Iniesta and he isn't that complete. They complement him well and hence it has enhanced his ability to do better.

4. Paolo Maldini - His best performances? I can't remember when his worst is. Maldini has played over eras. Winning every critics. Defying all logics. Playing in every defensive department, attacking as fullbacks, leading as a captain, he has been a role model to many, a hero for more. I can't remember any coach criticising him for his performance. A winner through and through, a gentleman born and bred.

5. Cristiano Ronaldo - Can't be complete without one of the most prominent player in this decade right? Yeah, the shimmies, the dummies, the quickiest of stepovers, and packed with one of the most ferocious shots in the world. Hardwork in training couple with consistency on the pitch. There you have it. Ronaldo.

6. Thierry Henry - Va Va Voom.... Probably the best Arsenal player ever? That had to be decided by Arsenal fans. But his runs on the flanks, coupled with the cut in to the center of the field to takes shots, certainly shaped the current trend in tactics that is - inverted wingers. During his wonderful stint with Arsenal, not many can catch him once he took flight. A true EPL great.

7. Ronaldinho - A true enigma. Never really recovered his top level after 06/07(issit?) But during that 2-3 years, he's unmatchable in every terms. Precise and creative through passes cut through defenses like butter. Some players might be able to be marked out of a game, not him. If he's in the mood, he can control the game, even if he's tightly marked. Howevver, he can go on long invisible spells if he's not. And that's more likely than he decided to turn it on.

8. Raul Gonzales - Serious? Raul? Yeah. Raul of Spain. The golden boy of Madrid. In his heydays, where the Messi and Ronnies are still not out of their childhood, this is the man carrying Madrid and Spain. He doesn't pack the fiercest shot, nor the most fanciful tricks, nor an eye to open up defenses, but he has one of the most intelligent play on the field and is probably the most natural scorer there is out there. No powering over defenders, just slot in all the goals. Decent speed, average dribbles, but pops up wherever the "goal" smells. This kind of instinct is natural. He need not create any openings, he just finds them. And he's probably the spark that usher the new dawn for Madrid after a long period without European trophies.

9. Eric Cantona - Manchester United's rise to dominate the EPL is probably because of this man. Cantona, elegant on the ball, charismatic off it. He epitomized the Man United most loved to hate(You probably won't hate MU as much if Bryan Robson or Giggs is the face then). A magician with french magic, sets the EPL truly on its way to world domination in terms of fans. He even invented the famous Cantona's Kung fu 360 roundhouse kick during his time there. Such is his impact that United is still standing at the top of the EPL after so long. (LOL, Joke.)

10. Xavi Hernandez. Probably only recognized as the best midfielder because of Barca's domination. But Xavi, the man to replace Guardiola has always been that good. Its because of tactical transformation in the 90s that resulted in his and Pep's calibre kind of players to almost extinct. During then, the evolution of tactic meant that playing in centre, hounddog such as Vieira, Gattuso, Makelele, Deschamps and Dunga are the in thing of era. The water carriers of then cannot include someone like Xavi whose small build and doesn't pack a punch with the tackles. Xavi - the imprint of Guardiola himself plays as the ultimate ball circulator. The logic is that in possession, its a defence mechanism itself. With Xavi, you get possession increment if the game revolves around him. He doesn't misplace passes. He doesn't speed past defenders. All he does it circulates the ball around, playing catching with opponents and intelligently seeking out Messi or Rivaldo or whoever is playing up front. With him, you get defence and attack, nicely packed in a sweet bundle.


Notable: Giggs, Bergkamp, Kaka, Shevchenko, Weah, Zola, Batistuta, Rivaldo, Shearer.

Note: My list and comments are purely based on performances after 90s, and the impact they had on World football to make them a great in my eyes. And since Goalkeepers general role hasn't really changed much, every decade there will be its' own selection of best keepers, hence, keepers are kept out of this list

Top 10 modern footballers

1.)Zinedine Zidane, absolute legend one of the greatest of all time. His touch was better than any player I have ever seen, better than Cruijff's or Maradona's or Dennis Bergkamps perfect control every time. The difference between the 2006 and 2010 performances for les bleus also illustrates his greatness, I will never forget when he scored the header against Brazil in the '98 WC running down the touch line kissing his jersey, classic. Some of his touches, it’s almost like he’s moving in slow motion, everything, the game, the ball slows down for him. Like he’s using that bald head of his to just take the ball wherever he wants it to go, his feet are just secondary, involuntary, doesn’t have to think at all. The game was just purely instinctual for Zizou, so good, he would just feel the game through his boots, he could see everything. Has this almost telepathic ability to connect with his teammates, magnifique. That’s what makes the great ones, vision, Cruijff had it, perhaps better than anyone, maybe better than Johan Zidane had it. And that’s why he is the greatest, surely of this era, if not ever.

2.)Ronaldo In his prime one of the greatest finishers the game has ever produced. Also a World Cup champion, incredible foot skills for a player of size and strength, wanted to always score. Sometimes reminded me of an ox with twinkle toes, just give him the ball and he will get the job done. Maybe not the best reflection of character considering the clubs he played for, Barcelona, Real Madrid… AC Milan, Inter Milan. Still one of the greatest well rounded goal scorers to ever play the game, had everything a player could ask for.

3.)Paolo Maldini A true AC Milan legend, he like Stevie G is a super captain. Made over 650 serie a appearances all with AC Milan winning the Champions League a ridiculous five times. The numbers speak for themselves a player of immense character and determination. Played with the great Milan clubs of the late 80s when he was younger didn’t stop playing till he was 40. Surpassed Dino Zoff’s record of serie a appearances (Dino Zoff is a goalkepper) a tribute to his legacy, longevity, and commitment to Milan. Hard choice between Paolo and Steven, but I got to give the edge to Paolo, what an incredible career. Unfortunate that he was not on the Italian team in 06 if anyone deserved a WC it is Paolo.
4.)Steven Gerrard, oh Stevie G, one of my personal idols, his character is what makes him such an immense footballer. His allegiance to Liverpool has never faltered and I hope so much he finishes his career there. Never say die, Steven Gerrard has won countless games and trophies in the dying minutes, truly the embodiment of what a great captain should be. No one else can hit a ball from distance like steven gerrard, some of those strikes just make me wonder what's possible with a football. Cheers Stevie G, here's to hoping you will get your long awaited Premiere League trophy and be the first to lift it.

5.)Lionel Messi, the man is a genius and nothing less. The way he dribbles the ball and just perfectly caresses it along with his left foot, always being aware of his surroundings while never losing a step, it’s just incredible. Only a person who plays football and loves the game can appreciate this to it’s fullest, I don’t even know if I can really put my finger on it. How fast he can change speeds in directions, what balance, it’s out of this world. Certainly in the States not many know his genius but those that have grown up around the game just light up when speaking about him, everybody knows he is the best in the world right now. He can only move up this list in my opinion. But what impresses me the most about Lionel is his passing ability, the ability to share the ball and bring other players into the game. Just incredible his effect on the game and the opponent is immense. Sublime, and his finishing, well, a class of his own, if he can develop his technique on set plays the sky’s the limit. All the greats take, and took free kicks and set pieces. He’s motivated though, and he is always at his best in big games(at least for Barcelona, I believe he will be great for Argentina too, won the olympics) he is always the best player on the pitch for the El Clasico. He can only get better.

6.)George Weah like another exceptionally gifted footballer named George, George Weah is one of the greatest footballers never to play in a World Cup. This maybe one reason Weah isn’t higher on the list, although the one’s above are all splendid footballers. The man was just incredible, superb pace(Joaquin Sanchez when he was young, super fast, don’t think he could have come close to Weah) great aerial ability, just a tremendous athlete, who knew how to score loads of goals. When he was 21 years old he scored 24 goals in 23 games for the invincible eleven(love that name) and what he did at Milan is just uncanny, just ask any fan of AC Milan and they can tell you about George Weah. Voted African player of the century, he is a true living legend.

7.)Peter Schmeichel, ah the great Dane, considered to be one of the best goalkeepers to ever live. He and Oliver Kahn are both great goal keepers, but I prefer Schmeichel for his acrobatic and seemingly impossible saves, and his leadership qualities on the field. Elevated everyone else’s game on the pitch, not many goalkeepers can claim that. Revolutionized goal keeping, a lot to say coming from me about a Manchester United player.

8.)Thierry Henry, maybe his legacy will be tarnished by the hand ball that kept Ireland out of the WC and put in an undeserving French side(this became obvious at the actual World Cup) but his greatness and genius in front of the net cannot be denied. That perfect little touch and volley against Manchester United, I could watch it over and over again. Just to have that idea and have the confidence to pull it off, only one word for it Sublime. That’s what is so great about Henry, his creativity, imagination, as one Bob Bradley referring to Clint Dempsey “he’s not afraid to try s**t”. I feel like this is a perfect idiom for Henry as well, and that’s what the game is all about, doing something special that no one has ever seen before.

9.)Gabriel Batistuta talk about a player that likes to score goals, jesus cristo. What a footballer, what a finisher. Prolific, majestic there are many words to describe him. I didn’t get a chance to watch him play very much live, that is true for many of these players, but what draws me most to him watching footage, is just he loves to score, and no one will stop him, he won’t dive to be awarded a penalty just keep going till it’s hit the back of the net. And the ability and skill to back that mentality, both feet aerial ability, what a player Batistuta, scored some great goals. In many ways he reminds me of a South American Zlatan Ibrahimovic with perhaps a better attitude and philosophy about the game. I hope this is not an insult to his talent haha.

10.)Eric Cantona/Dennis Bergkamp couldn’t leave either off the list, and for some reason they always remind me of each other for some reason, inexplicably linked. Maybe it’s because they played on the same position for rival clubs, if only for a couple of years before Cantona was banned, or that they mastered this position. There spectacularly unconventional approach to the game(I mean this in an extremely good way) incredibly aesthetically pleasing goals, awesome nicknames, I don’t know what it is. But I thought it extremely fitting, and I think they both deserve a place on the list. Dennis Bergkamp is probably my favorite player to watch, ever with a football, besides perhaps one Lionel Messi. His touch, rivaled to me, only by Zidane. So Dutch, so pretty to watch, never looked rushed on the pitch, just so calm, like he knew exactly what he wanted to do, with a bit of improvisation. Eric Cantona, born in Marseilles like Zizou himself, what a talent, what a player. He is one of the few players along with George Best, Bobby Charlton perhaps a few others, Giggs, maybe Schmeichel who played for Man United that I truly admire. Just out of this world, one of those players you would watch and just ask yourself, you have to be joking, that’s impossible. The chip/lob off the g-spot of the goal, as upper 90 as you can get, after that run and the turn at midfield, just stupid. Some of the freekicks, the volleys, always just on the edge of the box lurking to slam the ball into the goal. These two weren’t too bad at passing the ball either.

Honorable mention: Ronaldinho, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Juninho Pernambucano(for me the greatest dead ball striker to ever live) Didier Drogba, Andrea Pirlo, Francesco Totti, Robin Van Persie, Hristo Stoichkov, Rual, Lilian Thuram, Oliver Kahn, Kaka, Alan Shearer, Jurgen Klinsmann, Jay Jay Okocha, Favio Canavarro, John Terry, Carles Puyol, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Luis Figo, Clint Dempsey(had to throw in one American, Clint’s my favorite, although Brian McBride is a g) Frank Lampard, Romario(was he of this era) ah Rivaldo, hopefully there not any obvious ones I am missing. Geese this has gotten long, I guess I am passionate about it because I have seen (most of) thest players in a live setting. Cheers good post.

I didn't expect to get so many post ill make my list later (I'm in school, don't wanna get cought)

Btw any tips to getting your fan valuation higher Thanks

Zinedin Zidane
Gigi Buffon
Paolo Maldini
Sandro Nesta
Fransesco Totti
Andrea Pirlo
Marco Van Basten
Ronaldinho
Filippo Inzaghi
Ronaldo(the real one of course)


Little biased, I supposeJust a list of top 10 players, my knowledge told me.
Pirlo and Xavi are interchangeable, but I prefer Andrea more, and I think he can outclass the latter when he is at prime.
Totti and Del Piero to me are underrated as hell players, they are as good as Maldini in terms of loyalties. I prefer Totti more cause he's the manShort tempered, technically the best fantasista next to Baggio and over all a classy guy.
Super Pippo.... Ah I admit, its just for what he did at Athens and his over-energetic attitude even now.

And you can't question my selections of Zizou, Sandro, Paolo Maldini, Buffon, Van Basten, Gaucho and Ronaldo

Okay Enough with the kiddie stuff! Here"s a real top ten ! In order to make a list from the 90's it would be better to have been born before then and actually see games and not comment from word of mouth or watching youtube videos because your dad told you about them.

1. Zinedine Zidane - Has to be 1st! There is not a area of his game that is flawed.

2. Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima - 3 world players of the years under his belt and he was injured half the time. It's scary to imagine how much more greater he would have been if it weren't for injuries

3. Romário de Souza Faria - Who is the 1000 goal man? Romario! The most clinical striker the world has even seen! But you don't have to take my word for it just ask Baggio Cruyff Maradona! Wait? A Argentine giving props to a Brazilian? Yep he is that good.

4. Paulo Maldini - A defenders nightmare. Leads by example hard tackler great tactician are just a few words to describe the greatest defender of all time!

5. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira - They call him Ronaldihno and He is Football! He is who you want to be when your outside with your friends playing! When he plays the whole world watches. Technical ability is unmatched by anyone I have ever seen.

6. George Weah - Do you know how good you have to be to be black and get the world player over the likes of Baggio Romario Maldini and Klinsman? Yep George Weah Incredible first touch use to love watching him at Milan.

7. Lionel Messi - Here he is ladies and gentlemen Lionel Messi "The Last Of The Best". I think Webster and Oxford show start making new words to describe this genius of a footballer. Unmarkable that's what gives him the edge over CR. He might not score in all games but you can't stop him from being influential in a game and that must be scary to coach agaisnt.

8. Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha - Who do the likes of Ashley Cole Philip Lamn Dani Alves Maicon and Glen Johnson Strive to be like? Has to be Roberto Carlos! The Best Wing back ever to play the game. I you watch him you know he goes up and down the pitch swinging in beautiful crosses and is still there in the back to pull of a beautiful slide tackle. Also Blessed with a thunderous left foot, i've seen many player go down injured from one of his free kicks.

9. Oliver Kahn - A goalkeeper that plays as if not goal should be scored on him. And that to me is what makes him better than the rest. Also is not afraid to commit to a tackle and leap above opponent to get that ball out of the box.

10. Thierry Henry - Talk about pure class, skill and composure? This man must have a closet with then at his house and wears it under his jersey every game he plays. Truly Dynamic footballer to me underrated but for good reason he flop on the world stage. Lokk past the handball and witness a great at work.

Honorable Mentions - Rivaldo, Baggio, Figo, Raul, Inzahgi, Cannavaro, Bergkamp, Batistuta Pirlo, Giggs, Beckham