The Best Soccer Players Of 2023
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With the Lionnel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo war seemingly coming to an end, the world of soccer, or football for our European friends, is eagerly anticipating who will be the next superstar to take the leap and plant their flag as the best soccer player in the world. With arguably the widest array of talent ever to choose from, soccer fans have more players than ever to get behind and with so many young players already racking up trophies and putting up stats the likes of which the sport has never seen, 2023 is set to be a generational time for fans of the sport. From the English Premier League to Major League Soccer and every league in between, the world of soccer is thriving, and the best soccer players of 2023 have the chance to change the world.
Rising global superstars Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Pedri are introducing the world of soccer to an entirely new generation while name stays Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Manuel Neuer are proving that the youngsters aren't the only ones who can play out on the field. Of course, we would be remiss not to mention Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two living legends of the game and global phenomenons who, while maybe reaching the ends of their stories, are still some of the best in the game.
Vote up the best soccer players of 2023 to leave your mark in soccer history, then, be sure to check out The Best Soccer Players of All Time and The Best Current Soccer Teams to get a full and complete history in the world of soccer yesterday and today.
- 1Age: 35
- Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina
- Team: Paris Saint-Germain
- Position: Forward
Inarguably one of the greatest soccer players to ever play the game, Lionel Messi continues to shine and showcase his otherworldly skills to the world and with each passing day, his legend only continues to grow. Hot off of his World Cup victory, there is nothing Messi hasn't accomplished or enough praise that has been vaulted his way, he is simply one of the greatest soccer players, and greatest athletes to ever play professional sports. While it is unknown if Messi will continue playing, there is no doubt his legacy is set forever.
One of the greatest pure scorers of the ball the game has ever seen, Erling Haaland is one of many up-and-coming soccer players who will be the talk of the sports world for decades to come. Finally able to play on the big stage in Manchester City, Haaland is showcasing his brilliant speed, strength, and athleticism to the world and silencing any and all doubters along the way. A truly generational soccer player, Haaland has all the potential to form the next great soccer rivalry with Kylian Mbappe.
The breakthrough global superstar of the World Cup, Kylian Mbappe was already a phenomenon in the soccer world, but now, he is one of the most acclaimed and beloved athletes in the world. At just 24 years old, Mbappe is the future of soccer, and it appears the future is now. A phenomenal competitor, a tremendous striker, and a wizard with his dribbling skills, Mbappe is the total and complete package, and he has all the potential to be the next great superstar athlete for a generation.
- 4Age: 31
- Birthplace: Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil
- Team: Paris Saint-Germain
- Position: Forward
Neymar has slowly but surely cemented his legacy as an all-time great, one of the premier scorers the game has ever seen, and a living legend who more than lives up to the title. Since joining Paris Saint-German, Neymar has accumulated 64 goals, trailing only Pele's 82, and any time a player can get in the same conversation, let alone surpass Pele, that player is on another level. While the highlights of his career may be in his rear view mirror, Neymar is using his cunning, IQ, and leadership to showcase his utter dominance on the field.
- 5Age: 38
- Birthplace: Santo António, Portugal
- Team: Al Nassr
- Position: Forward
While the best days of Cristiano Ronaldo's career are more than likely behind him, it goes to show his greatness that even at this “lesser level,” he is still one of the best players in all of soccer. The future for Ronaldo is as up in the air as anyone on this list, but the 37-year-old continues to show that he is one of the greatest players of all time for good reason. With the twilight of his career fully here, many are eagerly anticipating what the next move will be for this living legend.
- 6Age: 31
- Birthplace: Drongen, Belgium
- Team: Manchester City
- Position: Midfielder
A revelation in the Premier League, Belgium-born Kevin De Bruyne is proving his case as the best midfielder in all of soccer. With lightning-quick speed and a genius IQ, Bruyne is more than making a case for his position, and with so many awards seemingly up in the air this season, this could very well be Bruyne's run at cementing his name alongside the greats. At 32 years old, Bruyne is right in the prime of his career, and playing with the always-dominant Manchester City is surely going to further bolster his credibility.
