CurrentReport Blog Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has been named the highest-ranked footballer in the top 100 athletes of the 21st century. This recognition further solidifies Messi’s standing as the greatest footballer of the modern era, surpassing even his career rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, in this esteemed ranking.
Messi’s illustrious career has seen him achieve unparalleled success in terms of major titles. With a record 45 trophies, he holds the title for the most decorated footballer of all time. In addition to his trophy haul, Messi is the first and only footballer to have won the Ballon d’Or eight times, while Ronaldo has secured the prestigious award five times.
It is no surprise then that Messi, the 2022 FIFA World Cup champion and two-time Copa America winner currently playing for Inter Miami, is the highest-placed footballer on the list. He ranks third overall, just behind tennis legend Serena Williams and the top-placed swimmer Michael Phelps.
Cristiano Ronaldo, despite being the most followed human being on social media, did not make the top ten. He is ranked 13th on the list, making him the second-highest footballer after Messi. Brazil’s Marta is the highest-ranked female footballer, placed 32nd, and the third-best footballer overall.
Other notable footballers on the list include France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry at 48th, Barcelona women’s star Aitana Bonmati at 49th, and Zinedine Zidane at 50th. Luka Modric follows closely at 55th.
The list also features Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas at 56th, USWNT’s Mia Hamm at 64th, Kylian Mbappé at 65th, Andrés Iniesta at 70th, Xavi Hernandez at 75th, Ronaldo Nazário at 87th, Ronaldinho at 94th, and Zlatan Ibrahimović at 95th.
