The World Player Ranking 2017 is an objective attempt to rank the greatest footballers in history based on career honours, individual achievements, consistency, and overall impact on the game. The World Player Ranking 2017 combines performance metrics with trophy success to create a historical hierarchy of football legends across different eras.
Overview of the World Player Ranking 2017
The World Player Ranking 2017 places Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário at the top, followed by Pelé and Cafu, highlighting Brazil’s dominant influence in global football history. The ranking reflects not only individual brilliance but also international success, longevity, and contribution to team achievements.
European legends such as Zinedine Zidane, Franz Beckenbauer, and Lothar Matthäus feature prominently, alongside modern icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The World Player Ranking 2017 balances players from different generations, making it one of the most comprehensive all-time lists.
World Player Ranking 2017 Full List
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ronaldo |
| 2 | Pelé |
| 3 | Cafu |
| 4 | Zinedine Zidane |
| 5 | Lionel Messi |
| 6 | Lothar Matthäus |
| 7 | Roberto Carlos |
| 8 | Xavi |
| 9 | Romário |
| 10 | Franz Beckenbauer |
| 11 | Luis Figo |
| 12 | Diego Maradona |
| 13 | Gerd Müller |
| 14 | Paolo Maldini |
| 15 | Iker Casillas |
| 16 | Raúl |
| 17 | Thierry Henry |
| 18 | Rivaldo |
| 19 | Cristiano Ronaldo |
| 20 | Marco van Basten |
| 21 | Ronaldinho |
| 22 | Johan Cruyff |
| 23 | Andrés Iniesta |
| 24 | Miroslav Klose |
| 25 | Michel Platini |
| 26 | Alfredo Di Stéfano |
| 27 | Samuel Eto’o |
| 28 | Sepp Maier |
| 29 | Zico |
| 30 | Ruud Gullit |
| 31 | Patrick Vieira |
| 32 | David Beckham |
| 33 | Philipp Lahm |
| 34 | Kenny Dalglish |
| 35 | Carles Puyol |
| 36 | Bastian Schweinsteiger |
| 37 | David Villa |
| 38 | Edwin van der Sar |
| 39 | Lilian Thuram |
| 40 | Jürgen Klinsmann |
| 41 | Alessandro Costacurta |
| 42 | Ryan Giggs |
| 43 | Karl-Heinz Rummenigge |
| 44 | Paul Scholes |
| 45 | Didier Deschamps |
| 46 | Enzo Francescoli |
| 47 | Alessandro Del Piero |
| 48 | Frank Rijkaard |
| 49 | Oliver Kahn |
| 50 | Dennis Bergkamp |
Top 10 Analysis: The Elite Tier
The top 10 of the World Player Ranking 2017 reflects players who combined individual brilliance with major international and club success.
Ronaldo Nazário ranks first due to his extraordinary impact as a striker, winning two World Cups and multiple individual awards. Pelé follows closely, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest pioneers with three World Cup victories.
Cafu’s inclusion at number three highlights the importance of longevity and success at the highest level, being a key figure in Brazil’s dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi represent two different eras of football excellence, with Zidane’s influence in major tournaments and Messi’s sustained dominance at club level both earning high recognition.
Brazil’s Dominance in the Rankings
Brazilian players dominate the World Player Ranking 2017, with Ronaldo, Pelé, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Romário, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Zico all featuring prominently.
This reflects Brazil’s historical strength in producing technically gifted players who succeed both individually and collectively. Their consistent success in World Cups has significantly contributed to their high rankings.
European Legends and Tactical Icons
European players also feature heavily, particularly from Germany, Spain, Italy, and France. Players such as Franz Beckenbauer and Lothar Matthäus represent Germany’s tactical discipline and consistency.
Spanish midfield maestros Xavi and Andrés Iniesta symbolize the dominance of possession-based football, while Italian defenders like Paolo Maldini highlight defensive excellence.
French legends such as Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane, and Thierry Henry showcase France’s influence across multiple generations.
Modern Era Stars vs Historical Icons
One of the defining features of the World Player Ranking 2017 is the comparison between modern players and historical legends.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both appear in the ranking, with Messi placed significantly higher. This reflects his consistency and record-breaking performances, although Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements also secure him a place among the elite.
The ranking demonstrates how modern players benefit from longer careers and better data tracking, while earlier legends relied more on international tournaments and limited club exposure.
African Representation in the Rankings
Samuel Eto’o is the highest-ranked African player in the World Player Ranking 2017. His success with Barcelona and Inter Milan, combined with his international achievements, makes him one of Africa’s greatest footballers.
His inclusion highlights the growing global influence of African football and its contribution to the modern game.
Goalkeepers and Defensive Greatness
The World Player Ranking 2017 also recognizes defensive players and goalkeepers, who are often overlooked in all-time lists.
Players such as Iker Casillas, Sepp Maier, and Oliver Kahn represent goalkeeping excellence, while defenders like Paolo Maldini, Carles Puyol, and Lilian Thuram demonstrate the importance of defensive leadership.
Midfield Masters and Playmakers
Midfielders such as Xavi, Iniesta, Zico, and Frank Rijkaard are recognized for their ability to control games and influence team success.
These players played crucial roles in shaping modern football tactics, particularly in possession-based systems and transitional play.
Conclusion: A Debate That Never Ends
The World Player Ranking 2017 provides a comprehensive and structured view of football’s greatest players. While rankings will always spark debate, this list offers a balanced perspective based on measurable achievements and historical impact.
From Ronaldo and Pelé to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the World Player Ranking 2017 captures the evolution of football excellence across generations, celebrating the players who have defined the game.
