With 2021 coming to a close, it’s time to celebrate the best that men’s soccer had to offer over the past 12 months of riveting club and international action. Below, we count down the top 10 footballers of the year.
Honorable mentions: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Joao Cancelo (Manchester City), Pedri (Barcelona)
10. Romelu Lukaku
Club: Chelsea | Age: 28 | Position: Striker
Lukaku restored his place among the game’s best strikers in 2021, leading Inter Milan to their first Serie A title in a decade with 24 goals and 11 assists in the Italian top flight. To put that into perspective, only one other Serie A player reached double digits in both categories last season. But Lukaku was the entire package, leaving defenders for dead on the counterattack, crossing in balls from out wide, holding up play with immovable strength, and plundering the penalty area for goals. Chelsea paid £97.5 million to re-sign the Belgian star in the summer, making him the second-most expensive signing in Premier League history.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Club: Manchester United | Age: 36 | Position: Forward
While debate rages about his ability to play in a pressing system and whether or not Manchester United were misguided in signing him, Ronaldo simply continues to deliver goals and rack up accolades. The Portuguese forward broke numerous records in 2021, including becoming the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. He’s undeniably – and understandably – a lesser force than he was at his peak, but Ronaldo still finds the net with frightening frequency. The top scorer in Serie A last season, he’s already reached double figures in just 19 matches since rejoining the Red Devils. Say what you will, but he can still produce, particularly in key moments.
8. Ruben Dias
Club: Manchester City | Age: 24 | Position: Center-back
There was a sense of desperation in how Manchester City signed Dias two days after a 5-2 home defeat to Leicester City early in the 2020-21 campaign, but the Portuguese defender had a transformative effect on Pep Guardiola’s side. He helped City to 15 clean sheets in his 32 Premier League appearances, led the top flight in blocked shots and clearances, and completed the second-most passes in the division. He’s simply obsessed with the art of defending. “It gives me pleasure to make the other team feel powerless,” Dias said in January.
7. Mohamed Salah
Clive Brunskill / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Club: Liverpool | Age: 29 | Position: Forward
Salah isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. After being labeled by some as a one-season wonder, the Liverpool star came roaring back this year. He scored at a rate similar to his record-breaking 2017-18 campaign when he broke Alan Shearer’s single-season scoring record. Despite a dip in goals after setting the new Premier League mark, the Egyptian king has re-established himself as one of the world’s best players this term by netting a league-leading 15 goals in 19 matches.
Haaland has set lofty standards for himself. He scored two or more goals on 18 occasions in 2021, finishing the year with 41 in 43 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund. He’s averaging nearly a goal per game, and he’s doing it on a team that’s struggled to compete both domestically and in Europe. He’s the true heir to Ronaldo’s throne, a throwback center-forward with a singular focus and ruthless efficiency in front of goal. Haaland’s served his apprenticeship and is looking as ready as ever to make the leap to megastardom.
5. Kylian Mbappe
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Club: Paris Saint-Germain | Age: 23 | Position: Forward
Some players would’ve struggled to pick themselves up after such a disappointment. Mbappe wasted two big chances in extra time before he missed the decisive penalty in France’s shootout defeat to Switzerland at the European Championship. But he ensured that was merely a blip as he racked up 49 goals and 22 assists over 66 matches for club and country in 2021. Mbappe finishes the year as a more mature player and appears destined for a huge move to Real Madrid in the summer.
4. Jorginho
Club: Chelsea | Age: 30 | Position: Midfielder
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Yes, Jorginho is an excellent penalty taker. He converted 12-of-14 spot-kicks in 2021 and turned in the deciding penalty kick in Italy’s shootout win over Spain at Euro 2020. Yes, he’s an excellent passer, but he isn’t Gareth Barry with penalty-taking prowess. Jorginho protects the backline and kick-starts sweeping moves that result in goals. He anchored Chelsea’s midfield this year, particularly when N’Golo Kante was out injured, and won the Champions League title a month before winning the Euros with Italy. Jorginho wasn’t a passenger, either, having played an astounding 73 times for club and country in 2021.
3. Karim Benzema
Helios de la Rubia / Real Madrid / Getty
Club: Real Madrid | Age: 34 | Position: Striker
Now that Benzema is out from under Ronaldo’s shadow, the Real Madrid forward is finally getting the recognition he deserves. After playing a prominent role in Real Madrid’s push to win La Liga last season, France manager Didier Deschamps surprisingly rewarded the 34-year-old with his first call-up in years. The prolific striker finished behind Lionel Messi in scoring in each of the last three seasons, but Benzema appears on his way to picking up his first La Liga scoring title after more than a decade in Madrid.
2. Lionel Messi
Club: Paris Saint-Germain | Age: 34 | Position: Forward
Messi hasn’t hit the dizzying highs we’re accustomed to since his sensational move to Paris Saint-Germain – just give it some time – but don’t let that obscure what was yet another exquisite year for the iconic Argentine. He led his country to a Copa America triumph, finally getting that King Kong-sized weight off his back, and extended his own record by capturing a seventh – if contentious – Ballon d’Or. He was the top scorer in La Liga last season, holding together an otherwise rotten Barcelona team that relied on him to do everything; it’s no coincidence Barca has totally fallen apart in his absence. Leading that hopeless side to a Copa del Rey title should have been impossible, but not for Messi.
1. Robert Lewandowski
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Club: Bayern Munich | Age: 33 | Position: Striker
Lewandowski obliterated numerous records in 2021. He surpassed Gerd Muller’s 49-year-old mark of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga campaign with a 90th-minute tap-in on the final day of the 2020-21 season. Lewandowski then demonstrated his continued brilliance by achieving an all-time high of 43 Bundesliga goals in a calendar year. For many, he should’ve beaten Messi to the Ballon d’Or. “I am like good wine, and I hope to become even better,” he warned in September.
With the January transfer window set to open on Saturday, we’re teeing up the wheeling and dealing by presenting 50 high-profile players who could be on the move in the coming weeks.
Note: Estimated transfer values provided by transfermarkt.com.
Having been stripped of the captaincy and routinely left out of the squad for disciplinary breaches, Aubameyang’s time at Arsenal appears to be nearing its end, barring a surprise revival of his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta.
One of many on this list on an expiring contract, Rudiger is in high demand amid an apparent contract standoff with Chelsea. The impending free agent, a stalwart of the Blues’ backline, is drawing serious interest from Real Madrid.
Arsenal are monitoring Calvert-Lewin, who enjoyed the best year of his career last season when he scored 16 league goals. Injuries have derailed his 2021-22 campaign, but when fit, he provides a dominant aerial presence.
Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Jonathan Moscrop / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 28 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €55M
Another transfer window with Pogba in the spotlight, and at some point, something has to give. The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer, and he’s given no indication yet that he’ll renew with the Red Devils.
Navigating the murky transfer waters can be extremely tiring. Speculation is rife, and it can sometimes be difficult to track the lineage – and veracity – of certain rumors. Not this one, though. Martial has told Manchester United he wants out.
Unlike the splashy signings we get in the summer window, this would represent a more typical January deal. An impending free agent who can still produce is exactly the kind of short-term solution many clubs are eyeing.
Sterling’s influence at Manchester City has waned somewhat in light of Jack Grealish’s arrival and the irresistible form of Bernardo Silva. The departure of Ferran Torres creates space, but the Englishman is no longer untouchable.
One of the lone bright spots during an otherwise miserable season for Leeds, the electric Brazilian is again garnering attention across Europe, with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich apparently leading the queue.
It might be time for a change of scenery for Alli. Despite his obvious skills, the Englishman’s career has stagnated badly since 2018, when he looked set for stardom. Perhaps Antonio Conte can reignite the 25-year-old?
Ever since Felix joined Atletico Madrid for €126 million in 2019, his fit there just hasn’t seemed right. That still rings true; the Portuguese phenom has started four league games this season under defensive-minded boss Diego Simeone.
A return to England could be in the cards for Trippier, who, despite retaining his place as Atletico’s starting right-back, has engaged in the holy grail of transfer speculation: liking social media posts involving other clubs.
Barcelona would love to rid themselves of Coutinho, who has become an albatross at the Camp Nou. Of all the questionable signings that have plunged the club into financial ruin in recent years, his is among the most glaring.
Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Eric Alonso / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Age: 24 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €90M
Once viewed as a cornerstone for the future, de Jong’s untouchable status has deteriorated through no real fault of his own. He’s yet to fully settle under Xavi, and suddenly has lots of young, Spanish competition in midfield.
Your semi-annual reminder that, yes, Bale is still technically on the books at Real Madrid. At this point, it’s in name only. The Welsh veteran has made only three appearances in La Liga this season.
Few transfers have failed as spectacularly as Hazard’s move to Real Madrid. Since arriving in Spain, the former Chelsea star has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch and has quickly fallen down the pecking order.
Kounde’s a perennial presence on lists just like this and has long been a target for Chelsea, who could finally make a definitive move for the French defender to insure themselves against the potential departure of Rudiger.
Serie A
Franck Kessie (AC Milan)
MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP / Getty
Age: 25 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €48M
Until he puts pen to paper on a new contract with AC Milan, Kessie will continue to be a central figure in the January window. After watching Gianluigi Donnarumma leave for free last summer, the Rossoneri can’t afford a repeat.
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe probably aren’t moving in January, which makes Vlahovic the prize of the upcoming window. But Fiorentina won’t allow their crown jewel to leave for anything less than a small fortune, if at all.
Arturo Vidal (Inter Milan)
Age: 34 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €2.5M
Once an all-conquering midfield dynamo, Vidal’s influence has understandably diminished as he approaches the twilight of his career. The Chilean seems primed for a return to South America at some point.
Arthur Melo (Juventus)
Age: 25 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €25M
Arthur has never quite established himself since arriving in Turin as part of the dubious – and potentially illegal – swap involving Miralem Pjanic. The Brazilian midfielder could seek a loan to garner more playing time.
Another player who hasn’t consistently hit the heights expected since his celebrated move to Juventus, the precocious Swede is apparently a transfer candidate should a suitable offer arrive. At only 21, he still has time to grow.
Aaron Ramsey (Juventus)
Age: 31 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €5M
Whether Juventus find a buyer or ultimately have to terminate Ramsey’s contract, it seems almost certain that the Welshman won’t be with the club come February. Injuries have completely torpedoed his time in Italy.
Luis Alberto (Lazio)
Age: 29 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €32M
Despite Maurizio Sarri’s insistence to the contrary, rumors of a disconnect between the manager and Spanish playmaker persist. The crafty midfielder continues to be one of Europe’s most underrated creative forces.
Another soon-to-be free agent, Insigne wants a new contract, but the pint-sized star and Napoli are at odds over his valuation. Toronto FC are reportedly keeping tabs on the Italian, who’s still more than capable of dazzling.
Torino mismanaged this one; the club missed its big chance to cash in after Belotti’s monstrous 2016-17 season. The 28-year-old is now an impending free agent who hasn’t scored more than 16 league goals since that campaign.
One of Italy’s rising young stars, the unorthodox Scamacca combines a tall, powerful frame with good ball skills and a penchant for spectacular goals. His feisty demeanor and ability to rile opposing defenders doesn’t hurt, either.
Any move for Wirtz is likely to materialize in the summer, but Europe’s heavy hitters would be wise to get an early jump on their peers. Competition for the teen sensation’s signature is going to be extremely fierce.
Bayern Munich director Hasan Salihamidzic said in November that talks over Sule’s new contract are “not easy.” That must have been music to the ears of every club in the market for a dominant center-back in his prime.
The mystical €75-million release clause, which reportedly becomes valid in June, is hanging over Dortmund. Sell now for twice that amount, or fight to convince notorious agent Mino Raiola that Haaland should stay long term?
Similar to Cavani, who we mentioned above, Witsel would likely be a stopgap solution for any January suitors. Dortmund are seemingly willing to part with the veteran midfielder should an offer come in.
Zakaria’s name is one of the hottest in the buildup to the transfer window. If the Swiss international desires a move away from Borussia Monchengladbach in the coming weeks, he has several enticing options across Europe.
Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig)
Age: 23 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €24M
This one is a matter of connecting the dots. Manchester United need help in midfield – the time for giving Nemanja Matic important minutes is over – and Ralf Rangnick knows Haidara from his Red Bull days. Hence, the speculation.
One of the star performers in the Champions League group stage – even if RB Leipzig were underwhelming as a whole – Nkunku catapulted himself into contention for a January move. United and Liverpool are in the mix.
Ligue 1
Aurelien Tchouameni (AS Monaco)
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Age: 21 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €40M
The next great product of AS Monaco’s famed talent incubator? Tchouameni is perhaps the most desired young midfielder in Europe at the moment, with suitors throughout the continent ready to battle for his signature.
It’s just a matter of when, not if, Botman departs Lille at this point. In the wake of Simon Kjaer’s knee injury, AC Milan are being heavily tipped with a January move for the impressive Dutch defender, who is also of interest to Newcastle United.
Fiorentina are reportedly on the verge of closing a deal for Ikone that will net Lille an initial €15 million. If finalized, the Frenchman would provide another exciting attacking piece in support of Vlahovic – should the latter stick around.
Renato Sanches (Lille)
Age: 24 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €30M
Sanches has done well to revitalize his career after a tough spell at Bayern Munich temporarily derailed his rise. In a hilarious twist, the Bavarian giants are apparently considering re-signing the energetic Portuguese midfielder.
Versatility within your squad, especially in the COVID-19 world of congested schedules and overworked players, is crucial. That’s partly why Kamara, who can play both in midfield and at center-back, is so enticing.
Should it get to that point this summer, Mbappe would arguably be the most exciting free agent in the history of the sport. Real Madrid appear to be the inevitable landing spot, so it’s just a matter of when and for how much.
Paris Saint-Germain look destined to take a significant loss on Icardi eventually, but the uber-rich club is one of the few that can likely withstand the financial hit – even if the pandemic has lightened the coffers.
Georginio Wijnaldum (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 31 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: €25M
Wijnaldum has made 16 appearances in Ligue 1, but he’s only started nine of those matches. He also went public earlier in the season with his disappointment over a lack of action since joining the club from Liverpool as a free agent.
Mazraoui is in an interesting position going into January. A free agent this summer, he needs to weigh a potential move now against the prospect of finishing the season with an Ajax side capable of winning multiple titles.
All the usual suspects are being linked to Nunez, a combative Uruguayan striker who has an alluring combination of top-line speed and strength that can cause all kinds of problems for defenders.
Mid-table Premier League clubs are on high alert right now watching Blackburn. The blossoming Chilean striker has been on fire in the Championship this season, registering 19 goals in 23 matches.
With Lucas Digne seemingly falling out of favor with manager Rafa Benitez, Everton have been on the hunt for a new left-back. They appear to be closing in on Mykolenko, who profiles as a better defensive fit than the Frenchman.
After a breakthrough year for club and country, Pepi and FC Dallas are reportedly in talks with Wolfsburg over a transfer. If it materializes, the teenager would be the latest young American to make the leap to Germany.
Watching the dynamic Colombian wreak havoc on opposing defenders, it’s no wonder the likes of Liverpool are intrigued at the prospect of signing the Porto winger. If he does move, rival full-backs will be in danger of getting posterized.
A breakout showing in the Champions League rocketed Adeyemi to the top of many wishlists across Europe. The latest explosive German teenager to come through Red Bull’s vaunted pipeline will soon generate a bidding war.
Billed as the next star to come out of Argentina, Alvarez has already made waves at home; Europe is next. He could wait until the summer, though, to avoid sitting on the bench and putting his place in Argentina’s squad at risk.
Christian Eriksen (free agent)
Age: 29 | Position: Central midfielder | Estimated value: N/A
Unable to play in Italy due to the implantable cardioverter defibrillator placed in his chest after Euro 2020, Eriksen was released by Inter Milan. It was a mutual move that allows him to hopefully continue his career elsewhere.
In the spirit of giving, theScore identifies one gift that would benefit each of Europe’s biggest football clubs this holiday season.
Arsenal
? A new leader: The captainmerry-go-round at Arsenal continued this month with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s removal as the club leader. Just over two years after Granit Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy, Aubameyang experienced the same fate as his predecessor because of ongoing disciplinary issues. Now the pressure lies on manager Mikel Arteta to appoint a new leader who can actually lead by example.
Chelsea
? Shooting boots for Timo Werner: There’s no denying Romelu Lukaku’s quality when fit, but Werner continues to struggle inside the penalty area. He’s not a viable alternative to Lukaku, and Chelsea as a whole can be guilty of wasting chances. Either Werner revives his scoring form from RB Leipzig soon, or the Blues’ hopes for silverware lean precariously on Lukaku’s fitness and unreliable false nines.
Marc Atkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Liverpool
? Stadium ban for Paul Tierney: Jurgen Klopp made it absolutely clear: He has a problem with just one referee, and that referee is Mr. Tierney. Klopp’s vendetta has grown since Tierney became responsible for 44% of Liverpool’s yellow cards and their one red despite officiating only three of their 18 Premier League matches this term. Will last Sunday’s dubious calls at Tottenham Hotspur haunt Liverpool when the title race is over?
Manchester City
? Cotton wool: Following his transformation from ponderous to imperious in under a year, City need to wrap Rodri in cotton wool. Although veteran Fernandinho, the versatile Bernardo Silva, and others can step in at the base of midfield when required, Rodri mops up in front of the backline and dictates tempo like no other player in Pep Guardiola’s ensemble. The 25-year-old is key to his team’s ambitions.
Manchester United
? A defensive midfielder: In two-plus years as Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer signed wingers, strikers, and playmakers. But he never pushed for a star defensive midfielder. Rotating Fred, Nemanja Matic, and Scott McTominay, Solskjaer often lost games in midfield. The absence of balance was one of many things that cost the Norwegian his job, and interim replacement Ralf Rangnick should prioritize that position. RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara is exactly the kind of robust central midfielder who can execute Rangnick’s high-pressing style and protect the back four.
Alex Pantling / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Tottenham Hotspur
? Patience: The assignment was never going to be easy for Antonio Conte after inheriting a dysfunctional Tottenham squad midseason. It was a relationship that few envisioned, as Spurs appeared to be punching above their weight when reports linked them with the accomplished Italian manager. But if Conte perseveres through this season and gets the resources he needs to rebuild the squad in the summer, his arrival could be a turning point in the club’s history.
Atletico Madrid
? Escape room experience: This gift is tailor-made for Diego Simeone. An escape room is a fun challenge, and, judging from the hair-tugging stress that plagues Atletico Madrid this season, they need some fun. It would also boost the manager’s creativity as he tries to work his way out. Forcing Simeone to think outside the box could save Aleti’s campaign as it may encourage him to be more flexible with his tactics.
Barcelona
? Money tree: Working off debt can be daunting, especially when the deficit totals around €1.35 billion and a further €1.5 billion is expected to cover renovations of the club’s stadium and training facilities. Gift cards or $10 in a card from an unpopular uncle can’t remedy such financial hardship. So a good friend of Barcelona needs to visit the garden center and purchase a Pachira aquatica – or money tree – in hopes the plant will bring enough luck to entice a rival into overpaying for Martin Braithwaite. Miracles can happen.
Denis Doyle / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Real Madrid
? Clean bill of health: Real Madrid won’t complain, but there’s been a serious lack of suspense in the Spanish title race so far. While the downfall of Barcelona hasn’t helped, it’s been a one-horse race with Los Blancos enjoying their spot atop the table for the vast majority of the season. Unless Sevilla or another contender emerges, injuries are just about the only threat to Real Madrid’s quest to win La Liga for a record 35th time.
AC Milan
? Senzu beans: These beans give new life to downed, injured, or entirely defeated characters in “Dragon Ball Z,” and AC Milan would do anything to have such a remedy in real life. This team is limping into the second half of the season, just as it did at this time last year, and the injuries keep piling up. The club has lost 187 man games due to muscular injuries since September 2020, more than any other Serie A team and more than double Inter Milan’s total, according to Italian outlet Radio Rossonera. It’s especially dire now. The Rossoneri have won just three of their last 10 matches across all competitions.
Inter Milan
? Anti-aging supplements: With an average age of 29, Inter are built for the here and now. Conte began the push to sign veterans when he arrived in 2019, and the club won its first Scudetto in a decade largely because of the experience in its ranks. Inter then signed 35-year-old Edin Dzeko to replace Lukaku, and while he’s produced so far with 11 goals and three assists, the Bosnian is not one for the future. Half of Inter’s squad is 29 and older. Soon, they’ll need a refresh.
DeFodi Images / DeFodi Images / Getty
Juventus
? A top striker: After finishing third, fifth, and fourth in goals scored over the last few seasons, Juventus plummeted to 13th in Serie A this campaign with just 27 tallies from 19 matches. It’s a mediocre return for a club of its stature, a microcosm of Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure and Alvaro Morata’s inability to stay onside. The Bianconeri need someone who can bang in goals now and for the next several years. Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic – who equaled Ronaldo’s record of 33 goals in a calendar year – could fill the gap.
Bayern Munich
? New contract for Sule: Bayern Munich will have a huge void to fill in their defense if they can’t convince Niklas Sule to stay. The German center-back has reportedly become unsettled at Bayern and could be targetted by top clubs if he departs when his contract expires next summer. It would be a devastating blow for a Bayern squad that might not have the resources to satisfy Sule’s financial demands.
Borussia Dortmund
? Promise ring: Next summer could be a defining moment that dictates how the next couple of years unfolds for Borussia Dortmund. While their attempt to hold onto Erling Haaland beyond this season could prove futile, it’ll be vital for Dortmund to find a way to prevent other young stars from leaving. Getting Jude Bellingham to commit his future should be at the forefront of Dortmund’s summer plans, as the talented teenager is expected to be one of the most coveted players during the summer signing period.
FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty
Paris Saint-Germain
? Year’s supply of mate: Lionel Messi hasn’t shown his best self since joining PSG in the summer. A good dose of home cooking could put the 34-year-old more at ease. Messi loves to drink mate – a beverage infused with dried leaves and caffeine commonly served in his native Argentina – along with manager Mauricio Pochettino and compatriots Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes. Neymar often has a sip as well. Maybe a year’s supply of this popular drink can bring this group of egos and talent together for the home stretch.
