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.
5. Robert Lewandowski
A devastating and ferocious striker, Robert Lewandowski is rabidly making the case for one of the best legs in all of soccer. Since joining FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Lewandowski has been playing on another level, scoring goals at a record pace, and dominating anyone who dares to guard him. At 34 years old, Lewandowski is proving to be just like a fine wine, simply getting better and better with age.
4. Erling Haaland
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.
3. Luka Modrić
Many fans of Luka Modric expected the former Croatian superstar to fall off due to his advanced age, but contrary to beliefs, Modric seems to only be getting better with each passing season. Able to maintain remarkably high energy levels and look just as fit as ever, Modric hasn’t lost his firey attitude, and his scoring continues to be the finest works of art.
2. Kylian Mbappé
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.
1. Lionel Messi
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.