(Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Who are the best soccer players, or "footballers," in the world right now? Whenever we say the word "football" in the States, we usually mean American football. But, around the world, the term football, of course, is really what we call soccer here. The sport is heating up this summer, so let's look at the biggest and the best.
Best Soccer Players, or Footballers, Currently in the World
Soccer appears to be becoming more popular in the U.S. In fact, the United States' 2-0 win over Bolivia in the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 last weekend garnered a record-breaking audience for a non-World Cup game on Fox Sports. On X (formerly Twitter), Fox Sports PR tweeted out that they had a "massive start" for the games and that at "3,165,000 viewers for Sunday's Group Stage opener" it was the "most watched non-World Cup soccer broadcast ever" on the network. It was also the most-watched English-language Copa America broadcast in the U.S. As WorldSoccerTalk.com notes, "Looking specifically at the English-language coverage of the summer of soccer, FOX will be massively pleased with the number of fans watching both the Euros and the Copa America." They add, "The USMNT's appearance in the Copa America, plus the rise in the number of teams, has massively helped viewership of the tournament."
Now, onto the best soccer players in the world right now. The greatest soccer player in the world right now has to be Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. Many think this incredible Brazilian player will be the next Ballon d'Or winner. He's also young, just in his early 20s, so if he's this good now, just imagine what he'll be like when he gets a little more experience under his belt. Coming in at No. 2 on my tally is Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain. At 25 years old, this French player has already played on some of the world's biggest soccer stages. Besides, who can resist that mask? No. 3 on my roster is Rodri of Manchester City. Recently, he was suspended after two yellow cards, with En.as.com.com explaining, Rodri was shown yellow cards in both matches, incurring a one-match suspension which stopped him from being named either on the starting lineup or on the bench against Albania." But, aside from that, he's a star and one of the strongest players of the minute. Finally, No. 4 on my tally of the best soccer players is Phil Foden of Manchester City and No. 5 is Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid. I'm excited to watch these players this summer, as I wait patiently for the other kind of football to start. Reach out to me with your soccer thoughts, too.
