Wayne Rooney
The former English captain has been one of the most integral players in the England National team, widely considered one of the best players of his generations, Rooney is the record goalscorer for both the England national team and Manchester United as well as holding the record for the most appearances of any outfield player for the England national team. He played a majority of his career for the Red Devils and has been the leading goalscorer with 253 goals. He has been managing Derby County club as Manager for the past two years, but the latter has recently resigned from the post.
David Beckham
Known for his ability of passing, crossing and free kicks, Beckham is regarded as one of the greatest and most recognizable midfielders of all time. He is the first Englishman to win league titles in four countries: England, Spain, United States and France. He has played for many clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, PSG, LA Galaxy. Beckham is the current president and co-owner of Salford City.
Robert Lewandowski
The Polish captain and Bayern Munich star is known for his technique, finishing and goalscoring, often cited as one of the best strikers of all time, as well as one of the most successful players in the history of Bundesliga. He has more than 600 goals in his entire career. He was about to grab his first Ballon d’Or but was short of 33 points from the Argentine Lionel Messi. He is a seven time winner Bundesliga Top Scorer Award, the most recent one was in the 2020 – 21 season where he scalped 41 goals. Lewandowski’s contribution in the upcoming FIFA World Cup will be crucial for the Polish team.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The most prominent personality in football and an player who is worshipped by many around the globe. Ronaldo holds the record for most appearances, most goals, most assists in the Champions League. Moreover, he is in the elite list of players who have played more than 1000 professional career appearances and has scored more than 800 official senior career goals for both club and country. The Portuguese returned to Man United last summer, but his arrival at the Old Trafford did not make much to the club, the Red Devils finished at sixth place in the EPL. Now, reports suggest that CR7 is set to leave England after the arrival of Erik ten Hag.
Thomas Muller
A very versatile footballer, Muller plays for German club Bayern Munich. He is known as the best midfielders in the game. The German gave his whole life to Bayern Munich and has scored close to 150 goals for the club, he has been associated since 2008. Muller was an integral part in Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup win, he scored five goals and won the silver ball for the second most goals in the tournament. The Guardian has ranked the latter as the fifth best footballer in the world. Muller is the most decorated footballer in Germany with earnings of 31 trophies.
Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian is known as a “complete footballer” and also as one of the best players in the world and of his generation. He is home to Manchester City’s Player of the Year four times, the UEFA Champions League Midfielder of the season, Footballer of the Year (Germany), the Belgian Sportsman of the Year. He is versatile and at the same time attacking which proves to be a positive sign for his club and country. Since 2015, he has been associated with the Manchester City.
David Villa
The Pundits call the Spanish the best forwards of his generation and one of the best strikers in the national team. He was part of Spain’s 2008 Euro Cup and FIFA World Cup 2010 winning squad. Furthermore, he earned the silver boot in Spain first World Cup win. He retired from national team by becoming Spain’s all time top goalscorer as well as the nation’s leading goal scorer in World Cups. David Villa is currently working as the Technical Advisor and Head of Global Football Operations of the Indian Super League club Odisha FC.
Thierry Henry
The French star is probably the most admired footballer in his country, he has given France many glorious moments and has put them in the list of elite football teams of nation. He was the runner up in the 2003 Ballon d’Or, but, he was named as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year twice. Henry is one of the most commercially marketed footballers during the 2000s. The France international was the first one to be included in the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021 along with Alan Shearer.
