On July 24, foreign media outlet ESPN released its list of the top 25 male and female football players of the 21st century.
On the men’s side, Messi took first place, with Ronaldo in second. Positions three through five were held by Henry, Zidane, and Modric, respectively. On the women’s side, 38-year-old Brazilian legend Marta claimed the top spot; she will also be participating in this year’s Paris Olympics. Bonmati and Putellas placed second and third, respectively.
In their commentary on Messi, ESPN quoted Ronaldo: “I saw Brazilian fans cheering for Messi. For a genius who marked an era, this is a fitting conclusion.”
ESPN’s Top 25 Male Football Players of the 21st Century:
1. Messi, 2. Ronaldo, 3. Henry, 4. Zidane, 5. Modric, 6. Mbappé, 7. Iniesta, 8. Xavi, 9. Ronaldo, 10. Ronaldinho, 11. Ibrahimović, 12. De Bruyne, 13. Kroos, 14. Ramos, 15. Puyol, 16. Benzema, 17. Busquets, 18. Lewandowski, 19. Kaká, 20. Neymar, 21. Pirlo, 22. Rooney, 23. Vieira, 24. Suárez, 25. Buffon
ESPN’s Top 25 Female Football Players of the 21st Century:
1. Marta, 2. Bonmati, 3. Putellas, 4. Mia Hamm, 5. Alexandra Popp, 6. Kim Little, 7. Birgit Prinz, 8. Ada Hegerberg, 9. Pernille Harder, 10. Vivianne Miedema, 11. Homare Sawa, 12. Graham Hansen, 13. Christine Sinclair, 14. Sam Kerr, 15. Rapinoe, 16. Kelly Smith, 17. Wendie Renard, 18. Jennifer Marozsan, 19. Morgan, 20. Lilly, 21. Hege Riise, 22. Amandine Henry, 23. Hope Solo, 24. Abby Wambach, 25. Julie Foudy
Do you agree? ESPN Names Top 25 Male and Female Football Players of the Century: Messi and Marta Top Lists, Ronaldo Second. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/do-you-agree-espn-names-top-25-male-and-female-football-players-of-the-century-messi-and-marta-top-lists-ronaldo-second.html
