Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players of 2000-2010

Think back to the early 2000s. The Jabulani was flying, defenders were diving, and some of the most iconic players ever were putting on clinics every weekend. This era didn't just produce big names. It gave us legends who consistently delivered when it mattered most. From Champions League glory to World Cup drama, these players dominated the pitch and became household names across continents.

But who really were the greatest from 2000 to 2010? You get to weigh in by voting for the players you believe rose above the rest during that decade. It's not just about who had the most trophies or goals, but who you feel changed the way the game was played. Think of those who left fans speechless, frustrated opponents, and gave commentators material for years. The kind of players who made you drop your jaw mid-match and say, "Did that just happen?"

Of course, everyone's got their personal favorite. Some go for flair and flashy footwork. Others prefer rock-solid consistency or cold-blooded finishing. Maybe you're into playmakers who saw things others missed. Or maybe you appreciate the tireless workhorses who made everyone else look good.

Whatever your criteria, this list gives you the chance to speak up and see how your opinions stack up.

1. Zinedine Zidane

   

   Zinedine Yazid Zidane, nicknamed "Zizou," (born 23 June 1972) is a French former professional football player who played as an attacking midfielder. He received many individual accolades as a player, including being named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000, and 2003, as well as winning the 1998... read more

   Zidane was the maestro of the last decade, perhaps the best midfielder in history. He had incredible ball control, amazing balance, technique, leadership, unbelievable passing skills, and he could read the game better than any other player.

   Zidane was simply on a different level than any other player.

   The best modern footballer. Great vision, understanding, passing, dribbling, finishing, headers, good at set pieces, and long-range shots. Fairly quick and agile. Just the best.

   A fantastic player for both club and national team. He is the most complete footballer I've ever seen!

2. Ronaldo

   

   Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, is a Brazilian businessman, president of La Liga club Real Valladolid, and a retired professional footballer who played as a striker. Nicknamed "O Fenômeno" ("The Phenomenon") in Portuguese, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers... read more

   Ronaldo was the World Player in 2002. Zidane retired in 2006. Ronaldo still plays and is important in the Brazilian league. Plus, Ronaldo in '99 won World Player of the Year, so there you go.

   I think he's the best player in football history. He has speed, agility, skill, a finishing touch, and everything you can dream of in a striker.

   Greatest striker I've ever watched. He came back twice after very serious injuries. What he did in the 2002 World Cup is unbelievable.

3. Ronaldinho

   

   Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, born March 21, 1980, is better known by his nickname Ronaldinho or Ronaldinho Gaúcho. He is a Brazilian former professional footballer and a current ambassador for FC Barcelona.

   He primarily played as an attacking midfielder but was also effective as a winger. Ronaldinho... read more

   During his era, it was impossible to even realize there were other world-class footballers like Ronaldo, Zizou, Figo, and other superstars playing at that time. The magic he spread on the pitch overshadowed the greatness of the rest.

   When he wanted to be the best footballer ever to touch the ball, nobody could stop him. It was only when his form deteriorated that we got to enjoy what others had to offer. Privileged to witness him playing at his peak, even if it was just on TV. No matter what others say, he is the best.

   One of a kind. Probably the most creative player to ever play the game. His otherworldly impressive skill helped him lead Barça to numerous championships and earned him some of the most prestigious individual awards.

   Watching him play is a mixture of amazement and pure entertainment. You can see the love he has for the game in every single match. If only he had been able to keep performing the way he did at his peak, but he sure has been making a comeback this past season! The King could be returning!

4. Lionel Messi

   

   Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi, born June 24, 1987, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has won eight Ballon d'Or awards and numerous domestic and international titles. He... read more

   Super quick, scores loads of goals, and is pretty unstoppable. Another reason is because he's won Best Player in the World in 2008 and 2009 and came second twice before. He's the best ever!

   There is no one quite like Messi. Amazing player to watch, and he is still young. He will get even better as he continues to play and eventually will be the greatest! Vamos Messi!

   He can change pace so well and do tricks a little only. He slows the game down, gets defenders to relax for a second, and then he takes off!

5. Fabio Cannavaro

   

   Fabio Cannavaro Ufficiale OMRI (born 13 September 1973) is an Italian professional football coach and former player who most recently served as the head coach of Udinese. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time. During his illustrious career, he captained Italy to victory in... read more

   Cannavaro, in my opinion, is the third greatest footballer in history. He is the best tactical defender, with the best leadership I've seen, superb positioning, timing, ball dribbling, and much more.

   He is the peak of defenders and captains and an almost impossible player to equal.

   He is the best defender of all time with his great positioning and sliding tackles.

6. Raul

   Best scoring attacker of the Champions League. A man who always knew where the ball would be and was there to punch it into the net.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

   

   Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro (born February 5, 1985) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and captains the Portugal national team. He has collected five prestigious Ballon d'Or awards and countless major trophies over his storied career... read more

   Not only has he shown his qualities on the club level, Cristiano has done the best he can for his country. I consider him one of the best, if not in the top few, because he has proved his skill not only in Madrid but also in Lisbon and Manchester.

   He is obviously the best player in the world. He can almost do everything: heading, scoring with both feet, crossing, and free kicks.

   He constantly scores goals for Madrid and saves their face against Barcelona. Young stars like Hazard, Götze, and Bale have regarded him as the best player.

8. Steven Gerrard

   

   Steven George Gerrard (born 30 May 1980) is an English professional football manager and former Liverpool player. He famously captained Liverpool to a miraculous comeback victory in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned into management and successfully led... read more

   He spent his career in a one-man band, keeping a largely average team competitive through his own brilliance. He could tackle, pass, and score all types of goals while also being an inspiration for his team. Tremendous leader who, during this decade, would have gotten into any team in the world.

   Won the 2004-2005 Champions League campaign almost single-handedly with numerous vital goals. Followed it up with a class match in the following season's FA Cup final with two beautiful goals. He has been the best midfielder in the world for a decade.

   In my opinion, he's up there with Zidane, and he is better than Kaka! Liverpool legend who is still going strong!

9. Alessandro Del Piero

   

   Alessandro Del Piero Ufficiale OMRI is an Italian former professional footballer who mainly played as a second striker, also called a deep-lying forward. He was widely praised for his technical skills, vision, and free-kick accuracy. Del Piero spent 19 seasons with Juventus, serving as captain for 11... read more

   Great leadership. He is simply one of the most loyal players in the world, staying with Juventus even when they went down to Serie B. He has been captain forever and won the World Cup with Italy in a secondary role, but he was there. He nearly won the Champions League in 2003 - a penalty shootout was the difference between silver and gold. Del Piero is and has been one of the most important Juve players this century.

10. Thierry Henry

    

    Thierry Daniel Henry is a French professional football coach and former player. In August 2016, he became the second assistant coach of the Belgium national team under head coach Roberto Martínez. Henry previously enjoyed a successful playing career with clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and the New... read more

    Henry is the best striker. Not because he scored 227 goals for Arsenal or won Footballer of the Year on three separate occasions. Not because he won the Golden Boot six times (four in the Premier League, one in the Confederations Cup, and one in Euro 2000). Not because he was the go-to guy for the undefeated '03-'04 'Invincibles' or the leading scorer for the '08-'09 Barcelona team that won an unprecedented sextuple.

    It's the fact that every single goal Henry scores seems to always be in the clutch, for the win, breaking a record. Each goal is beautiful. For example, the bicycle kick he performed in May for the Red Bulls for the win. No statistic can describe such brilliance!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Rafinha

    A really underrated player.

    But he is great.

12. ?

    Henrik Larsson

    Absolute world-class player. 53 goals in one season for Celtic, as well as two other seasons with over 40 goals.

    He was instrumental in taking Celtic to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003 and was the driving force behind Barca's comeback against Arsenal in the Champions League Final 2006. Unreal prowess in front of goal, both on the deck and in the air.

    Should be in the top 10 without a doubt. He was on another level compared to most of these players listed.

The Contenders

13. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    

    Zlatan Ibrahimović (born October 3, 1981) is a Swedish former professional footballer who played as a striker for multiple clubs during his career, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), FC Barcelona, and Manchester United. He scored over 500 career goals for club and country while winning league titles... read more

    One of the best footballers in history. Nobody scores goals like he does. This 6 ft.+ legend has it all, I mean it, he has it all! He has speed, precision, accuracy, and terrific talent. He scored the best bicycle kick in the history of football vs. England. Just wish he had a better team. Great footballer.

    He is the best of the best. Nothing but respect for this man.

    The number one footballer of all time.

14. Andriy Shevchenko

    

    Andriy Mykolayovych Shevchenko is a Ukrainian retired footballer who played for Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan, and Chelsea, as well as the Ukrainian national team as a striker. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2004 and is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of Ukrainian and European football. Shevchenko... read more

    He was one of the most spectacular players I have ever seen when he was playing for AC Milan.

15. Paolo Maldini

    

    Paolo Cesare Maldini is a former Italian professional footballer who played primarily as a left back and later as a central defender. He captained Italy for eight years and AC Milan for twelve. He earned the nickname "Il Capitano," which means "The Captain," due to his leadership and consistency on the... read more

    He is inestimable, amiable, and adorable. I love his amazing tackles. He drove rival strikers crazy. He is the best defender in soccer history and is unrivaled. ALL OF AC MILAN.

16. Gianluigi Buffon

    

    Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon was born on January 28, 1978, in Carrara, Italy. He is widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Buffon returned to play for Serie B club Parma in 2021 after a long and successful career with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. He also played for the... read more

    I love, love, love to watch Buffon in goal. There is something very magical about him. Although Mr. De Gea is fast approaching that number one spot for me.

17. Roberto Carlos

    

    Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha, born on April 10, 1973, is a retired Brazilian footballer who now works as a football ambassador. Although he started his career in Brazil as a forward, he became internationally recognized as a left back.... read more

    The best defender ever. I've never seen anyone so quick, agile, and with such thunderous shooting. Definitely one of the best. There won't be another defender like him again.

18. Oliver Kahn

    

    Oliver Rolf Kahn is a German former football goalkeeper. He began his youth career with Karlsruher SC in 1975 and was promoted to the senior team in 1987. Kahn later played for Bayern Munich from 1994 to 2008 and is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history.

    Greatest goalkeeper of all time. The titan.

19. Francesco Totti

    

    Francesco Totti is an Italian former professional footballer. He spent his entire club career playing for Serie A team Roma, where he became a symbol of loyalty and excellence. Totti also represented the Italian national team and was part of the squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

    Not only a great forward able to score many goals in a season, the majority of these of a sublime class, but also a great offensive midfielder with more vision than Xavi, in my opinion. A very underrated player.

    Just look at his goals against Sampdoria and Inter. Excellent free kicks too. A legend.

    The one and only. Same team from day one. Didn't care about the money, glory, or trophies. Loyal. Golden Foot, Golden Shoe, oldest to score in Champions League, World Champion 2006.

    No one will ever be as good in heart and foot as him. He is a legend.

20. Kaka

    

    Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, commonly known as Kaká or Ricardo Kaká, is a retired Brazilian professional footballer. He played as an attacking midfielder for clubs such as AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Orlando City, as well as the Brazil national team. His exceptional vision and passing ability earned... read more

    Best of the decade. When in Milan at 100%, he was way better than Messi and Ronaldo. Fastest player of his generation. Only player I would pay money to watch.

    Watch his games when in Milan at 100% and see how incomparable he is to Ronaldo and Messi.

    I think he was the best soccer player in the first decade of this century. If you watch his career, you see everything: he was fast, strong, smart, intelligent, and talented.

    When he played, you would just enjoy.

    Not the best player but definitely higher than Cannavaro or Pirlo if we're going to compare playmakers. Now he's back at Milan and rocking once again.

21. Rivaldo

    

    Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira, widely known as Rivaldo, is a retired Brazilian professional footballer. He was part of the Brazil national team that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup and received the Ballon d'Or in 1999. Rivaldo was known for his powerful left foot, technique, and ability to score from long... read more

    Should be much higher on the list!

22. Didier Drogba

    

    Didier Yves Drogba Tébily is a former Ivorian professional footballer who played as a striker and captained the Ivory Coast national team. He most famously played for English club Chelsea and won the UEFA Champions League with them in 2012, scoring the equalizer in the final and the decisive penalty... read more

    Biggest crime: Drogba not winning a Ballon d'Or. He was part of the Untouchables at Chelsea, carried Ivory Coast, and had a magnificent career with team achievements.

    As clutch as they come. No one dominated the air like Drogba.

    How come Drogba is not above Fernando Torres and many others on this list? He easily fits in the top ten.

23. Pavel Nedved

    

    Absolute legend. Epitome of a midfielder. He could pass, he could score goals, he could get past players, and he had the strength.

    Why he's so low on this list, I'll never know.

    Footballing god. He could play anywhere in midfield, and to come from a small-ish country like the Czech Republic (Czechoslovakia) and be known as one of the best ever is truly an accomplishment!

24. Ruud van Nistelrooy

    

25. Michael Ballack

    

    Legend. Solid in tracking back, creative in drifting forward. Some of the best positional sense I have ever seen from a box-to-box midfielder. He and Lampard excel.

26. Fernando Torres

    

    Fernando Jose Torres Sanz (born 20 March 1984) is a Spanish football manager and former player who played as a striker. He's currently the manager of Atletico Madrid B. Due to his consistent goalscoring as a young player, Torres earned the nickname El Nino (The Kid), which remained with him throughout... read more

    Brought glory to Spain in Euro 2008. Besides, one of the brightest players in football history. A brilliant goalscorer and undoubtedly the best striker in Spain's history.

    A handsome and kind player still trying to win the Champions League.

    He should be in the top ten. He is a nightmare for goalkeepers and the only competitor for Messi and Ronaldo. I still remember his Liverpool days. He is far better than Ronaldo.

27. Cafu

    Cafu is definitely the best right-back of this decade. Name anyone who was better than this phenomenal player. His attack and defense are great, and he was part of the best AC Milan defense of all time: Maldini, Nesta, Stam, and Cafu.