Top 11 World's Best Football Players In 2022

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Alright guys, let's dive into the electrifying world of football and celebrate the top 11 players who absolutely crushed it in 2022! This isn't just a list; it's a tribute to the skill, dedication, and sheer brilliance these athletes brought to the pitch. Get ready to relive some epic moments and maybe even spark a debate or two about who deserves to be at the very top. So, without further ado, let's get started!

Defining Excellence: What Makes a Player the "Best"?

Before we jump into the list, it's super important to understand what exactly makes a footballer one of the "best" in the world. It's not just about scoring goals (though that definitely helps!). We're talking about a combination of factors that set these players apart from the rest.

Technical Skill: This is the foundation. Dribbling, passing, shooting, control – these guys have it all down to an art form. They can make the ball dance to their tune, leaving defenders in the dust and creating opportunities out of thin air.
Tactical Intelligence: It's not enough to be skillful; you've got to know how to use that skill. These players have an incredible understanding of the game, knowing when to pass, when to shoot, when to defend, and how to read the play. They're like chess masters on the field, always thinking several moves ahead.
Physical Prowess: Football is a demanding sport, and these players are in peak physical condition. They've got the stamina to run all game, the strength to win challenges, and the speed to outpace opponents. They're true athletes, pushing their bodies to the limit.
Consistency: Anyone can have a good game, but the best players deliver week in and week out. They're reliable, dependable, and always perform at a high level, regardless of the opponent or the pressure.
Impact and Influence: These players don't just play well; they elevate their entire team. They inspire their teammates, lead by example, and have a tangible impact on the outcome of games. They're game-changers, capable of turning the tide in an instant.
Achievements and Awards: Of course, we can't ignore the trophies and accolades. Winning titles, individual awards, and recognition from peers and experts are all indicators of a player's success and contribution to the sport.

So, keeping these factors in mind, let's get to the players who truly embodied these qualities in 2022.

The Ultimate 11: Top Football Players of 2022

Here's the list you've been waiting for! Remember, this is subjective, and different people will have different opinions. But based on their performances, achievements, and overall impact, these are the 11 players who stood out the most in 2022:

Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain/Argentina): Seriously, who else could top this list? 2022 was the year for Messi. Winning the World Cup, after so many years of trying, cemented his legacy as one of the greatest of all time. His performances throughout the tournament were simply magical, and he continued to shine for PSG as well. Messi's vision, dribbling, passing, and goal-scoring ability remain unparalleled. He's not just a player; he's an icon. He embodies everything that is great about football and consistently delivers moments of brilliance that leave fans in awe. His influence extends far beyond the pitch, inspiring millions of young players around the world. Messi's ability to read the game and make split-second decisions is unmatched, and his dedication to his craft is evident in every match he plays. He's a true legend, and his achievements in 2022 will be remembered for generations to come. Plus, his humility and sportsmanship make him a role model for athletes everywhere.
Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/France): This guy is an absolute phenomenon. Mbappé's speed, skill, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. His World Cup performance was sensational, even though France didn't win. He's already one of the best players in the world, and he's only getting better. Mbappé's explosive pace and incredible agility allow him to glide past opponents with ease. His ability to score goals from seemingly impossible angles is truly remarkable. He possesses a rare combination of speed, power, and precision that makes him a constant threat in the attacking third. Moreover, Mbappé's mental strength and determination are just as impressive as his physical abilities. He never gives up, always pushing himself to the limit, and his unwavering confidence is contagious. He's a natural leader, inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. With his exceptional talent and relentless drive, Mbappé is poised to dominate the world of football for many years to come.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/France): 2022 was a stellar year for Benzema. He led Real Madrid to Champions League glory and won the Ballon d'Or. His goals, assists, and overall play were simply outstanding. Benzema's intelligence, movement, and finishing ability make him one of the most complete strikers in the world. He's not just a goal scorer; he's also a brilliant playmaker, capable of creating chances for his teammates. Benzema's ability to link up with other attackers and orchestrate intricate passing sequences is a key component of Real Madrid's attacking prowess. Furthermore, his tactical awareness and understanding of the game are exceptional. He knows exactly when to make a run, when to hold up the ball, and when to unleash a shot. Benzema's calm and composed demeanor on the pitch allows him to perform under pressure, and his leadership qualities make him a valuable asset to any team. With his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication, Benzema has solidified his place among the greats of the game.
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/Barcelona/Poland): Year after year, Lewandowski continues to bang in the goals. His move to Barcelona didn't slow him down one bit. He's a goal-scoring machine, plain and simple. Lewandowski's exceptional positioning, clinical finishing, and aerial ability make him one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. He's a master of finding space in the penalty area and converting chances with remarkable consistency. Lewandowski's ability to anticipate the movement of defenders and exploit their weaknesses is truly impressive. Moreover, his dedication to physical fitness and constant improvement has allowed him to maintain his peak performance level for many years. Lewandowski's unwavering focus and relentless pursuit of goals make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He's a true professional and an inspiration to aspiring footballers around the world. With his unmatched goal-scoring prowess, Lewandowski has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest strikers of all time.
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/Belgium): De Bruyne is the definition of a world-class midfielder. His passing range, vision, and creativity are unmatched. He dictates the tempo of games and creates countless opportunities for his teammates. De Bruyne's exceptional technique, incredible passing accuracy, and remarkable vision make him one of the most complete midfielders in the world. He's capable of delivering pinpoint passes from anywhere on the pitch, unlocking defenses and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. De Bruyne's ability to read the game and anticipate the movement of other players is truly remarkable. Moreover, his work ethic and determination are just as impressive as his technical skills. He never stops running, always contributing to both the attack and the defense. De Bruyne's unwavering commitment to his team and his exceptional talent make him a true leader on and off the pitch.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt): Salah's goal-scoring record and electrifying performances have made him a fan favorite. His speed, dribbling, and finishing ability are a joy to watch. He's a constant threat to opposing defenses. Salah's incredible pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing ability make him one of the most exciting attackers in the world. He's capable of beating defenders with ease and scoring goals from seemingly impossible angles. Salah's ability to cut inside from the right wing and unleash powerful shots with his left foot has become his trademark move. Moreover, his dedication to physical fitness and constant improvement has allowed him to maintain his peak performance level for several years. Salah's unwavering focus and relentless pursuit of goals make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He's a true inspiration to aspiring footballers in Egypt and around the world.
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid/Brazil): Vinícius exploded onto the scene in 2022. His pace, trickery, and goal-scoring ability made him a key player for Real Madrid. He's one of the most exciting young talents in the world. Vinícius Júnior's electrifying pace, mesmerizing dribbling skills, and ever-improving finishing ability make him one of the most exciting young talents in the world. He's capable of beating defenders with ease and creating scoring opportunities out of nothing. Vinícius Júnior's ability to run at defenders with pace and precision is a constant threat to opposing defenses. Moreover, his work ethic and determination have allowed him to improve his game significantly in recent years. Vinícius Júnior's unwavering commitment to his team and his exceptional talent make him a future superstar in the making.
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/Belgium): Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now. Courtois's shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box were crucial for Real Madrid's success. He's a true giant between the posts. Thibaut Courtois's exceptional shot-stopping ability, commanding presence in the penalty area, and incredible reflexes make him one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He's capable of making saves that seem impossible, bailing out his team time and time again. Courtois's height and reach give him a significant advantage, allowing him to cover more of the goal. Moreover, his communication skills and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset to any team. Courtois's unwavering focus and exceptional talent have made him a true standout among goalkeepers.
Casemiro (Real Madrid/Manchester United/Brazil): A rock in midfield. Casemiro's defensive prowess, tackling ability, and leadership were vital for both Real Madrid and Brazil. He's the unsung hero of many successful teams. Casemiro's exceptional defensive skills, incredible tackling ability, and unwavering commitment to protecting his team's goal make him one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. He's a master of breaking up opposition attacks and winning back possession for his team. Casemiro's physical strength and tactical awareness allow him to dominate the midfield. Moreover, his leadership qualities and experience make him a valuable asset to any team. Casemiro's unwavering focus and exceptional talent have made him a true stalwart in the world of football.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/Netherlands): Van Dijk is a colossus in defense. His strength, aerial ability, and composure make him incredibly difficult to play against. He transforms any defense he plays in. Virgil van Dijk's exceptional strength, incredible aerial ability, and unwavering composure make him one of the best center-backs in the world. He's a master of winning aerial duels, making crucial tackles, and organizing his defense. Van Dijk's physical presence and tactical awareness allow him to dominate opposing attackers. Moreover, his leadership qualities and calm demeanor make him a valuable asset to any team. Van Dijk's unwavering focus and exceptional talent have made him a true leader in the world of football.
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain/Morocco): Hakimi's attacking prowess and defensive work rate make him one of the best full-backs in the world. His performances for Morocco at the World Cup were particularly impressive. Achraf Hakimi's exceptional pace, incredible attacking ability, and impressive defensive work rate make him one of the best full-backs in the world. He's capable of making overlapping runs, delivering dangerous crosses, and tracking back to defend with diligence. Hakimi's stamina and athleticism allow him to cover a lot of ground on the flank. Moreover, his versatility and tactical awareness make him a valuable asset to any team. Hakimi's unwavering commitment to his team and his exceptional talent have made him a rising star in the world of football.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, there are so many other fantastic players who deserve recognition. Here are a few honorable mentions:

Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund/Manchester City/Norway): His goal-scoring record speaks for itself.
Sadio Mané (Liverpool/Bayern Munich/Senegal): A consistent performer at the highest level.
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich/Germany): A rising star with immense potential.

Conclusion: A Year of Footballing Brilliance

2022 was an incredible year for football, filled with memorable moments and outstanding performances. These 11 players represent the very best of the sport, showcasing the skill, dedication, and passion that make football the beautiful game that it is. Whether you agree with this list or have your own favorites, there's no denying the talent and excitement these players bring to the pitch. So, here's to another year of thrilling football action!