Luka Modrić named 7th best footballer of 21st century

Luka Modrić

Leading football website Goal has compiled a list of the 25 best men’s footballers of the 21st century.

Goal considers Argentine forward Lionel Messi the greatest footballer of all time, whilst there is a place among the top for Croatian captain Luka Modrić.

During his time at Barcelona, Messi scored 672 goals in 778 appearances, solidifying his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Modrić has been named the 7th best footballer of the 21st century.

The 39-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, is described by Goal as an exceptional player known for his work ethic and commitment to the team.

Cristiano Ronaldo was ranked second on the list behind Messi, followed by Spain’s Xavi and French legend Zinedine Zidane.

The top 25 footballers of the 21st century according to Goal are as follows:

1. Lionel Messi

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

3. Xavi

4. Andrés Iniesta

5. Zinedine Zidane

6. Ronaldinho

7. Luka Modrić

8. Sergio Busquets

9. Gianluigi Buffon

10. Sergio Ramos

11. Thierry Henry

12. Luis Suárez

13. Robert Lewandowski

14. Manuel Neuer

15. Andrea Pirlo

16. Toni Kroos

17. Francesco Totti

18. Samuel Eto’o

19. Karim Benzema

20. Iker Casillas

21. Paolo Maldini

22. Kylian Mbappé

23. Kaka

24. Wayne Rooney

25. Kevin De Bruyne