Elite Football Legends 2020: Ranking the Best Male Players #60-41

Top 100 Male Footballers of 2020: Spotlight on Ranks 60 to 41

The global pandemic made 2020 an extraordinary year, disrupting routines and upending expectations in every field—including professional football. Although the schedule was compressed and some competitions were postponed, football was still filled with unforgettable moments, standout performances, and fresh names rising into stardom. Focusing primarily on each player’s form throughout 2020, while also weighing their league difficulty, team achievements, and reputation, here is an in-depth look at the footballers ranked 60 through 41 in the world for 2020.

Sergio Reguilón: Rapid Rise to the Elite

Sergio Reguilón enjoyed a meteoric 2020. The Spanish left-back’s decision to go on loan to Sevilla for the 2019-20 season paid off in style, as he became a vital component in their Europa League triumph. Reguilón contributed 2 goals and 4 assists across 31 La Liga games, helping Sevilla secure a fourth-place finish on 70 points. Returning to England, he immediately cemented his place in Tottenham’s lineup under José Mourinho with a memorable debut in a 6-1 win at Manchester United. Consistent performances for club and impressive starts for the Spanish national team—where he’s now challenging Jordi Alba’s long-held spot—underline the 23-year-old’s boundless potential.

David Silva: Vintage Influence in New Surroundings

After his decorated spell at Manchester City, David Silva seamlessly transitioned to Real Sociedad, where he inspired the team to the summit of La Liga early in the 2020-21 season. In his final Premier League campaign, Silva registered 6 goals and 10 assists in just 27 matches, earning a prestigious PFA Team of the Year honor. Despite being in the twilight of his career, the creative maestro remains one of the world’s most influential midfielders.

Marc-André ter Stegen: Steadfast Amid Barcelona’s Turmoil

While Barcelona struggled on multiple fronts, Marc-André ter Stegen stood resilient. The German goalkeeper made 36 appearances as the club finished second in La Liga, often rescuing points and maintaining composure despite team adversity. For both club and country, ter Stegen’s consistency was indispensable throughout an otherwise unpredictable season.

Achraf Hakimi: A Season of Transformation

Achraf Hakimi’s breakout 2019-20 campaign saw him tally an impressive 9 goals and 10 assists between Bundesliga and Champions League action for Borussia Dortmund, often excelling as a right wing-back. His subsequent move to Inter Milan was equally productive, with the Moroccan star netting 3 goals and delivering 2 assists in his first 12 Serie A appearances. Hakimi’s explosive pace and versatility mark him as one of the most exciting full-backs in the game today.

Dries Mertens: Napoli Legend Continues to Shine

2020 proved another remarkable year for Dries Mertens. The Belgian attacker became Napoli’s all-time top scorer while adapting to a deeper, more creative attacking role. He accumulated 4 goals and 6 assists in 11 Serie A matches, and contributed 3 goals in four UEFA Nations League games for Belgium. Mertens’ vision and technical skills have made him an evergreen asset for club and country.

Benjamin Pavard: Steadfast Defender for Bayern Munich

Integral to Bayern Munich’s dominance, Benjamin Pavard showcased his versatility across the backline. At just 24, Pavard featured in 32 Bundesliga matches during the 2019-20 season, contributing 4 goals and 4 assists. His adaptability at right-back, allowing Joshua Kimmich to operate in midfield, played a key role in the German giants’ Champions League victory.

Keylor Navas: Experience and Stability at PSG

Keylor Navas continued his remarkable track record in European competition by backstopping Paris Saint-Germain to the Champions League final in 2020. The Costa Rican goalkeeper delivered several crucial performances during PSG’s run, conceding just 10 goals across 15 Ligue 1 matches in the new campaign. Now 34, Navas has cemented his legacy as one of football’s elite keepers of the past decade.

Leon Goretzka: Powerhouse in Bayern’s Midfield

Leon Goretzka’s influence grew alongside Joshua Kimmich’s repositioning, as he returned to a regular role for both Bayern Munich and Germany. In 24 Bundesliga matches, the all-action midfielder notched 6 goals and 5 assists. Goretzka also played eight times during Bayern’s Champions League conquest, and his contributions are only increasing with squad changes and injuries.

Marcus Rashford: Manchester United’s Driving Force

Marcus Rashford emerged as a pivotal player for Manchester United, especially in their surge to a third-place Premier League finish for the 2019-20 campaign. With 17 goals and seven assists, Rashford hit individual career peaks and continued his rich vein of form into the Champions League group stages in 2020-21, scoring six times in as many games.

Luka Modrić: Everlasting Engine at Real Madrid

Despite being in his mid-thirties, Luka Modrić remained critical to Real Madrid’s midfield dominance. He played a decisive role during their 2019-20 La Liga triumph, registering 3 goals and 7 assists in 33 appearances and featuring regularly in the new season. Modrić’s enduring creativity and workrate continue to inspire the next generation.

Thibaut Courtois: Revitalized and Reliable

Thibaut Courtois bounced back from past struggles to help lead Real Madrid to the title, featuring in 34 of their 38 league matches and helping keep defensive standards high – only 25 league goals conceded in the entire season. The Belgian number one continued as a mainstay for his national team as well.

Kalidou Koulibaly: The Defensive Wall of Napoli

Kalidou Koulibaly’s performances for Napoli and Senegal further solidified his reputation as one of football’s most dependable defenders. Although limited to 25 Serie A matches in 2019-20, his presence at the back remained crucial for Napoli’s ambitions. If he were playing for a bigger club, his global standing might be even higher.

Jamie Vardy: Ageless and Endless Goals

Jamie Vardy continued to defy expectations, clinching the Premier League Golden Boot with 23 goals and 5 assists in 35 matches. His relentless form propelled Leicester to fifth place, and the English striker seamlessly transitioned into the 2020-21 season, quickly becoming one of the league’s top scorers again.

Timo Werner: Prolific in Germany, Adapting in England

Timo Werner’s formidable haul of 28 goals and 8 assists in the Bundesliga laid the foundation for his high-profile transfer to Chelsea. Though his first months in the Premier League brought growing pains, Werner’s movement and attacking contributions hint at a return to top form.

Kingsley Coman: Impact Player at the Biggest Stage

Scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final, Kingsley Coman etched his name into Bayern Munich history. The French winger’s output took a leap in 2020-21, providing goals and assists at an even higher rate, and proving he could lead Bayern’s attack against elite opposition.

Georginio Wijnaldum: Reliable Contributor for Liverpool

Wijnaldum’s tireless midfield work was vital as Liverpool ended their long Premier League title drought. Featuring in 37 of 38 league matches, he chipped in with 6 goals and carried that form into international duty with the Netherlands. The early part of the new campaign saw competition from younger midfielders but his value remained high.

Lautaro Martínez: Emerging Star at Inter Milan

Lautaro Martínez’s form saw him lead Inter Milan to a Europa League final and a high Serie A finish, tallying a personal-best 14 league goals last season. At only 23, the dynamic Argentine attacker remains central to Inter’s ambitions and Argentina’s future hopes.

Marquinhos: The Backbone of PSG’s Defense

Whether as a central defender or anchoring midfield, Marquinhos excelled for Paris Saint-Germain. He played every match in PSG’s run to the Champions League final and seamlessly transitioned into a more prominent leadership role following Thiago Silva’s departure.

Alphonso Davies: Canada’s Newest Superstar

Originally not intended for a defensive role, Alphonso Davies transformed into Bundesliga’s fastest and most dangerous left-back at Bayern Munich. His 3 goals and 5 assists in 29 league games, and three assists in the Champions League, contributed to Bayern’s historic treble. Although he saw less game time in the latter half of 2020, his youth and success have made him a trailblazer for Canadian football.

Jack Grealish: Aston Villa’s Inspirational Leader

Few players have changed their club’s fortunes as dramatically as Jack Grealish. After almost facing relegation, Grealish led Aston Villa into safety, wrapping up 2019-20 with 8 goals and 6 assists. In the subsequent campaign, he elevated his game further with 5 goals and 5 assists in his opening 11 matches, ranking among the league’s best for chances created and fouls won. His influence also began to grow with the English national team.

Suggested Line-Up: How These Stars Could Fit Together

If you were to field these top footballers in a competitive match, a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation could maximize their strengths and versatility:

In Summary

Football in 2020 challenged expectations but also delivered stories of resilience, adaptation, and emerging talent. The players ranked 60 through 41 in this list exemplified the year’s spirit: adapting to new roles, overcoming obstacles, and raising their game for both club and country. Continue exploring the rankings for the next set of the world’s best footballers, and see which stars made the cut into the top 40.

Explore Further Rankings

• 100–81
• 80–61
• 40–21
• 20–1

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• Antonio Conte – Inter Milan: Tactical Analysis
• Brendan Rodgers – Leicester City: 2020-21 Tactical Analysis
• Hansi Flick – Bayern Munich: Tactical Analysis