Introduction: Unveiling the Top 100 Footballers of 2021 (100–81)
Every year, fans and pundits alike debate who deserves a spot among football’s elite. In 2021, this passionate conversation became participatory, as readers weighed in to crown the best players at each position. After a week of collecting hundreds of votes per category, we present the first installment in our annual Top 100 Footballers ranking – highlighting places 100 through 81. Here, you’ll find breakout stars, seasoned veterans, and world-class performers whose contributions stood out in a fiercely competitive calendar year.
100. Florian Wirtz: Bundesliga’s Young Maestro
Teenage sensation Florian Wirtz has rapidly emerged as one of Germany’s most exciting midfielders. After announcing himself in 2020, he continued his meteoric rise by notching 5 goals and 8 assists in just 15 Bundesliga matches this season, outpacing his previous tallies. His creative spark is unmatched: Wirtz leads the league for goal-creating actions, and his performances in the Europa League have further cemented his reputation as a dynamic playmaker destined for stardom.
99. Kalvin Phillips: England’s Midfield Engine
Kalvin Phillips, the heart of Leeds United’s midfield, played a pivotal role in the club’s impressive Premier League resurgence. His standout performances at UEFA Euro 2020 saw him feature in all of England’s matches, linking effectively with Declan Rice as the Three Lions reached the tournament final. Despite battling injuries in 2021–22, Phillips still ranks fourth in tackles and eighth in pressures among Premier League midfielders, demonstrating his resilience and tactical intelligence.
98. Tomas Soucek: Midfield Powerhouse for Club and Country
West Ham and Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Soucek has evolved from a goal-getter into a complete central midfielder. Alongside Declan Rice, he has formed a formidable partnership, contributing to West Ham’s unexpected rise. Remarkably strong in the air, Soucek wins an average of 5.2 aerial duels per 90 minutes—a metric that places him among the very best in his position worldwide.
97. Jordan Henderson: Leadership Through Adversity
Liverpool’s captain, Jordan Henderson, faced considerable injury challenges throughout 2021, but his influence remained clear when fit. With England, he lost his place in the starting eleven at the Euros, yet he returned stronger for club duty, reestablishing his synergy with Salah and Alexander-Arnold. Henderson’s passing prowess stands out: only Alexander-Arnold has completed more passes into the final third for Liverpool this season.
96. Christopher Nkunku: Leipzig’s Creative Force
Once a rotational player, Christopher Nkunku has flourished into the focal point of RB Leipzig’s attack. This season, he has found the net 7 times in both the Champions League and Bundesliga, with an additional 5 assists domestically. Nkunku also leads the Bundesliga in receiving progressive passes, a testament to his movement and importance to Leipzig’s offensive scheme.
95. Dusan Vlahovic: Fiorentina’s Goal Machine
Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic has enjoyed a breakout year, scoring 16 goals in just 18 Serie A outings for Fiorentina. His influence extends to the international stage, where he was instrumental in Serbia’s direct qualification for the 2022 World Cup. Notably, Vlahovic has drawn 47 fouls—the highest in the league—underscoring his physical presence and ability to trouble defenses.
94. Wout Weghorst: Much More Than a Target Man
Wout Weghorst’s contributions for Wolfsburg go beyond his impressive 20 goal and 8 assist haul last season. The Dutch forward excels in link-up play, pressing, and running the channels. This year, only two Bundesliga players have applied more pressures in the final third than Weghorst, highlighting his relentless work rate on both sides of the ball.
93. David De Gea: Rediscovering Top Form
Manchester United’s David De Gea has experienced a dramatic 2021—from the heartbreak of a Europa League final penalty miss to a series of brilliant performances. As United weathered turbulent periods, De Gea’s reflexes and penalty-saving record (over 60% this season, excluding shootouts) have once again placed him among the most dependable goalkeepers.
92. Raphinha: Leeds’ Dynamic Attacker
Brazilian winger Raphinha has quickly gained recognition as one of the Premier League’s most electrifying wide men. Despite Leeds United’s struggles, his pace, skill, and directness kept them competitive. Raphinha’s ability to progress play is illustrated by his average of nearly six progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking him among the top creators in his role.
91. Jamie Vardy: Timeless Prolific Scorer
Even as his career reaches its latter stages, Jamie Vardy remains a constant threat in front of goal for Leicester City. After bagging 15 goals and 9 assists last season, Vardy has maintained his top form, currently ranking third in the Premier League scoring charts with 9 goals in just 16 matches.
90. Dusan Tadic: Record-Breaking Playmaker
Ajax’s captain, Dusan Tadic, continues to elevate his game despite competing outside Europe’s top five leagues. His influence was pivotal during Serbia’s successful World Cup qualification, where he contributed 2 goals and 6 assists. Domestically, Tadic has amassed 7 goals and 11 assists in 17 Eredivisie games. Notably, he shattered Lionel Messi’s assist record for a calendar year, with an incredible 37 assists in 2021.
89. Presnel Kimpembe: PSG’s Defensive Pillar
Presnel Kimpembe stands firm as a cornerstone in Paris Saint-Germain’s defense and a regular for France. Despite limited team silverware, his consistency is notable, especially his outstanding 96% pass completion rate—an elite figure even among top European centre-backs.
88. Antoine Griezmann: Seeking a Spark at Atletico
After a short spell at Barcelona, Antoine Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid, aiming to rekindle his previous brilliance. While he delivered solid performances at Euro 2020 and contributed at both club and international level, 2021 proved less spectacular by his standards. Still, Griezmann remains among La Liga’s top players for goal-creating actions.
87. Giorgio Chiellini: Ageless Italian Defender
Many thought Giorgio Chiellini’s best days were behind him, but the veteran centre-back proved doubters wrong. His commanding displays helped Italy lift the Euro 2020 trophy, and he continues to be a dependable figure for Juventus, recording one of Serie A’s top block rates.
86. Paul Pogba: Impactful When Fit
Paul Pogba’s year was hampered by injuries, but his influence was undeniable whenever he took the field. He starred for France at the Euros and contributed to their Nations League win, while also providing a remarkable 7 assists in just 9 games for Manchester United at the season’s start. Pogba ranks among the global elite for assists per 90 minutes in 2021.
85. Kingsley Coman: Bayern’s Wing Wizard
Kingsley Coman remains a valuable asset for Bayern Munich, impressing with his dribbling and attacking runs whenever called upon. Though competition for starting roles intensified, Coman managed 23 carries into the penalty area in just 10 league games, placing him high among Bundesliga’s top wide men.
84. Benjamin Pavard: Reliable Right Back at Bayern
Benjamin Pavard continues to be a reliable force in Bayern Munich’s backline. While not the standout among Bayern’s celebrated defense, he consistently delivers solid performances, especially when playing as a traditional right back. His composure on the ball and defensive strengths keep him in the mix, though adapting to tactical shifts remains key for his future role.
83. Raphael Guerreiro: Dortmund’s Attacking Fullback
Raphael Guerreiro is renowned for his offensive prowess from left back, ranking in the top percentiles for attacking metrics among defenders. However, recurring injuries have hindered his full impact. With 3 goals so far this Bundesliga season—the highest among fullbacks—Guerreiro’s attacking contribution remains vital for Borussia Dortmund.
82. Diogo Jota: Liverpool’s Rising Forward
Diogo Jota’s seamless integration into Liverpool’s attacking trio has been a revelation. Despite stiff competition, he is now the Premier League’s second-highest scorer behind Mohamed Salah. Jota’s acute attacking instinct is highlighted by his league-leading expected goals per 90 figure, making him a constant threat inside the box.
81. Emiliano Martinez: Argentina and Villa’s Shot-Stopper
Emiliano Martinez transitioned from Arsenal outcast to Argentina’s Copa America-winning hero in record time. Not only did he secure the Best Goalkeeper Award at the tournament, but he also remained vital for Aston Villa throughout 2021. Martinez’s impressive shot-stopping ability is reflected in his high saves-per-goal rate, underlining his reliability between the posts.
Conclusion: Key Highlights from 100–81
The first chapter of our Top 100 Footballers of 2021 captures the incredible breadth of talent across the global game. From promising youngsters like Florian Wirtz to the evergreen leadership of Giorgio Chiellini, and from the creative maestros of midfield to the shot-stoppers keeping dreams alive, these players combined individual brilliance with team success. Stay tuned as we continue to count down through the world’s best, celebrating excellence at every level of the sport.
