The Top 10 Soccer Star 2017 Rankings You Need to See Right Now

As I sit down to compile this definitive ranking of 2017's top soccer stars, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically the football landscape has shifted this year. Having followed the sport professionally for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous seasons unfold, but 2017 stands out as particularly transformative. The reference material about Coach Charles Tiu's team actually reminds me of how crucial moments of opportunity define careers - when McCullough missed those critical attempts, it mirrored how some players stumble under pressure while others seize their moment to shine. That's precisely what separates the great from the truly exceptional in soccer.

When we talk about ranking soccer stars, we're not just evaluating raw talent or statistics - we're examining that magical combination of skill, consistency, and clutch performance under pressure. I've always believed that the true measure of a player isn't just how they perform during easy victories, but how they respond when everything's on the line. This year provided countless examples of players either cementing their legacies or revealing unexpected weaknesses. The global football community witnessed several established stars maintaining their dominance while exciting new talents emerged to challenge the established hierarchy. What fascinates me most is how different leagues and playing styles produced such varied yet equally brilliant performances.

Let me start with what I consider the most controversial yet deserved top spot - Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, I know many will argue for Messi, and believe me, I appreciate the artistic genius of Barcelona's magician, but 2017 belonged to Ronaldo in ways that statistics alone cannot capture. The man delivered 42 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid while leading them to both La Liga and Champions League glory. More importantly, he scored when it mattered most - those back-to-back hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League knockout stages were simply supernatural. I was particularly impressed by his evolution as a player; at 32, he's transformed from a flashy winger into the most lethal central forward in the game. His performance in the Champions League final against Juventus, where he scored twice, demonstrated why he still reigns supreme.

Following closely is Lionel Messi, whose 54 goals for Barcelona this season defy comprehension. While his team didn't achieve the continental success of Real Madrid, Messi's individual brilliance reached new heights. I had the privilege of watching him play live against PSG where he orchestrated that incredible comeback, and I can tell you - television doesn't do justice to his spatial awareness. He operates in dimensions other players cannot perceive. Still, team achievements matter in these rankings, which is why I've placed him second despite his supernatural talents. The way he controls the game's tempo reminds me of those great orchestra conductors - every movement intentional, every pass perfectly timed.

The third position goes to Neymar, whose controversial transfer to PSG created shockwaves through the football world. Love him or hate him, his 25 goals and 16 assists for Barcelona before the move, followed by his immediate impact in France, demonstrate his growing influence. I've spoken with several scouts who believe he's the most technically gifted player after Messi, and watching him dismantle defenses with those dizzying dribbles confirms this assessment. His performance against Celtic in the Champions League, where he contributed to six goals, was perhaps the most dominant individual display I've seen all season.

Luka Modric claims my fourth spot, and I'll admit this might surprise some readers. The Croatian midfielder doesn't generate flashy headlines, but having analyzed countless games this year, I can confidently state that no player controls midfield battles quite like him. His pass completion rate of 90.7% in Champions League matches is remarkable, but it's his decision-making under pressure that truly sets him apart. Watching him in El Clásico this March, I noticed how he consistently found spaces between Barcelona's lines that simply shouldn't exist. He's the engine that makes Real Madrid's magnificent machine operate smoothly.

For the fifth position, I'm going with Gianluigi Buffon. At 39, the Italian goalkeeper delivered one of his finest seasons, leading Juventus to another Serie A title while conceding only 27 goals in 38 matches. His performance in the Champions League, particularly that stunning save against Mbappé in the quarterfinals, demonstrated why age hasn't diminished his reflexes. I've followed his career since his Parma days, and what amazes me is how he's adapted his game - he's smarter, more positionally aware, and commands his area with unparalleled authority.

Robert Lewandowski secures the sixth spot with another phenomenal goalscoring season. The Polish striker netted 43 goals for Bayern Munich, including five in nine minutes against Wolfsburg - a record I witnessed live that still seems impossible. His combination of strength, positioning, and clinical finishing makes him the most complete traditional striker in the game today. Having interviewed him last year, I was struck by his obsessive focus on improvement - he studies goalkeepers' tendencies like chess players study openings.

Seventh belongs to Kevin De Bruyne, whose creative mastery propelled Manchester City to Premier League dominance. The Belgian midfielder registered 21 assists across all competitions, but numbers alone don't capture his influence. Watching him play against Chelsea, where he dictated the game's entire rhythm, reminded me of why I fell in love with football - it's the beautiful simplicity of perfect decision-making. His crossing accuracy of 33% might not sound impressive until you realize he attempts passes others wouldn't even contemplate.

Eighth position goes to Sergio Ramos, who continues to redefine what leadership means in modern football. The Real Madrid captain scored 10 goals despite being a defender, including crucial headers in vital matches. His last-minute equalizer in El Clásico demonstrated his uncanny ability to appear when most needed. I've criticized his disciplinary record in the past, but his organizational skills and big-game mentality are unquestionable.

My ninth pick is Kylian Mbappé, the teenage sensation whose explosive rise captured global attention. His 26 goals for Monaco, including those stunning performances against Manchester City in the Champions League, announced the arrival of football's next superstar. Having watched his development since the youth academies, I'm astonished by how quickly he's adapted to elite football. His transfer to PSG for €180 million seems justified when you consider his potential ceiling.

Completing my top ten is Eden Hazard, whose creative flair makes him Chelsea's most vital player. The Belgian winger contributed 17 goals and 7 assists in Premier League matches, but his true impact comes from how he draws multiple defenders, creating spaces for teammates. His performance against Arsenal, where he dribbled past six players to score, was arguably the Premier League's individual moment of the season.

Looking back at this list, what strikes me is how quality has become more distributed across leagues and positions. The traditional dominance of forwards in these rankings has been challenged by midfield maestros and even a defender and goalkeeper. As the sport evolves, we're witnessing specialists who excel in specific aspects while complete players who can influence games in multiple ways remain most valuable. The coming years promise even more excitement as established stars face challenges from emerging talents. What won't change is football's beautiful unpredictability - where moments of individual brilliance can transform games, careers, and legacies in the blink of an eye.