Fans in disbelief as they learn Kylian Mbappe, Ronaldinho, Xavi and Iniesta's rankings in Top 25 footballers of 21st century list
Fans are unimpressed with Kylian Mbappe, Ronaldinho, Xavi, and Iniesta's rankings in ESPN's list of Top 25 men's soccer players of the 21st century. The French captain has been ranked sixth while the Brazillian legend is number 10. Iniesta is placed seventh and Xavi is eighth.
ESPN's 'Top 25 Footballers of the 21st Century' list has Lionel Messi at number one, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo in the second, Thierry Henry in third, and Zinedine Zidane in fourth.
Fans took to social media and shared their displeasure with the majority of the rankings. They were unimpressed with the list and found it disrespectful to place Mbappe above Barcelona legends. Here are some of the reactions on X:
One fan wrote:
"Mbappe not being behind those names mentioned is not only disrespectful but even more than that."
Another added:
"How is Mbappè greater than Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Xavi and Iniesta"
"Mbappe before Iniesta, Xavi, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho?" chimed in another fan.
One account posted:
"Mbappe ahead of Ronaldinho, Xavi & iniesta plus no Suarez on this lists? They can’t be serious 😂😂😂"
Another tweeted:
"Mbappe ahead of Ronaldinho,Iniesta and Xavi 😂,,, what a Shame"
"What Kylian Mbappe ahead of Xavi Ronaldinho baddd," posted another.
One user wrote:
"How dare you put mbappe ahead of legends . In a few years, we will come back to this tweet."
While another wrote:
"What has Kylian Mbappe done for him to be here"
Kylian Mbappe, who recently joined Real Madrid after his six-year tenure at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has recorded 48 goals and 35 assists in 84 appearances for France. He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
Carlo Ancelotti on Kylian Mbappe's position in Real Madrid XI
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken about where and how is he planning to use Kylian Mbappe in Real Madrid XI.
Speaking to the press at the Giffoni Film Festival, the Italian manager said (via GOAL):
"It is my responsibility to find a place for Mbappe. We'll find a place for him, we'll squeeze him in."
Mbappe was presented at the Santiago Bernabeu on July 16. His presentation at Real Madrid was attended by 80,000 fans, which is the same as that of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined the La Liga giants from Manchester United in 2009 for a then world record £80 million.
The AS Monaco academy graduate's contract with the Spanish club is valid until June 2029. The 25-year-old will reportedly earn an annual salary between €15 million and €20 million and a whopping signing bonus of €125 million. He has received the No. 9 shirt and became the first Real Madrid player to wear this number since Karim Benzema.