Best footballers in the world after Messi and Ronaldo

Messi or Ronaldo, who is the best? It isfootballs most-askedquestion, a source of debates that never end. Fans all over the world argue as to who should top the list of the best footballers in the world. One thing is for sure, in every such list, two names will be at the top two positions. Messi and Ronaldo alternate between no.1 and no.2.But what about the rest?Assuming that Messi and Ronaldo are the best two, who comes next?Heres a list of the best footballers in the world after Messi and Ronaldo. If you disagree with any of the names here, feel free to post your own lists in the comments section.

#5 Philipp Lahm

Would it be an exaggeration to state that Philipp Lahm is the best full-back of his generation? There are those who will not agree, saying that the world champion deserves an even higher place among the world’s best footballers. 

Wherever he has played on the pitch, Lahm has made his presence felt. In a way that makes you think that ‘consistency’ is his middle name, he has been near the very top ever since he made his debut around a decade ago. Passing, crossing and occasionally shooting, Lahm has impressed with his skills. He started out at right-back and although he was shifted between the two flanks and then to central midfield by various managers whenever the need arose, he has always shown his adaptability. Industry, spirit and leadership have been the hallmarks of his game as he grew up to be an indispensable part of the Bayern and Germany teams. 

In the world of football today, you may be super-talented but unless you win silverware you don’t mean much. That’s not a problem at all for Lahm; he’s won almost everything there is to win – most of it as captain. 

Honourable mentions (in no particular order) : Franck Ribery, Thomas Müller, Gareth Bale, Arturo Vidal, Manuel Neuer, Neymar