After an exciting month of international futbol tournaments, the time has come to describe the inspirational top quality play that I witnessed. In this post I'm going to briefly summarize the highs and lows of the Copa America as well the European Championship. I'm also going to compile a well-thought-out list of the top 100 players in the present game. This is a list I've been wanting to create for some time now.
Copa America Centenario Recap
The first thing that comes to mind regarding this tournament hosted by the US, is the sheer heartbreak for Lionel Messi, who once again fell short at a finals match for his country (for the 4th time)! It seemed Argentina were the clear favorites in the tournament as they easily beat each of their opponents. Messi had several incredible games including his 3 goals in 20 minutes against Panama, as well as his beautiful free kick against USA. However in a repeat of last years Copa Final, Argentina once again fell short in the final game, losing to Chile in PKs. Messi missed his opening PK and the look on his face after his team loss was heart-wrenching. Arguably one of the best players in the game, he had once again fallen short for his team. To make matters worse, he retired from his national team, immediately after the final, I can only hope that this was an emotional decision and that he will later change his mind.
Apart from the heartbreaking loss for Messi, the tournament itself was an exciting one. My Colombians went on to finish 3rd, and were once again led by a star performance from their captain, James Rodriguez. USA also had an impressive run, making it to the semi-finals yet falling short against Colombia. Chile was able to defend their championship title, led by their superstars Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez, Claudio Bravo, and Eduardo Vargas. They destroyed Mexico 7-0 in a humiliating quarterfinal match, then went on to defeat Argentina in PKs. Eduardo Vargas went on to win the golden boot with a total of 6 goals.
It was exciting to follow this tournament as a fan of Colombia, a fan of Lionel Messi, and a fan of American soccer. It was encouraging to see the high number of attendance for games spread all throughout the country. The Mexican fans were without question the most passionate and represented, and in an ironical sense were America's most beloved national team. However their humiliating defeat to Chile will go down as one of the worst international defeats in history. All in all the tournament was a success, and had many memorable moments.
New Emerging Stars: Jesus Manuel Corona (FC Porto), Gabriel (Santos), Lucas Lima (Santos)
European Cup Recap
The first thing that comes to mind is the first international championship for Portugal as well as the other argubably greatest player in the world Cristiano Ronaldo. This shocking championship against France, gives Ronaldo yet another star in his resume, a title for his country, an achievement in which his rival Lionel Messi has fallen short on (4 times now). Although Ronaldo got injured in the 20th minute of the game, one cannot deny his leadership and contribution of getting his team to the final game. In the end, the Portugal team found victory without Ronaldo by strong performances from Nani, Pepe, Rui Patricio, Eder, and Renato Sanchez. While they were the underdogs against France they were able to rise above the odds and prove to the world that they were more than CR7. Although Portugal was not the best team in the tournament they found a way game after game to make it to the final and win their first ever international title.
Beyond the underdog story of Portugal and CR7's glorious championship, there were also many other stories in this tournament. The first of which it will be remembered for are the riots and flares throughout many games. Also of note was Iceland's improbable run to the quarterfinals, by defeating England. The English team once against under-performed, and following their shocking defeat by Iceland, Roy Hodgson relinquished his post as manager. The golden generation of Belgium was also upsetted by the gritty team of Wales, led by their superstar Gareth Bale, who went on to make it to the semi-finals (the furthest Wales has ever gone in an international tournament).
The biggest disappointment of the tournament will no doubt go to the team of France, who similar to Argentina were the best overall team that simply fell short in the final. What made it even more disappointing for the star-studded French team (even more so the English team) was that they were the hosts and this tournament was theirs for the taken. In the end their star performers such as Pogba, Griezmann, Payet, Giroud, Lloris, and so many more simply failed to perform when it mattered most. As much as I had come to enjoy the French squad I was all the more happy to see Ronaldo win his first ever national title. This will no doubt stamp his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
New Emerging Stars: Renato Sanchez (Bayern Munich), Milik (Ajax),
Top 100 Players
Copa America Centenario Recap
The first thing that comes to mind regarding this tournament hosted by the US, is the sheer heartbreak for Lionel Messi, who once again fell short at a finals match for his country (for the 4th time)! It seemed Argentina were the clear favorites in the tournament as they easily beat each of their opponents. Messi had several incredible games including his 3 goals in 20 minutes against Panama, as well as his beautiful free kick against USA. However in a repeat of last years Copa Final, Argentina once again fell short in the final game, losing to Chile in PKs. Messi missed his opening PK and the look on his face after his team loss was heart-wrenching. Arguably one of the best players in the game, he had once again fallen short for his team. To make matters worse, he retired from his national team, immediately after the final, I can only hope that this was an emotional decision and that he will later change his mind.
It was exciting to follow this tournament as a fan of Colombia, a fan of Lionel Messi, and a fan of American soccer. It was encouraging to see the high number of attendance for games spread all throughout the country. The Mexican fans were without question the most passionate and represented, and in an ironical sense were America's most beloved national team. However their humiliating defeat to Chile will go down as one of the worst international defeats in history. All in all the tournament was a success, and had many memorable moments.
New Emerging Stars: Jesus Manuel Corona (FC Porto), Gabriel (Santos), Lucas Lima (Santos)
European Cup Recap
The first thing that comes to mind is the first international championship for Portugal as well as the other argubably greatest player in the world Cristiano Ronaldo. This shocking championship against France, gives Ronaldo yet another star in his resume, a title for his country, an achievement in which his rival Lionel Messi has fallen short on (4 times now). Although Ronaldo got injured in the 20th minute of the game, one cannot deny his leadership and contribution of getting his team to the final game. In the end, the Portugal team found victory without Ronaldo by strong performances from Nani, Pepe, Rui Patricio, Eder, and Renato Sanchez. While they were the underdogs against France they were able to rise above the odds and prove to the world that they were more than CR7. Although Portugal was not the best team in the tournament they found a way game after game to make it to the final and win their first ever international title.
The biggest disappointment of the tournament will no doubt go to the team of France, who similar to Argentina were the best overall team that simply fell short in the final. What made it even more disappointing for the star-studded French team (even more so the English team) was that they were the hosts and this tournament was theirs for the taken. In the end their star performers such as Pogba, Griezmann, Payet, Giroud, Lloris, and so many more simply failed to perform when it mattered most. As much as I had come to enjoy the French squad I was all the more happy to see Ronaldo win his first ever national title. This will no doubt stamp his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.
New Emerging Stars: Renato Sanchez (Bayern Munich), Milik (Ajax),
Top 100 Players
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Age 31 (Began career in 2001)
- Portugal (Champions in Euro 2016, runners-up in Euro 2004)
- Real Madrid (2 time UCL champions in 2014, 2016; 1 La Liga Title)
- Manchester United (UCL champions in 2008, 3 EPL Titles)
- Sporting Club de Portugal
- 3 Ballon d'Ors (2008, 2013, 2014)
- Premier League Golden Boot (2007)
- 3 La Liga Golden Boots (2010, 2013, 2014)
- Strengths: After recently winning a major title for his country, this Portuguese superstar has done it all. His game is the total package of speed, creativity, strength, vision, aerial threats, free kicks, and so much more skill. He also has a competitive nature and leadership that makes hime excel above the rest. I've followed his rise to stardom closely dating back to the 2004 Euros,
- Lionel Messi
- Age 29 (Began career in 2003)
- Argentina (Runners-Up in 2014 World Cup, 3 time runners-up in Copa America 2011, 2015, 2016)
- Barcelona (4 UCL champions in 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015; 8 La Liga Titles)
- 3 La Liga Golden Boots (2009, 2011, 2012)
- 5 Ballon d'Ors (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015)
- Strengths: He is without question one of the greatest dribblers the game has ever known. His statistics, championships, and indivual accomplishments speak for themselves. The only thing that separates him from Ronaldo is perhaps his slight lack of leadership and competitive drive. He has also unfortunately yet to win a championship for Argentina after 4 heartbreaking losses. (I believe he will come out of retirement for his national team and can still achieve this accomplishment). He is without a wonder to watch and the separation from him and Ronaldo as the world's greatest is only a matter of fractions.
- Luis Suarez
- Age 29 (Began career in 2005)
- Uruguay
- Barceolna (UCL champion in 2015; 2 La Liga Titles, La Liga Golden Boot- 2015)
- Liverpool (Premiere League Golden Boot-2013)
- Ajax (Eredivisie Golden Boot-2009)
- Groningen
- Nacional
- Strengths: He is a natural finisher, with an ability to always find the back of the net. He is a fierce competitor, which sometimes can get the better of him. He is the face of the Uruguay squad. Despite his short temper one cannot deny his goal scoring statistics.
- Paul Pogba
- Age 23 (Began career in 2011)
- France (Runners-Up at 2016 Euro-Cup)
- Juventus (UCL Runners-up in 2015, 4 Serie A titles)
- Manchester United
- Strengths: He has a tremendous vision of the field, and offers the total package of quality from strength, speed, passing, shooting, aerial attacks, defending, etc. He is the predessor of Zinedine Zidane, the nucleus of the French national squad. He is still very young and as one of the most promising young players has much yet to accomplish.
- Neymar
- Age 24 (Began career in 2009)
- Brazil
- Barcelona (UCL champion in 2015, 2 La Liga Titles)
- Santos
- Strengths: Where he lacks in strength he makes up in speed, footwork, and creativity. He is a natural competitor yet similar to Suarez has a downside of dirty play. He is the face of the Brazilian national squad and is still very young approaching the prime of his career. If he can get his temper under control, he also has much yet to accomplish.
- Gareth Bale
- Age 26 (Began career in 2006)
- Wales
- Real Madrid (UCL champions in 2014, 2016)
- Tottenham
- Southampton
- Strengths: He is a tremendous competitor and leader with a full set of attributes ranging from strength, speed, precision, passing, vision, aerial assaults, free kicks, and many more. His recent semi-final run with Wales, goes to show his passion and ability to play with the team. Unlike other superstars he doesn't let his ego get in his way yet rather uses his physical strength to achieve results.
- Sergio Aguero
- Age 28 (Began career in 2003)
- Argentina (2014 World Cup Runners-Up, 2 time Copa America Runners Up)
- Manchester City (2 EPL Titles; EPL Golden Boot 2014)
- Atletico Madrid
- Independient
- Strengths: He is a persistent finisher, always threatening in the box. He has always been in the shadow of his countryman Lionel Messi, yet his achievements at Manchester City cannot be ignored. Two titles and a Golden Boot. With much more to come. He is always exciting to watch on the pitch. He will always be remembered for scoring one of the most famous goals in EPL perhaps world soccer history.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovich
- Age 34 (Began career in 1999)
- Sweden
- Paris St Germain (4 Ligue 1 titles; 3 time top goalscorer of Ligue 1)
- Milan (Serie A title, Serie A top goalscorer)
- Barcelona (La Liga title)
- Inter Milan (3 Serie A titles, Serie A top goalscorer)
- Juventus (2 Serie A titles)
- Ajax (2 Eredivise title)
- Malmo FF
- Strengths: He is an international superstar having achieved fame and glory for many European clubs. There was once a time he was in the same conversation as Ronaldo and Messi, yet he has yet to win a UCL title. Although he is somewhat past his prime, he still offers a complete set of skills that makes him one of the most deadly of attackers.
- Angel di Maria
- Age 28 (Began career in 2005)
- Argentina (World Cup Runner Up in 2014, 2 time runner-up at Copa America 2015, 2016)
- Paris St. Germain (Ligue 1 title in 2015)
- Manchester United
- Real Madrid (UCL champion in 2014, La Liga title in 2011; La Liga Most Assists 2013)
- Benfica (Primeira Liga Title in 2009)
- Rosario Central
- Strengths: He has incredible pace with the ball, which makes him one of the most deadly assisters in the game. To go with his pace and dribbling abilities is also a great vision of the field. He is a major asset to his national and club teams, and is often overshadowed by the star players because he does not produce as many goals. He does however produce assists and results which is why he is higher up in my list than most others.
- Arturo Vidal
- Age 29 (Began career in 2005)
- Chile (2 time Copa America Champions 2015, 2016)
- Bayern Munich (Bundesliga Title 2015)
- Juventus (4 Serie A Titles)
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Colo-Colo
- Strenths: He is a fighter, quick with the ball and quick at making decisions. His style of play is similar to his fellow countryman Sanchez; both of whom led their nation to back-to-back Copa titles. He has a bit of a short temper, yet his affect on the game is always positive for his team.
- Alexis Sanchez
- Age 27 (Began career in 2005)
- Chile (2 time Copa America Champions 2015, 2016)
- Arsenal
- Barcelona (1 La Liga Title 2012)
- River Plate
- Colo-Colo
- Udinese
- Cobreloa
- Strengths: He is a menace to defensive lines, always a threat when he has the ball. Strong, fast, and fierce he is a force to be reckoned with. He has lead Chile to two back-to-back Copa America titles.
- Mesit Ozul
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Germany (2014 World Cup Champion)
- Arsenal (Premier League Top Assists
- Real Madrid (La Liga Title 2011, La Liga Top Assists 2011)
- Werder Bremen (Bundesliga Top Assists 2009)
- Schalke 04
- Strengths: He is one of the best assisters in the game, perhaps slightly behind Angel di Maria. He has incredible pace, footwork, and creativity that makes him a gem among the German machine. He is in prime, with only a UCL title and a Ballon d'Or to complete his ultimate collection.
- Robert Lewandowski
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Poland
- Bayern Munich (Bundesliga Title 2014, 2015)
- Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga Title 2010, 2011, Bundesliga Top Goalscorer 2013)
- Lech Poznan (Ekstaklasa Title 2009, Top Goalscorer 2009)
- Znicz Pruszkow
- Strengths: He is a clinical finisher; always at the right place at the right time
- Eden Hazard
- Age 25 (Began career in 2007)
- Belgium
- Chelsea (EPL title 2014
- Lille (Ligue 1 title 2010)
- Strengths: He has incredible pace and footwork and when he's on a game he can be extremely effective at driving at defenders, and opening space for scoring opportunities. He's as good an assister as he is a finisher. In the 2014-2015 season he led Chelsea to win the title and became the EPL player of the season. He is still young and has much to accomplish.
- Antoine Griezmann
- Age 25 (Began career in 2009)
- France (2016 Euro Cup Runners-Up)
- Atletico Madrid (2015 UCL Runners-Up)
- Real Sociedad
- Strengths: He just an explosive season falling short in two finals. He is quick and affective at finding the back of the net and will continue to catch attention on his rise to superstardom.
- Manuel Neuer
- Age 30 (Began career in 2004)
- Germany (2014 World Cup Champion)
- Bayern Munich (4 Bundesliga Titles, UCL Champions 2013)
- Schalke 04
- Ballon d'Or: Finished 3rd place in 2014
- Strengths: Without question one of the best keepers in the world. Known as the sweeper keeper he is extremely competitive, strong, and intelligent. He is achieved everything from a titles sake, and is often considered the predecessor of the great Oliver Kahn.
- Toni Kroos
- Age 26 (Began career in 2007)
- Germany (2014 World Cup Champion)
- Real Madrid (UCL Champions 2015)
- Bayern Munich (UCL champions 2013, 3 Bundesliga Titles)
- David de Gea
- Age 25 (Began career in 2008)
- Spain
- Manchester United (EPL Title 2012)
- Atletico Madrid
- Philipe Coutinho
- Age 24 (Began career in 2008)
- Brazil
- Liverpool
- Espaynol
- Vasco de Gama
- Inter Milan
- Gonzalo Higuain
- Age 28 (Began career in 2005)
- Argentina
- Napoli
- Real Madrid
- River Plate
- Thomas Muller
- Age 26 (Began career in 2008)
- Germany
- Bayern Munich
- Kevin de Bruyne
- Age 25 (Began career in 2008)
- Belgium
- Manchester City
- VFL Wolfsburg
- Werder Bremen
- Chelsea
- Genk
- Dimitri Payet
- Age 29 (Began career in 2004)
- France
- West Ham
- Julian Draxler
- Age 22 (Began career in 2011)
- Germany
- VFL Wolfsburg
- Luka Modric
- Age 30 (Began career in 2003)
- Croatia
- Real Madrid
- Alvaro Morata
- Age 23 (Began career in 2010)
- Spain
- Juventus
- David Alaba
- Age 24 (Began career in 2009)
- Austria
- Bayern Munich
- Andres Iniesta
- Age 32 (Began career in 2001)
- Spain
- Barcelona
- Raheem Sterling
- Age 21 (Began career in 2012)
- England
- Manchester City
- Liverpool
- Sergio Ramos
- Age 30 (Began career in 2003)
- Spain
- Real Madrid
- Romelu Lukaku
- Age 23 (Began career in 2009)
- Belgium
- Everton
- Cesc Fabregas
- Age 29 (Began career in 2002)
- Spain
- Chelsea
- Barcelona
- Douglas Costa
- Age 25 (Began career in 2008)
- Brazil
- Bayern Munich
- David Silva
- Age 30 (Began career in 2003)
- Spain
- Manchester City
- James Rodriguez
- Age 25 (Began career in 2007)
- Colombia
- Real Madrid
- Monaco
- Diego Godin
- Age 30 (Began career in 2003)
- Uruguay
- Atletico Madrid
- Marco Reus
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Germany
- Borussia Dortmund
- Eduardo Vargas
- Age 26 (Began career in 2006)
- Chile
- 1899 Hoffenheim
- Harry Kane
- Age 22 (Began career in 2009)
- England
- Tottenham
- Gerard Pique
- Age 29 (Began career in 2004)
- Spain
- Barcelona
- Edinson Cavani
- Age 29 (Began career in 2005)
- Uruguay
- Paris Saint Germain
- Erik Lamela
- Age 24 (Began career in 2009)
- Argentina
- Tottenham
- Wayne Rooney
- Age 30 (Began career in 2002)
- England
- Manchester United
- Radja Nainggolan
- Age 28 (Began career in 2006)
- Belgium
- Roma
- Thibaut Courtois
- Age 24 (Began career in 2009)
- Belgium
- Chelsea
- Atletico Madrid
- Diego Costa
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Spain
- Chelsea
- Atletico Madrid
- Benedict Howedes
- Age 28 (Began career in 2007)
- Germany
- Schalke 04
- Nani
- Age 29 (Began career in 2005)
- Portugal
- Fenerbache
- Manchester United
- Carlos Bacca
- Age 29 (Began career in 2006)
- Colombia
- AC Milan
- Olivier Giroud
- Age 29 (Began career in 2005)
- France
- Arsenal
- Casemiro
- Age 24 (Began career in 2010)
- Brazil
- Real Madrid
- Mario Gomez
- Age 31 (Began career in 2003)
- Germany
- Fiorentina
- Bayern Munich
- Willian
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Brazil
- Chelsea
- Daniel Sturridge
- Age 26 (Began career in 2006)
- England
- Liverpool
- Jamie Vardy
- Age 29 (Began career in 2007)
- England
- Leicseter City
- Enner Valencia
- Age 26 (Began career in 2010)
- Ecuador
- West Ham United
- Javier Mascherano
- Age 32 (Began career in 2003)
- Argentina
- Barcelona
- Sadio Mane
- Age 24 (Began career in 2011)
- Senegal
- Liverpool
- Javier Hernandez
- Age 28 (Began career in 2006)
- Mexico
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Real Madrid
- Manchester United
- Xherden Shaqiri
- Age 24 (Began career in 2007)
- Switzerland
- Stoke City
- Kingsley Coman
- Age 20 (Began career in 2013)
- France
- Bayern Munich
- Salomon Rondon
- Age 26 (Began career in 2006)
- Venezuela
- West Bromwich Albion
- Dele Alli
- Age 20 (Began career in 2011)
- England
- Tottenham
- Memphis Depay
- Age 22 (Began career in 2011)
- Netherlands
- Manchester United
- Jerome Boateng
- Age 27 (Began career in 2004)
- Germany
- Bayern Munich
- Ivan Rakitic
- Age 28 (Began career in 2005)
- Croatia
- Barcelona
- Giorgio Chiellini
- Age 31 (Began career in 2000)
- Italy
- Juventus
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Age 27 (Began career in 2008)
- Gabon
- Borussia Dortmund
- Yaya Toure
- Age 33 (Began career in 2001)
- Ivory Coast
- Manchester City
- Vincent Kompany
- Age 30 (Began career in 2003)
- Belgium
- Manchester City
- Renato Sanchez
- Age 18 (Began career in 2014)
- Portugal
- Bayern Munich
- Arjen Robben
- Age 32 (Began career in 2000)
- Netherlands
- Bayern Munich
- Marcus Rojo
- Age 26 (Began career in 2008)
- Argentina
- Manchester United
- Stephan Lichsteiner
- Age 32 (Began career in 2001)
- Switzerland
- Juventus
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Armenia
- Manchester United
- Borussia Dortmund
- Moussa Sissoko
- Age 26 (Began career in 2000
- France
- Newcastle United
- Toulouse
- Oscar
- Age 24 (Began career in 2009)
- Brazil
- Chelsea
- Raphael Varane
- Age 23 (Began career in 2010)
- France
- Real Madrid
- Mats Hummels
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Germany
- Bayern Munich
- Borussia Dortmund
- Axel Witsel
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Belgium
- Zenit Saint Petersburg
- Benfica
- Andres Guardado
- Age 29 (Began career in 2005)
- Mexico
- PSV
- Valencia
- Ivan Perisic
- Age 27 (Began career in 2007)
- Croatia
- Inter Milan
- VFL Wolfsburg
- Borussia Dortmund
- Leonardo Bonucci
- Age 29 (Began career in 2005)
- Italy
- Juventus
- Inter Milan
- Karim Benzema
- Age 28 (Began career in 2005)
- France
- Real Madrid
- Lyon
- Claudio Bravo
- Age 33 (Began career in 2002)
- Chile
- Barcelona
- Real Sociedad
- Pepe
- Age 33 (Began career in 2001)
- Portugal
- Real Madrid
- FC Porto
- Marek Hamsik
- Age 28 (Began career in 2004)
- Slovakia
- Napoli
- Thiago Silva
- Age 31 (Began career in 2002)
- Brazil
- Paris Saint Germain
- Inter Milan
- Ever Banega
- Age 28 (Began career in 2007)
- Argentina
- Inter Milan
- Sevilla
- Valenica
- Marco Veratti
- Age 23 (Began career in 2008)
- Italy
- Paris Saint Germain
- Yehven Konoplyanka
- Age 26 (Began career in 2007)
- Ukraine
- Sevilla
- Marouane Fellaini
- Age 28 (Began career in 2006)
- Belgium
- Manchester United
- Everton
- N'golo Kante
- Age 25 (Began career in 2011)
- France
- Leicseter City
- Sergio Busquets
- Age 27 (Began career in 2006)
- Spain
- Barcelona
- Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
- Age 32 (Began career in 2002)
- Netherlands
- Schalke 04
- Milan
- Real Madrid
- Ajax
- PSV
- Riyad Mahrez
- Age 25 (Began career in 2009)
- Algeria
- Leicseter City
- Arda Turan
- Age 29 (Began career in 2004)
- Turkey
- Barcelona
- Atletico Madrid
- Galatasary
- Chris Smalling
- Age 26 (Began career in 2007)
- England
- Manchester United
- Petr Cech
- Age 34 (Began career in 1999)
- Czechoslovakia
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Jesus Manuel Corona
- Age 23 (Began career in 2010)
- Mexico
- FC Porto
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