For over a decade, the world has witnessed the magic of football's greatest ever players - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. They have dominated and carved out remarkable careers for themselves.?
Since the two first burst on the scene, both have been in ridiculous goal scoring form. Their combined goal tally stands at more than 1200 goals. Simply insane. In that time, Ronaldo and Messi have won the Ballon d'Or five and six times respectively.?
Messi and Ronaldo have begun their next round of success in their usual style - scoring goals. But one can't help but think that the next few years see the end of the two most decorated careers in world football. Ronaldo is 34, and turns a year older next month. Messi on the other hand is two years younger, but doesn't have much time left either. The duo aren't getting any younger, and a new breed of world-class players is close on their heels. Plenty?of players vying for a place among the top two football?players in the world. Here's a look at players who can put an end to the Ronaldo-Messi era.
A World Cup winner over 100 career goals at the age of 21, French forward Kylian Mbappe is already an established star. Having come through the youth ranks of Monaco FC, the now Paris Saint Germain attacker has gone on to win three domestic league titles.?
In 2018, he scored in the final of the World Cup against Croatia, thus becoming only the second teenager after Pele to do so. He scored a total of four goals at the tournament that France went on to win, and his performances won him the 'Best Young Player of the Tournament' award. He received rave reviews for his style of play.??Mbappe is one of the most lethal finishers in the game currently, and has all the ingredients to become one of the best ever players.?
Full of skills and ability to score goals, Neymar is one of the most frightening forwards in the current era. The Brazilian has been among the top five players in the world over the past few years. Having already won four league titles in Spain and France, in addition to UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, Neymar has had a very successful career so far.?
He started his career with his hometown club Santos, making quite an impression which earned him a move to Barcelona in 2013. In four years at the Spanish champions, he established himself as a lethal goalscorer. After a trophy laden stint with Barcelona, Neymar swapped Spain for France with PSG.??Neymar has always been looked at as the new Ronaldo, but injuries have not helped his cause to dethrone the Portuguese or Argentinian. At 27 years of age, he has time on his hands to become the best.?
Three years ago, if you picked Raheem Sterling you would be laughed at. He was inconsistent, devoid of any real quality to score goals, and for most parts of the game, he did become anonymous. But since Pep Guardiola took over at Manchester City, Sterling has turned into a different player - he has improved his all-round game, consistently scoring goals and putting in match winning performances.?
Sterling is now the main man for England and Manchester City. He has the ability to play anywhere across the front line also makes him a very tricky customer and a handful for teams. The 25-year-old is one of the rising stars in Europe. He is one of the players that has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or and become a top player.?
When 18-year-old Marcus Rashford was drafted in as injury-cover and given his debut in 2015/16 Europa League, he gobbled it up with a brace. Three days later, the Manchester United and England forward made his league debut and scored another two against Arsenal. In just two matches in a span of few days, Rashford showed his killer instincts in front of goal.?
Four years on, Rashford is an established first team player for both his club and country. Still only 22, he has grown in his role as a left-winger and is beginning to score goals week in and week out. Much like Raheem Sterling, he has developed tremendously and is showing the character of a world-class player. There is still room for improvement but Marcus Rashford is on the right path and will only get better.?
He might be the surprise package in this list, but there is no doubt Jadon Sancho is destined for bigger things. The Englishman has been lighting up the German top flight. Since making his move to Borussia Dortmund in 2017, Sancho has been a revelation. Into third season at the club, he has been a hallmark of the team's attacking play.?
Not only does Sancho have the ability to score goals, but he can also set up goals for his teammates. At only 19, the English attacker is showing great quality. If he works hard, there is no reason why he can't be right up there with the best. He is the youngest player on the list, which tells you about his insane talent. You better watch out for this one.