Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Xavi Simons, and Cody Gakpo are among the top 100 footballers of the past calendar year. At least, that’s according to The Guardian, which has published a ranking.
The debate over who deserves the title of the best footballer in the world is a recurring and hotly contested topic, and The Guardian’s annual top 100 list has once again sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike.
This year, the decision seemingly came down to two standout performers: Rodri of Manchester City and Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid. Ultimately, The Guardian gave the nod to Rodri, recognizing his indispensable role in Manchester City's success, including their historic treble-winning campaign. His consistency, tactical intelligence, and ability to control matches from midfield made him the standout candidate.
Rodri’s dominance in midfield for both club and country has earned widespread praise, and he has solidified himself as arguably the most reliable holding midfielder in modern football. Vinícius Júnior, on the other hand, continues to electrify with his creativity, pace, and goal-scoring ability, leading Real Madrid’s attacking line with flair and confidence. Behind these two players, Erling Haaland last year’s scoring sensation and a key player in Manchester City’s triumphs took third place. The young and exciting Lamine Yamal, already turning heads for Barcelona and Spain despite being only 16 years old, was ranked fourth, highlighting his immense potential. Completing the top five was Jude Bellingham, whose seamless transition to Real Madrid has seen him shine as one of the most dynamic midfielders in world football.
In the women’s rankings, The Guardian followed the global consensus by selecting Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí as the best player of 2023. Bonmatí’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary, leading both club and country to glory. She played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s Champions League success and Spain’s triumph at the Women’s World Cup, earning the Ballon d'Or and FIFA The Best awards. Her technical brilliance, vision, and leadership made her the undisputed choice for the top spot.
For Dutch football, the results from The Guardian’s list offered both recognition and disappointment. Virgil van Dijk emerged as the highest-ranked Dutch player, securing 30th place. The Liverpool captain remains a cornerstone of his club's defense and one of the best center-backs in the world, although injuries and inconsistent team performances in recent years have slightly diminished his dominance. Still, Van Dijk’s presence in the list underscores his importance as a leader and defender.
Jeremie Frimpong and Xavi Simons also earned well-deserved recognition, placing 64th and 69th, respectively. Frimpong, known for his explosive runs and attacking contributions as a full-back for Bayer Leverkusen, has had a remarkable year under Xabi Alonso’s leadership. He has developed into one of Europe’s most exciting young wing-backs, combining speed, technical ability, and a knack for contributing to goals.
Xavi Simons, meanwhile, continues to grow as one of the most promising young Dutch talents. After shining in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, Simons made a move to RB Leipzig, where he has continued to impress with his versatility, creativity, and attacking flair. His ability to influence games, either as a playmaker or goal-scorer, has made him a key figure for both club and country.
Cody Gakpo completed the quartet of Dutch representatives, coming in at 84th place. Gakpo, who made a big move to Liverpool in early 2023, showcased his talent in flashes, particularly during his impressive World Cup performances. Although he has faced challenges in adapting to the Premier League, his potential remains undeniable, and his inclusion reflects his impact and growing reputation on the global stage.
However, some notable Dutch players were conspicuously absent from the top 100 list. Frenkie de Jong, often considered one of the most talented midfielders in the world, failed to make the cut, which may raise eyebrows among fans and analysts. De Jong’s omission could be attributed to Barcelona’s inconsistent performances and injury setbacks that have limited his appearances. Similarly, Ryan Gravenberch, once seen as one of Europe’s brightest young midfield prospects, and Tijjani Reijnders, who impressed with AC Milan, were also overlooked.
In the women’s rankings, Dutch football was represented by two players: Damaris Egurrola and Daniëlle van de Donk. Egurrola, who has been a key figure for Lyon and the Spanish national team, secured 88th place. Her strength, tactical awareness, and consistency in midfield have earned her recognition as one of the most reliable players in the women’s game. Daniëlle van de Donk, another stalwart of Lyon and the Dutch national team, narrowly made the list, finishing in 99th place. The experienced midfielder continues to play an important role for club and country, providing leadership and creativity in the middle of the park.
The creation of The Guardian’s annual list is no small feat. The rankings are determined by a vast panel of experts, including journalists, coaches, and former players, providing a diverse and well-rounded perspective on football’s top performers. Among the notable names contributing to this year’s list were former Dutch international Siem de Jong, Italian legend Leonardo Bonucci, and German World Cup-winning captain Philipp Lahm. Their insights, along with those of other panelists, helped shape a list that reflects both individual brilliance and consistency across the footballing world.
Ultimately, The Guardian’s rankings serve as a snapshot of the year in football, celebrating the achievements of both established stars and emerging talents. While the absence of certain Dutch players may be disappointing, the inclusion of Van Dijk, Frimpong, Simons, and Gakpo highlights the continued presence of Dutch footballers at the highest level. For the women’s game, Egurrola and Van de Donk’s recognition demonstrates the ongoing influence of Dutch players in international football.
As the 2024 season progresses, players like De Jong, Gravenberch, and Reijnders will undoubtedly aim to reclaim their places among football’s elite, while the likes of Frimpong and Simons will look to climb even higher. For now, The Guardian’s list provides a platform to reflect on an exciting year in football and the players who defined it.
