In recent years, the beautiful game has produced some of the most stunning goals and breathtaking games ever seen - and it's all captured in our March issue. Responsible for these spectacular moments are a select few whose football ability is seemingly unrivalled. Exec Digital takes a look at some of the world’s best footballers, profiling the players who have won numerous trophies and received international recognition along the way.
5. DAVID VILLA
Awarded the Silver Shoe and Bronze Ball at the FIFA 2010 World Cup and top scorer at UEFA Euro 2008, David Villa's international goal-to-game ratio is outstanding, with 44 goals in 70 appearances to date. Villa helped his country to World Cup glory in the summer and is Spain’s joint top goalscorer of all-time, possessing an excellent first touch and deadly finishing ability. In December 2010, Villa was also named "Male Athlete of the Year" by the United States Sports Academy and will look to continue his phenomenal international record to become Spain’s greatest ever striker.
STATISTICS
DOB: 3 December 1981
Nationality: Spanish
Club: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Forward
2009-2010
Appearances: 42
Goals: 28
4. WAYNE ROONEY
Although form is temporary, class in permanent. 2010 was a difficult year for Rooney on and off the pitch even though he was named the Professional Football Association’s Players' Player of the Year. After several allegations about his private life, speculation about his future at Manchester United and a disappointing World Cup, Rooney has struggled to fulfil his maximum potential. His work ethic and passion for the game however is unmatched at the top level of modern football.
STATISTICS
DOB: 24 October 1985
Nationality: English
Club: Manchester United, England
Position: Forward
2009-2010
Appearances: 44
Goals: 34
3. XAVI
Xavier Hernández i Creus is one of the best midfielders in modern football and the heartbeat of both his domestic and national team. Xavi's sublime technique and visionary passing saw him top the assist table in the 2009-2010 La Liga season and then proved he could reproduce that form on an international level as he went on to win the 2010 World Cup with Spain.
STATISTICS
DOB: 25 January 1980
Nationality: Spanish
Club: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Midfielder
2009-2010
Appearances: 53
Goals: 7
2. CRISTIANO RONALDO
After becoming the most expensive player in football history after moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a deal worth $132 million, Cristiano Ronaldo has proved to be worth every penny after his extraordinary goal scoring exploits for the Spanish giants. In 2009, Ronaldo was the first player to win the FIFA Puskás Award, an honour recognizing the most aesthetically significant or 'most beautiful' goal of the year. Ronaldo’s pace, strength and showboating ability makes him one of the best forwards in the world today.
STATISTICS
DOB: 5 February 1985
Nationality: Portuguese
Club: Real Madrid, Spain
Position: Forward/Winger
2009-2010
Appearances: 35
Goals: 33
1. LIONEL MESSI
What more can be said about Lionel Messi? He has proved during the last few seasons at Spanish champions Barcelona that his football ability is beyond compare. In 2010, Messi was named La Liga Player of the Year for the second year in a row and won the inaugural FIFA Ballon d'Or award. Messi has started 2011 in magnificent form and on 5 February, he scored his fourth hat-trick of the season bringing his goal tally up to a spectacular 40 goals in only 34 appearances. Nearly impossible to tackle, Messi’s incisive dribbling ability and lethal finishing are second to none. Considered to be the greatest player of his generation by fans and critics alike, seemingly nothing can stop Lionel Messi overtaking former greats Pele and fellow Argentinean Maradona as the most naturally gifted player the world has ever seen.
STATISTICS
DOB: 24 June 1987
Nationality: Argentinean
Club: Barcelona, Spain
Position: Forward
2009-2010
Appearances: 53
Goals: 47
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