Lionel Messi and long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo were unsurprisingly among the top 100 athletes of the 21st century, as recently compiled by ESPN.
With both players dominating the football scene for over 15 years, a debate about who the greatest footballer of all time is between them has always been a never-ending topic.
Many football personalities have given their thoughts on the subject; while most pick one between the two, others give a diplomatic answer by sitting on the fence.
A most recent opinion was reported by Sports Buddy as the 2010 World Cup hero picked who believes is the GOAT between Ronaldo and Messi.
However, on ESPN’s list, these two football icons are not considered the best two in the sports world in general. As a matter of fact, only one of them made it to the top 10.
On the list, 28-time Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps sits atop, while renowned tennis 23-major championship winner Serena Williams comes in second.
Where do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo rank in ESPN’s top 100 athletes of the 21st century?
8-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is the highest-ranked footballer on the list, in third place, while his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo is the next-ranked footballer.
However, the Portuguese legend and 5-time Ballon d’Or winner did not make the top 10, as he was placed 13th on the list.
The likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, and Luka Modric, who have won the prestigious Ballon d’Or within the stipulated timeframe, surprisingly miss out on the top-five highest-ranked footballers on the list.
Brazil’s Marta is the best-placed women’s football player and the third-highest-ranked footballer at 32nd, while Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is placed 48th.
Barcelona’s star Aitana Bonmati follows closely at 49th, as she completes the top five highest-ranked footballers on ESPN’s top 100 athletes of the century.
Zidane is ranked 50th, Modric is placed at 55th, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe is 65th, and Ronaldo Nazario surprisingly comes in at 87th.
