After being entertained for over two decades, it’s finally time for the football fanatics to move on from footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Ronaldo have been the poster boys of world football since bursting onto the footballing scene at the dawn of the 21st century.
The duo has mesmerised fans and critics alike with consistent performances for over 20 years. Even though both legends haven’t retired yet, their move to the ‘lesser leagues’ have paved the way for new superstars to look forward to in 2024. As the new year approaches, InsideSport takes a look at the next 5 football players that will dominate the world football after Messi and Ronaldo.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland is probably the most prolific goalscorer of world football right now. Since arriving at Manchester City, the Norwegian turned Pep Guardiola’s team into trophy winning machine, winning the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League in his first ever season.
The Norwegian also shattered various goalscoring records along the way, becoming the highest scoring Premier League player in the competition’s history. Haaland finished 2nd in the 2023 Ballon d’Or list behind Messi, and if he keeps scoring goals at this pace, he might just clinch the top spot next time.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint Germain)
It is hard to believe that a player at the age of 25 years have played in two FIFA World Cup finals and won one. But that’s Kylian Mbappe for you. Mbappe burst onto the footballing scene with Monaco. In spite of being heavily linked with La Liga giants Real Madrid, Mbappe moved to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain on loan in the summer of 2017.
After spending the season on loan, Mbappe signed a permanent deal with the French champions in 2018. Mbappe has already scored 18 goals in 16 matches in Ligue 1 this season, other than scoring 3 goal in the Champions League.
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Jude Bellingham has probably been the player of the season so far. The England international hasn’t looked back since signing for La Liga giants Real Madrid in the summer transfer window of 2023. He has had a stellar start to life at Madrid, becoming one of the instant fan favourite in the club.
Since scoring on his debut for Real Madrid, the England midfielder just hasn’t stopped scoring. He sits at the top of La Liga’s scoring charts with 13 goals from 16 matches. The fact that he plays in midfield makes his tally even more attracting. He has been a bright spot for the Los Blancos in Champions League too, scoring 4 in 5 games. With Bellingham in this kind of form, it can be said that the footballing mantle is in safe hands after Messi and Ronaldo.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Although Harry Kane is not a youngster anymore, it might just be his time to shine with Messi and Ronaldo reaching the fag end of their careers. One can argue that Kane has been one of the most consistent goalscorers of world football for the last decade or so barring Messi and Ronaldo. However, the lack of trophies for Tottenham Hotspurs has never allowed Kane to be considered among the best in the world.
But with the move to Bavarian giants Bayern Munich in the summer, Kane can finally realise his full potential. He has been in blistering form in Germany, netting 21 goals in just 15 matches in the Bundesliga. If he continues scoring at this rate and manages to win some major trophies, it won’t be long before he is hailed as one of the best in business.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
Victor Osimhen is the perfect striker one can ask for. The 25-year-old striker joined Napoli in 2020 from Lille for an initial fee of approximately 75 million euros, and has since become one of the most exciting players in the world. He scored 26 goals in the Serie A last season, becoming the first African to top the league’s goalscoring charts.
He helped Napoli win the Serie A after three decades. His form and goalscoring prowess has put the leading clubs of world football in red alert. Although he recently signed a contract extension with Napoli till 2026, it will not be surprising if one of the big wits come and scoop Osimhen up in the summer of 2024. Osimhen does have everything it takes to be a shining beacon in the absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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