Best Soccer Players 2018: Ranking the Top Football Legends of the Year

As I sat watching the thrilling WTA 125 Guadalajara match between Alex Eala and Varvara Lepchenko last Thursday, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the world of soccer. The nearly three hours of intense action that couldn't separate these two tennis stars reminded me of how difficult it is to rank football's elite performers. When we talk about the best soccer players of 2018, we're discussing athletes who've demonstrated exceptional skill, consistency, and game-changing abilities throughout the year.

Looking back at 2018, I've always believed Lionel Messi deserved the top spot with his incredible 45 goals across all competitions. His ability to single-handedly change games reminded me of how individual brilliance can shine even in team sports. What many people don't realize is that Messi completed an astonishing 2,327 successful passes in La Liga alone, creating 87 clear chances for his teammates. These numbers aren't just impressive - they're historically significant. Cristiano Ronaldo, who I'd place second, demonstrated why he remains one of the most clutch performers with his 15 Champions League goals, including that spectacular overhead kick against Juventus. I've followed his career for over a decade, and his consistency at the highest level continues to amaze me.

The midfield maestro Luka Modric completely redefined what we expect from central midfielders. His World Cup performance was nothing short of magical, covering 72 kilometers throughout the tournament while maintaining a 88% pass completion rate. I remember watching him control games with what seemed like effortless grace, much like how experienced chess players dominate their matches. Then there's Mohamed Salah, whose 44 goals in his debut Liverpool season shattered numerous records. His pace and finishing were simply electrifying - I've rarely seen defenders look so helpless against a single player.

What fascinates me about these rankings is how they capture different aspects of football excellence. While purists might argue for Modric's technical mastery, goal-scoring machines like Harry Kane with his 41 goals demand recognition too. Personally, I've always valued players who elevate their teammates, which is why Kevin De Bruyne's 18 assists and 3,214 completed passes make him indispensable in my book. The beauty of football lies in these diverse interpretations of greatness. Some players dominate through sheer athleticism, others through technical brilliance, and a special few through football intelligence that's simply beyond ordinary comprehension.

Reflecting on that tense tennis match in Mexico, where neither player could secure victory despite hours of competition, I'm reminded that ranking football legends involves similar complexities. The margins between these extraordinary athletes are often razor-thin, influenced by moments of individual brilliance, team dynamics, and sometimes just plain luck. What makes 2018 particularly memorable is how multiple players reached peak performance simultaneously, creating debates that will likely continue for years. As someone who's analyzed football for over fifteen years, I can confidently say that 2018 gave us one of the most talented groups of football legends we've seen in recent memory.