FourFourTwo’s ranking of the 100 best male footballers in the world returns after an action-packed 2019 full of underdog excellence, crazy comebacks and a defender almost winning the Ballon d'Or. Almost.As ever, a note about subjectivity: this list is largely derived from performances over the calendar year, in conjunction withFFTstaff and dozens of our most respected writers from around the world,but we feel there should be a nod to overall class as well. After all, does one good– or bad– year define a player? We think not. You may (see also: will almost certainly) disagree.Let us know your thoughts on Twitter (we're over at @FourFourTwo) with the hashtag #FFT100...100. NABIL FEKIRREAL BETISFranceA few eyebrows were raised when the Lyon captain and World Cup winner joined Real Betis last summer for an initial €20m; the gifted playmaker had agreed a €60m move to Liverpool in 2018 before the Reds got cold feet, citing an underlying knee injury. No signs of trouble yet, however: he is already essential for Los Verdiblancos.99. LAUTARO MARTINEZINTERArgentinaAfter a season spent adjusting to European football, Martinez – now Argentina’s first-choice frontman – is justifying the hype. The industrious 22-year-old scores and creates goals for Inter, and under Antonio Conte he has formed a fine partnership with Romelu Lukaku that’s already been dubbed ‘LuLa’ by the Italian press.Lukaku x LautaroThese two are turning into a serious problem..pic.twitter.com/huCVcoA393— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 10, 201998. CIRO IMMOBILELAZIOItalyGiven his freakish scoring rate at Lazio (November’s 2-1 win at Milan marked his 100th goal for the club, in 147 games), the second half of 2018-19 was disappointing for Immobile. He is making up for it now, matching last term’s goal tally by November’s end. In that time, he scored in 15 of his 19 appearances for Lazio and Italy.97. WISSAM BEN YEDDERMONACOFranceAfter three increasingly prolific campaigns at Sevilla, which followed six years with Toulouse, Ben Yedder is back in Ligue 1 – and he's flourishing. The 29-year-old was vocal about catching Didier Deschamps’ attention for Euro 2020, and that he has done: without his goals, a mediocre Monaco would be in even greater trouble.96. MARTIN ODEGAARDREAL SOCIEDAD (ON LOAN FROM REAL MADRID)NorwayOdegaard became world-famous when he debuted for Norway aged 15 and joined Real Madrid at 16, but only now, after shining in the Eredivisie, is the 21-year-old getting the chance to show Spanish football his worth. Stellar midfield performances at Real Sociedad earned him La Liga’s Player of the Month gong for September.With the help of a deflection, Odegaard gives Real Sociedad the lead over Atletico on Premier Sports 2! pic.twitter.com/HkIQbg5R5r— Watch El Clásico live on Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) September 14, 201995. IAGO ASPASCELTA VIGOSpainAspas isn’t just Celta Vigo’s star player: he is their leader, their talisman, and he completely embodies the club. In 2018-19 he netted 20 league goals for a woeful side, keeping them in La Liga almost single-handedly. The former Liverpool man is a cracking package: set-piece master, workhorse, creator and ever-reliable finisher.94. DUSAN TADICAJAXSerbiaTadic became just the ninth player in history to receive a 10/10 rating from L’Équipe, for his incredible display in the demolition of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Playing as a false nine, he was imperious in Ajax’s Champions League quest, and his 38 club goals in all competitions last term beat his four-year Southampton haul – by 15.93. GABRIEL JESUSMANCHESTER CITYBrazilThe striker played his part in another record-breaking season at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 21 goals in as many starts across 2018-19. He was brilliant for Brazil to help them lift the Copa America: the 22-year-old put in goal-and-assist displays in the semi-final and final as his beloved Seleção triumphed on home soil.92. PAULO DYBALAJUVENTUSArgentinaDybala has spent a lot of the 2019-20 season making a mockery of Juve’s efforts to flog him in the summer. The Argentine forward was determined to prove his worth throughout the turbulence, and he has done just that with some fine performances and important goals, including strikes against both Milan and Inter.91. LORENZO INSIGNENAPOLIItalyAlthough 2019 concludes with doubts swirling about Insigne’s future at his hometown club, the fleet-footed winger’s 10-goal haul in 2018-19 helped Napoli finish 2nd in Serie A. Since then, tensions have risen between players, management and fans at the Stadio San Paolo, but Insigne has continued to deliver amid the chaos.90. RICARDO PEREIRALEICESTERPortugalLeicester’s player of the season in 2018-19 is a flying force for the Foxes; a steam train of a right-back who is often found inside the opposition penalty area. The Portuguese speedster set up six goals last term, and he has designs on finally ousting Joao Cancelo and Nelson Semedo in time for Euro 2020 next summer.89. ROMELU LUKAKUINTERBelgiumLukaku’s summer switch to Inter has revitalised him after a troubled end to his time at Manchester United. Belgium’s all-time top scorer made an instant impact, equalling Ronaldo’s record of nine goals in his first 11 games to help the Nerazzurri launch a title challenge. He remains a major force at international level, too.88. FERNANDINHOMANCHESTER CITYBrazilOutstanding in Manchester City’s 2-1 January win over Liverpool that swung the Premier League title race back in their favour, Fernandinho is still conspicuous by his absence whenever he is unavailable. These days the 34-year-old fills in at centre-back, too, demonstrating his value to Pep Guardiola as a brilliant squad player.87. FABIAN RUIZNAPOLISpainRuiz has enjoyed a rather smashing 2019. The versatile midfielder became a key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli side in an impressive first Serie A season, before inspiring his country to glory at the European Under-21 Championship last summer, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. There’s much more to come.86. JADON SANCHOBORUSSIA DORTMUNDEnglandAn on-song Sancho is one of the most entertaining players in the world. Inconsistent? Maybe, but he is far exceeding expectations for a 19-year-old. He topped the 2018-19 Bundesliga assists chart with 18, adding a dozen goals for good measure, and against Kosovo in September he netted his first two goals for England.Jadon Sancho doing Jadon Sancho things!He races away from inside his own half to double Dortmund's lead!What a start to the new season for him! pic.twitter.com/LFMb3EuMCd— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 3, 201985. MAURO ICARDIPSG (ON LOAN FROM INTER)ArgentinaDespite having to endure nearly four months without competitive football in 2019, Icardi is now in excellent form for his new club. PSG sporting director Leonardo gambled in signing Inter’s prolific-yet-divisive forward late in the summer, and he has been richly rewarded. Edinson Cavani’s successor seems to have been found.84. MATS HUMMELSBORUSSIA DORTMUNDGermanyHummels’ 2019 had been a nightmare, with Germany boss Joachim Löw publicly and prematurely axing him alongside Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller, before difficulties with Robert Kovac forced him to quit Bayern Munich and rejoin Dortmund. Since then, his form has been superb. Löw is under pressure to change his mind.83. PAPU GOMEZATALANTAArgentinaOne of La Dea’s best-ever signings, Gomez captained the team with Serie A’s 14th-highest wage budget to 3rd place – and Champions League qualification – in 2018-19. The crafty, creative 31-year-old has reached double figures for league assists three years running, and was halfway there this season by October’s end.82. THIBAUT COURTOISREAL MADRIDBelgiumRelentless, unforgiving and cruel – such is life at Real Madrid, where fans quickly turn on their own players. Courtois has been steady but underwhelming since his 2018 move and is yet to win the love of Madridistas, but the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea goalkeeper remains one of the finest shot-stoppers in the world.81. GIORGIO CHIELLINIJUVENTUSItalyMaurizio Sarri would not have been amused when he heard that Chiellini was sidelined for six months with a cruciate ligament injury, just as the new season was getting underway. At 35, the Italy veteran remains the best and most influential centre-back at Juventus – and the ideal mentor for new signing Matthijs de Ligt.80. SAMIR HANDANOVICINTERSloveniaInter’s Mr Reliable is comfortably the longest-serving player in their regular XI. The 35-year-old goalkeeper brings a calming influence to the Nerazzurri’s defence and has good command of his 18-yard box – plus, he is an excellent shot-stopper, as an incredible Serie A penalty-saving success rate of 39 per cent illustrates.79. JAMIE VARDYLEICESTEREnglandAge shows no signs of slowing the striker down – Vardy could become the oldest Premier League Golden Boot winner at the age of 33. Leicester’s marksman is firing the Foxes towards another surprise Champions League appearance, and he remains a scourge of the league. He is a hustler, a rustler – but truly an elite goal-getter.78. RODRIMANCHESTER CITYSpainIt’s been a year to remember for Rodri, who landed a £62 million transfer to Manchester City last summer after his exceptional first – and only – campaign with Atletico Madrid. The 23-year-old has impressed since arriving as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, combining positional awareness with reassuring style.77. HARRY MAGUIREMANCHESTER UNITEDEnglandThe Yorkshireman’s remarkable rise continued in 2019 as he was made the world’s most expensive defender at £80 million, as well as the cornerstone of England’s rearguard. Manchester United’s defensive record has markedly improved since Maguire’s arrival, and he has quickly emerged as a leader in a team lacking them."MAGUIRE!" "HARRY!"On his first appearance in European competition, Harry Maguire captains Man Utd...And he forgot to stick around for the coin toss pic.twitter.com/eanTEx0ccM— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 24, 201976. MIKEL OYARZABALREAL SOCIEDADSpainHours before triumphing at June’s European Under-21 Championship with Spain, Oyarzabal learned he would graduate from the business degree he had combined with football for four years. The flexible Basque forward – now a Spain regular – also shows terrific intelligence in games, as the star of an exciting Real Sociedad side.75. RIYAD MAHREZMANCHESTER CITYAlgeriaWhile Mahrez still drifts in and out of Manchester City’s first XI, he is exerting greater influence in games. And his worth to Algeria is beyond reproach: the wideman inspired the Fennecs to only their second Africa Cup of Nations title in July, scoring a dramatic free-kick winner in the 95th minute of their semi-final against Nigeria.74. CLEMENT LENGLETBARCELONAFranceThe central defender transitioned from Ligue 2 outfit Nancy to Barcelona – via Sevilla – in the space of just a couple of years, then made himself a regular for the Catalans and world champions France. Lenglet is still only 24 but he has replaced the injury-prone Samuel Umtiti for both, and shows plenty of potential to grow.73. LUIS SUAREZBARCELONAUruguayAveraging 35 goals per season at Barça, Uruguay’s top dog has proved the perfect foil for Lionel Messi. While the end is near – he turns 33 in January and succession plans are in place at the Camp Nou – a slowing Suarez is still goal-hungry in 2019-20... even if he has gone four years without scoring away in the Champions League.Oh my word, Luis Suarez!Barca are RAMPANT!It's 4-1 at HT as Leo Messi goal also got his second and Barca's third pic.twitter.com/gTxk2C6TmE— Watch El Clásico live on Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) December 7, 201972. TOBY ALDERWEIRELDTOTTENHAMBelgiumTottenham’s passage to the Champions League final was so dramatic, one forgets their vital clean sheets against Inter, Dortmund (twice) and Manchester City. Alderweireld, stylish and ever-reliable in his five years with Spurs, was key. And Jose Mourinho’s arrival may mean his north London spell isn’t nearly over, after all.71. IVAN RAKITICBARCELONACroatiaThe former Sevilla captain averaged 53 appearances per campaign across his first five years with Barcelona, lifting nine major honours including four La Liga titles and the Champions League. Rakitic often sacrifices his own talents for the Catalans’ benefit, which means he can sometimes be underrated and underappreciated.70. MARQUINHOSPSGBrazilThough primarily a central defender, the 25-year-old has mastered the role of defensive midfielder, making him one of the game’s most vitally versatile operators. His 2019 was forgettable at club level (a fifth Ligue 1 title aside), but Copa America success with hosts Brazil was just reward for Marquinhos’ personal development.69. WOJCIECH SZCZESNYJUVENTUSPolandSzczesny’s transformation in Serie A has been nothing short of a revelation. First at Roma, then at Juventus, he has become a truly excellent goalkeeper who now does the simple things well on top of those wonderful saves. Calm, mature and consistent – he is Juve’s No.1 with good reason, keeping out a legend in Gigi Buffon.68. DANI PAREJOVALENCIASpainValencia are seemingly in constant flux, although their skipper is a reassuring constant, loved at Mestalla and admired throughout Spain. The former QPR loanee has clocked up over 350 appearances since joining Los Che in 2011, and in May he lifted his first senior silverware: the Copa del Rey. Now 30, he is getting better with age.67. MANUEL NEUERBAYERN MUNICHGermanyWith Marc-Andre ter Stegen consistently in top form at Barcelona, it was hard for Neuer to justify his continued standing as Germany’s starting goalkeeper. But he has certainly tried: following a hideous 2018, when a poor World Cup followed injury woes, the 33-year-old’s 2019 was much brighter thanks to Bayern’s domestic double.66. MILAN SKRINIARINTERSlovakiaSkriniar seems tailor-made for Antonio Conte; the ideal defensive warrior to make his three-man backline work. Strong, mobile and fearless, Skriniar boasts excellent pace and awareness, and he is unquestionably one of the best man-markers in Italian football. He is growing in stature and reputation, and still only 24 years of age.65. KEYLOR NAVASPSGCosta RicaNavas is now enjoying a new lease of life with PSG after inexplicably falling out of favour at Real Madrid, and he wasted little time in reminding people that he remains among the best goalkeepers in the game. Les Parisiens’ defensive meanness owes a lot to the serene presence of their accomplished Costa Rican between the sticks.64. SAUL NIGUEZATLETICO MADRIDSpainAt an age where he should be growing in influence as a midfielder, Saul has instead become a victim of his willingness to do a job for Diego Simeone. Occasionally deployed on the left of defence despite his disdain for the position, the 25-year-old’s midfield displays have suffered in turn – yet he remains a trusted lieutenant.63. TIMO WERNERRB LEIPZIGGermanyWerner, one of the world’s quickest strikers, has added a new dimension to his game. The Germany frontman is playing less selfishly while also finishing his chances more ruthlessly, amounting to 12 goals in his first 12 Bundesliga matches of 2019-20. In Leipzig’s 8-0 rout of Mainz, he bagged a hat-trick and assisted three more.Timo. Werner. Is. LightningGive him half an inch and he's gone, Borussia Monchengladbach just learned the hard way pic.twitter.com/NFKNy6ZImQ— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 30, 201962. AXEL WITSELBORUSSIA DORTMUNDBelgiumWitsel wasted his talents for far too long, allowing his progress to stagnate first in Russia and then in China. He has been making up for lost time at Dortmund ever since. He turns 31 in January, yet 2019 has arguably been his best-ever year: the midfielder was a constant as Lucien Favre’s team went close to glory last season.61. KOKEATLETICO MADRIDSpain“Everyone’s work ethic is incredible, but Koke does so much running – I just don’t know how he does it.” So eulogised his new team-mate, Kieran Trippier, who has been liberated by the Rojiblancos’ captain. Even if the 27-year-old is no longer at the peak of his powers, he is an admirable workaholic who helps others to thrive.60. GARETH BALEREAL MADRIDWalesSo much is made of Bale’s off-field relationship with Los Blancos that it’s easy to forget how decisive he can still be. Welsh football’s icon is a supreme talent stuck in a job he hates, something typified by the frustrated celebrations that followed his fine strike in February’s Madrid derby. It’s a whole different story for his nation.59. NIKLAS SULEBAYERN MUNICHGermanySule has become an undisputed starter for both Bayern Munich and Germany. The centre-back is a dominant presence, 6ft 5in but seemingly looming even larger, yet tactically astute and relatively quick to boot. Sadly, a cruel cruciate ligament injury has ruined his season and even left his Euro 2020 hopes hanging by a thread.58. CHRISTIAN ERIKSENTOTTENHAMDenmarkEriksen’s lacklustre autumn displays should not cloud his achievements in the first half of the calendar year.In all, the Dane plundered 20 goals and assists in an excellent 2018-19 Premier League campaign, making him only the second player (alongside David Beckham) to assist at least 10 goals in four consecutive seasons.57. TONI KROOSREAL MADRIDGermanyLast season was not a good one for Kroos, who was so passive at times that it was reasonable to ask if years of winning had sapped all the 29-year-old’s motivation. The midfielder’s mojo appears to be back, although it remains to be seen if he can maintain that inspiration when it matters most. Real Madrid need him to do so.56. MARCO REUSBORUSSIA DORTMUNDGermanyThe Dortmund star is a veteran now, having celebrated his 30th birthday, and he is mainly used as a creative midfielder rather than a forward. His 2019 was largely positive, taking in a heartwarming return to Germany’s ranks following his injury nightmare – even if a maiden Bundesliga crown for Reus proves frustratingly elusive.55. SERGIO RAMOSREAL MADRIDSpainRamos continues to be a very competent goalscorer, assuming Real Madrid’s penalty duties with enviable nonchalance. But he is also an increasingly suspect defender, who can be taken to the cleaners not just by Barcelona but, in the past year, the likes of Girona and Mallorca. Write Sergio off at your peril, however.54. PAUL POGBAMANCHESTER UNITEDFranceWhile 2019 won’t go down as a vintage year in Pogba’s career, it nevertheless featured his best run of form in a Manchester United jersey, with a combined 22 goals and assists earning him a place in 2018-19’s PFA Team of the Year (alongside 10 Manchester City and Liverpool players). Rightfully, however, United fans expect more.53. SERGE GNABRYBAYERN MUNICHGermanyThis was the year Gnabry grew into a true world-class star. His performances for Germany in their Euro 2020 qualifiers were superb, including a phenomenal strike against the Netherlands. He has also become a pivotal player for Bayern Munich, where he is admirably filling the huge void left by Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.North London is redSerge Gnabry, Arsenal legend pic.twitter.com/Ou9az7RuUH— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 2, 201952. MARCO VERRATTIPSGItalyDespite suffering form and fitness frustrations at PSG in recent seasons, Verratti remains a crucial figure. His velvet touch and metronomic qualities have come to the fore with club and country, leading to his contract in France recently being extended until 2024. Adding goals to his game could make 2020 his best year yet.51. HAKIM ZIYECHAJAXMoroccoIf it was odd that elite clubs let Ziyech swap Twente for Ajax in 2016, it’s baffling that his €30m release clause went ignored – and 2019 showed why. The playmaker enjoyed a stunning Champions League campaign, also claiming the Eredivisie’s joint-most assists as Ajax won the title, and he has been just as sensational this term.While you're here, why not take advantage of our brilliant subscribers' offer? Get the game's greatest stories and best journalism direct to your door foronly £9.50 every quarter – that's roughly £2.90 per issue. 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