Who Truly Deserves the Title of Best Football Player in the World Today?
2025-11-17 16:01
Watching Rain or Shine’s stunning comeback against the Road Warriors last night, I couldn’t help but think about the bigger picture—not just in Philippine basketball, but in the global sports conversation. The Elasto Painters clawed back from what looked like a certain defeat, turning the game on its head in the final quarter. It reminded me of the kind of resilience we often celebrate in football’s biggest stars. And that got me asking: Who truly deserves the title of best football player in the world today?
Let’s rewind a bit. I’ve been covering sports for over a decade, and I’ve seen my share of epic turnarounds. But Rain or Shine’s back-to-back wins—first that 114-110 nail-biter against Converge last Saturday, then last night’s heart-stopper—feel different. They didn’t just win; they fought when most teams would’ve folded. That kind of mental toughness is rare. It’s the same quality I look for when judging football’s elite. Sure, stats matter, but clutch performances in high-pressure moments? That’s what separates the great from the legendary.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Why bring football into a basketball piece?” But stick with me. The parallels are there. In football, just like in the PBA, individual brilliance often shines brightest when the team’s back is against the wall. Think about it: Rain or Shine was down by 12 points with six minutes left. They didn’t panic. They adjusted, they pushed, and they executed. Sound familiar? It should. That’s exactly what players like Lionel Messi or Kevin De Bruyne do week in, week out. But here’s where it gets tricky. Who truly deserves the title of best football player in the world today? Is it the one with the most goals, the most assists, or the one who lifts everyone around them?
From my perspective, it’s not just about raw numbers—though they do tell part of the story. Take Kylian Mbappé, for instance. The guy is a statistical monster. Last season alone, he netted 41 goals across all competitions. But does that automatically make him the best? I’m not so sure. I’ve always leaned toward players who influence the game beyond scoring. Someone like Luka Modrić, who, even at 38, dictates the tempo of matches like a conductor leading an orchestra. Or Erling Haaland, whose physical dominance is just unreal. But then again, Haaland’s game can sometimes feel one-dimensional compared to, say, a complete forward like Karim Benzema.
Let’s not forget the impact of leadership. Rain or Shine’s recent surge isn’t just about one player; it’s about veterans stepping up when it mattered. That’s why, in the football debate, I give extra credit to captains and playmakers who elevate their squads. Kevin De Bruyne, for example, doesn’t just rack up assists—he makes everyone around him better. His vision and passing range are things I’d pay to watch every single time. But if I’m being honest, my personal favorite has always been Mohamed Salah. Yeah, I know, he’s not everyone’s top pick, but the consistency? Unmatched. Season after season, he delivers 20-plus goals and 10-plus assists. That’s not luck; that’s class.
Of course, everyone has their biases. I tend to favor players who perform in clutch moments—the ones who, like Rain or Shine in their 114-110 victory over Converge, find a way when everything seems lost. In football, that’s why Cristiano Ronaldo still commands respect even as he ages. Love him or hate him, the man has a knack for rising to the occasion. But then there’s the younger generation—Jude Bellingham, for example, who’s been tearing it up at Real Madrid. At just 20, he’s already showing a maturity that belies his age. Still, I wonder if he’s quite there yet in the “best in the world” conversation.
Some experts argue that the title should rotate based on current form. I get that. Football is relentless; a player can be on top one month and fade the next. But in my view, true greatness is about sustained excellence. It’s why I’d still slot Messi in the top three, even after his move to MLS. His football IQ is just off the charts. I remember watching him in the 2022 World Cup final—down one goal, pressure mounting, and he still orchestrated that comeback. Sounds familiar, right? Almost like Rain or Shine’s recent heroics.
So, where does that leave us? After turning this over in my head, I’ve come to believe that there’s no single right answer. The best player today might depend on what you value most: goals, leadership, consistency, or that intangible “clutch” gene. For me, if I had to pick one, I’d go with Kevin De Bruyne. His ability to control the game from midfield, create chances out of nothing, and deliver in big matches—it’s just special. But I won’t lie, part of me will always have a soft spot for the underdogs, the ones who, like the Elasto Painters, remind us that comebacks are always possible. In the end, maybe that’s what makes sports so compelling—the debates, the drama, and the sheer unpredictability of it all.