Renowned media house, ESPN has released its annual list of the top 100 soccer players in different positions. Fans have waited eagerly and curiously for the ESPN 2024 FC 100 to witness the rankings delivered by the American sports channel. With the 2023/24 club season over in Europe, the soccer community gets the chance to review all the lists and provide their respective verdicts.
ESPN typically provides their rankings for all the on-the-field positions from goalkeeper to forwards, and this year has been nothing different. Once again, ESPN has not failed to generate widespread outrage from the supporters of various clubs concerning their judgment. From surprise exclusions and inclusions to puzzling rankings, ESPN has surely raised several eyebrows this time.
Surprising exclusions of Fede Valverde and Andriy Lunin from the top 10
Fede Valverde and Andriy Lunin were two unusual exclusions from the top 10 of the midfielders and goalkeepers list respectively. Valverde could only manage to secure a ranking of 26 from ESPN, leading to massive resentment from the Real Madrid fans. The Uruguayan was one of the key pieces in Madrid‘s dominant midfield performance over the campaign. The 25-year-old appeared in a staggering 53 matches for Real Madrid this season.
Andriy Lunin got a massive opportunity to prove his case for Real Madrid this season with the long-term injury to Thibaut Courtois. The Ukrainian did a tremendous job filling it and broke record after record. Despite that, ESPN FC did not find his displays potent enough to warrant him a place in the top 10 goalkeepers. Lunin kept an impressive 12 clean sheets on his way to helping Real Madrid to a historic double.
Skepticism surrounding the forward list of ESPN
ESPN’s rankings of the attackers in soccer undoubtedly generate the highest amount of excitement and elation. Yet, this year fans cannot help but feel perplexed by the decision made by ESPN. Vinicius Jr. is currently regarded by many as the undisputed favorite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or but still cannot claim the top spot for ESPN. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane come above Vini Jr. in the rankings, presenting what many believe is a groundless claim.
Lionel Messi’s inclusion in the top 10 list of the best forwards has also left the soccer community baffled. While few can argue against Messi’s genius displays in the USA playing for Inter Miami, there are few doubts about the difference in quality between the top European leagues and the MLS. Supporters expressed their disappointment in seeing ESPN disregard the top performers in Europe, devoiding them of international recognition.