Introduction to the FC 100
As the UEFA Champions League finals conclude, and the curtain falls on the 2024-25 soccer season, FC’s annual examination of the top 100 players in men’s soccer has commenced. Introducing the FC 100—a ranking that diverges from typical player lists by encompassing a comprehensive evaluation that considers the multifaceted roles each player fulfills on the field, rather than solely spotlighting prolific goal scorers and creators in midfield.
Unique Ranking Methodology
Unlike conventional countdowns, which often highlight a single hierarchy from 1-100, the FC 100 categorizes players into seven distinct lists, thereby serving as a position-based depth chart for soccer enthusiasts. Notably, this year’s updates reflect the evolution of the game:
- Defenders are split into wide and central categories.
- Midfielders are divided into defensive and attacking roles.
- Forwards are outlined as winners and center-forwards.
Key Highlights from This Year’s List
Among those spotlighted in this year’s FC 100 is Kylian Mbappé, who has claimed the center-forward top spot—a discussion highlighted by analysts Alex Kirkland and Julien Laurens. Traditionally, this ranking has seen consistent names such as Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Jan Oblak, who have maintained a presence for nine consecutive editions.
This year, nearly 100 contributors, including writers and reporters from different ESPN sectors and across the globe, participated in crafting this list—a testament to the extensive collaboration involved in curating such a comprehensive ranking.
Emerging Talent
This edition makes space for new talent, as 40 players have broken through into the rankings for the first time, showcasing a wave of exciting new talents emerging in the sport. Among those repeat performers is Christian Pulisic, marking his third appearance in the FC 100, following a stellar season with AC Milan.
League Representation
The English Premier League continues to dominate the rankings, featuring over one-third of the list—35 players, a reflection of the league’s depth and competitiveness. This year, twelve different clubs from the league are represented, with Liverpool and Arsenal leading with the highest numbers.
Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a triumphant year, concluding their season with a UEFA Champions League title, which is mirrored in their impressive 11 player inclusions in the FC 100, making them the club with the highest representation. Additionally, on a national scale, France shines brightly with a total of 12 players on the list, outperforming Spain, England, and Brazil.
Voting Guidelines and Player Roles
When compiling the FC 100, expert voters were advised to weigh performances from the current season while also considering the impact of injuries. This means that players who may have faced absences, yet showed exceptional abilities when fit, still received recognition. The voting guidelines emphasized the importance of consistent performances across different competitions, focusing on those who can sustain excellence over time.
With distinctions granted to various player positions, the FC 100 elaborates on the evolving nature of roles within the game. Goalkeepers, for example, are now expected to initiate play as much as they are to prevent goals—a testament to how the role has grown in importance. Similarly, fullbacks and wingers have transformed from mere defensive players to pivotal figures in playmaking and attacking strategies.
Conclusion
This in-depth ranking allows fans to appreciate the broader landscape of men’s soccer—recognizing both celebrated stars and unsung heroes alike in a sport that continually adapts and evolves, not just based on goal-scoring prowess but on overall contribution to the game.
