Welcome to OneFootball’s definitive ranking of the 25 greatest players of the last 25 years.
Over the course of 25 days, we will be counting down our top 25 men’s footballers of the 21st century so far, before revealing the winner on 1st January 2025.
Check out the list so far here
Today, our countdown continues with…
22nd: Luis Suárez (174 points)
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Nationality: Uruguayan (143 caps, 69 goals)
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Main clubs: Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona
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Major trophies won: LaLiga (x4), Champions League (x1), Copa del Rey (x4), Eredivisie (x1), Copa América (x1)
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Major individual awards: European Golden Shoe (2014 and 2016), PFA Player of the Year (2014), Premier League top scorer (2014), La Liga top scorer (2016), Copa America best player (2011)
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Highest ranking by voters: 5th (one voter)
Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez – nicknamed El Pistolero (‘The Gunman’) in his homeland – is known for his exceptional goalscoring ability, technical skill and his share of controversial moments on the field, having served lengthy bans for biting opponents and accusations of racism.
He rose to global prominence with Ajax, had a standout spell at Liverpool, before becoming a key player for Barcelona, where he won numerous domestic and international titles, including the Champions League.
Suárez also had a significant impact with the Uruguay national team, playing in multiple World Cups and Copa América tournaments, securing a historic win in 2011 in the latter.
Fun fact
No player has won the Golden Boot (top scorer award) more in separate top flight leagues than the three won by Suárez. He first did so with Ajax in the Netherlands in 2009/10, won it in the Premier League at Liverpool in 2013/14 and then claimed Pichichi honours in LaLiga for the 2015/16 campaign.
Watch him in action
How we voted
Thirty-eight members of OneFootball’s global editorial team ranked their top 25 players of the 21st century so far. Players ranked at #1 earned 25 points, second place earned 24 points, and so on. In the event of a tie, the player with the highest individual ranking was placed higher on the list.
📸 LLUIS GENE
