A look at 10 of the best soccer players in the world.

1.  Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)

Four times World Player of the Year, Messi has been considered by some distance the best player on the planet over the last six years. His ability to mesmerize defenders with a mix of skill and pace is unmatched and it often appears as though the ball is glued to his feet. The Barcelona star is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline, and he led his country to the 2014 World Cup final. Already one of the best soccer players of all time.

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2.  Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)

Ronaldo may have less of an influence on games than Messi, but he is stronger and taller than the Argentine, and his goals-to-games ratio similar. Since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo has been a revelation, making the world record outlay of US$131 look less outrageous with every hat-trick. His famous stepover is imitated in parks right across the world. 

3.  Luis Suarez (Uruguay & Barcelona)

The Barcelona striker is not everyone’s cup of tea, but his ability is not up for debate. Suarez is a master at weaving his way into the penalty box, deadly in one-on-one situations and an excellent free-kick taker. His link-up play with teammates is of the highest order, and he is a fighter who will always give 100% for the cause. A penchant for conning referees remains his Achilles heel, but that did not stop Barca paying Liverpool US$128.5 million for the player in July 2014. 

4.  Andres Iniesta (Spain & Barcelona)

Iniesta's understanding with club-mate Xavi Hernandez borders on the telepathic at times. The short, eye of the needle passing the pair produce can pierce holes in the most stubborn of rearguards. Iniesta is also very modest, never creating problems for the coaches he works under. Scored the winner in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.

5.  Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast & Manchester City)

The all-round midfielder. The emergence of Sergio Busquets at Barcelona proved a blessing for Manchester City because it meant that the Catalans were willing to offload the Ivorian to the Etihad Stadium in 2011. Toure was one of the linchpins as City won their first league title since 1968. Few players are capable of switching through the gears so effortlessly and watching Toure rampage through Premier League midfields is one of the most spectacular sights in world soccer.

6.  Gareth Bale (Wales & Real Madrid)

The Welsh attacker completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid on September 1, 2013 after a summer of protracted negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur. Bale is a supreme dribbler who boasts the pace and skill to beat multiple opponents. He is also a great finisher and capable of scoring consistently from long range.

7.  Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)

The Bayern Munich fans love him, Pep Guardiola adores him. Philipp Lahm has been a stalwart for club and country over the last decade. The versatile Germany international can play in both of the full-back positions, while Guardiola has also used him as a defensive midfielder, such is his high opinion of Lahm’s tackling and distribution skills. Lahm captained Germany to the 2014 World Cup before retiring after the tournament. 

8.  Arjen Robben (Holland & Bayern Munich)

The winger further enhanced his glowing reputation with some impressive showings for Holland at the 2014 World Cup. Robben's deadly combination of pace and trickery is a nightmare for defenders, while he scores more goals than the average winger. Robben has been at the top of the game for 10 years now, having had stints with Chelsea, Real Madrid and current club Bayern Munich.

9.  Robin van Persie (Netherlands & Manchester United)

Having put the injury problems that blighted Van Persie throughout his mid-20s behind him, the Dutchman is now one of the most feared strikers in world soccer. Manchester United acquired the player from Arsenal in 2012 and it proved a masterful signing as he picked up where he had left off at the Emirates Stadium with goals galore to fire United to the 2012-13 Premier League title. A player of immaculate technique, with a left foot to die for and now playing under his fellow countrymanLouis van Gaal at Old Trafford. 

10.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden & Paris Saint-Germain)

Expect the unexpected with the mercurial Swede. Ibrahimovic is the moodiest player in world soccer, but completely unplayable when on his game. Just witness his stunning overhead kick against England in 2012. Ibra has won league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France with six different clubs and is something of a lucky charm for those willing to invest in his considerable talents.