Who is the Best Soccer Player in 2017? The Ultimate Analysis and Top Picks

As I sit down to analyze the 2017 soccer landscape, I can't help but reflect on how extraordinary this year has been for football enthusiasts worldwide. The debate about who truly deserves the crown as the best soccer player has never been more heated, and honestly, I've lost count of how many heated discussions I've had with fellow analysts about this very topic. What makes 2017 particularly fascinating isn't just the individual brilliance we've witnessed, but how team dynamics and collective performance have shaped these players' legacies. I remember watching countless matches, taking notes, and constantly comparing statistics - it's been both exhausting and exhilarating.

When we talk about elite performance, we need to consider both individual statistics and team impact. Take for instance the reference to La Salle's basketball scenario where only six players appeared on scoresheets with just three reaching double figures. While this comes from a different sport, the principle translates beautifully to soccer - true greatness isn't just about personal achievements but about elevating everyone around you. I've always believed that the best players make their teammates better, and this year provided perfect examples of this phenomenon. The numbers don't lie, but they also don't tell the complete story. Throughout my years analyzing sports performance, I've learned that statistics need context, and that's particularly true when comparing players across different leagues and competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2017 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, and I'll admit I've been a longtime admirer of his relentless drive for improvement. At 32 years old, he delivered 42 goals across all competitions for Real Madrid, including crucial performances in the Champions League knockout stages. What impressed me most wasn't just the quantity but the quality and timing of his contributions. When his team needed him most, particularly in the Champions League quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, he delivered a hat-trick that showcased why he remains at the pinnacle of world football. His ability to maintain this level of excellence while adapting his game as he ages demonstrates a football intelligence that many underestimate.

Then there's Lionel Messi, whose technical brilliance continues to defy conventional understanding of the sport. With 54 goals for Barcelona in 2017, his numbers are arguably more impressive than Ronaldo's, though I must emphasize that direct statistical comparisons can be misleading given their different roles and team systems. Messi's creativity and vision resulted in 16 assists in La Liga alone, creating 98 clear scoring opportunities for his teammates throughout the year. Watching him play feels like witnessing artistry in motion - there were moments during Barcelona matches where he seemed to be playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. His performance against Real Madrid in the Bernabéu, where he scored twice including the dramatic winner in the 92nd minute, remains one of my personal highlights of the year.

We cannot discuss 2017 without mentioning Neymar's transformative year. His world-record €222 million transfer to Paris Saint-Germain shocked the football world and placed immense pressure on his shoulders. While some critics questioned the move, I found it refreshing to see a player willingly step out of Messi's shadow to build his own legacy. His statistics in Ligue 1 - 28 goals and 16 assists in just 30 appearances - demonstrate his incredible impact, though the relative strength of the French league compared to Spain's must be considered. What struck me most was how quickly he adapted to his new team and became the focal point of their attack, something that's much more difficult than many observers realize.

Luka Modrić deserves special recognition for his orchestration of Real Madrid's midfield. While attackers typically dominate these discussions, Modrić's influence on games often determines outcomes at the highest level. His passing accuracy of 91.4% in Champions League matches, combined with his defensive contributions of 2.3 interceptions per game, showcases the complete midfield package he represents. Having watched him control the tempo of numerous high-pressure matches, I've come to appreciate how his subtle brilliance often goes unnoticed by casual observers but is absolutely essential to his team's success.

When I weigh all these factors - statistical production, big-game performances, influence on teammates, and consistency throughout the year - I keep returning to Cristiano Ronaldo as my pick for 2017's best player. His combination of Champions League success with Real Madrid, including scoring in both the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, coupled with his crucial role in Portugal's national team, gives him the edge in my assessment. The Ballon d'Or voting reflected this consensus, with Ronaldo receiving 946 points compared to Messi's 670, though individual awards never tell the complete story. What ultimately swayed me was his performance in the most critical moments against the toughest opponents - when everything was on the line, Ronaldo consistently delivered.

Looking back at 2017, what stands out to me is how these extraordinary players pushed each other to new heights. The competition between Ronaldo and Messi has elevated both of their games, while the emergence of talents like Neymar and the consistent excellence of midfield maestros like Modrić created one of the most memorable years in recent football history. While statistics and trophies provide important measuring sticks, the true joy came from watching these artists practice their craft week in and week out. As we move forward, I suspect we'll look back at 2017 as a golden year for individual excellence, where the debate about the world's best player wasn't about finding a clear winner but about appreciating different shades of greatness.