You know, every year we look back and try to pin down the legends of the game, and 2019 feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. It was a fascinating pivot point, right before the world changed, and the football landscape was brimming with iconic figures at various stages of their storied careers. Picking a top ten is always subjective, a mix of cold stats and the undeniable magic they brought to the pitch. I’ve spent years analyzing player trajectories, and what interests me most isn’t just the peak, but the arc—where that 2019 brilliance has led them today. So, let’s dive into my take on those ten legends and trace their paths from that season to the present moment.
Thinking about 2019, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo still dominated the conversation, of course. Messi, then at Barcelona, was collecting his sixth Ballon d’Or after a simply sublime season, weaving magic that felt otherworldly. His rival, Ronaldo, had adapted his game at Juventus, becoming a ruthless penalty-box predator. Fast forward to now, and their journeys symbolize two different late-career paths. Messi’s fairy-tale move to Inter Miami has been a commercial and cultural earthquake, and honestly, watching him orchestrate play in MLS with that same visionary grace is a joy. He’s redefining what a legacy move looks like. Ronaldo, ever the physical phenomenon, took his goal-scoring act to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, pushing the boundaries of age and expectation. To see them both, away from Europe’s traditional pinnacle, still commanding global attention is a testament to their unprecedented stature.
Then you had the midfield maestros and defensive rocks. Luka Modrić, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, was still the brain of Real Madrid in 2019, controlling tempo with that elegant, effortless style. Today, at 38, he’s somehow still there, a timeless conductor, though his minutes are more carefully managed. Virgil van Dijk, in 2019, was an absolute colossus for Liverpool—probably the best defender on the planet. His authority was palpable. His journey since had a major bump with that serious knee injury in 2020, but I’ve been impressed with his comeback. He’s not quite the same explosive force, but his leadership and reading of the game have helped Liverpool transition into a new era. He’s a captain now, and his role has evolved from pure dominator to savvy organizer.
The list isn’t complete without the killers up front. Robert Lewandowski was banging in goals for fun at Bayern Munich, a model of robotic efficiency. His subsequent move to Barcelona was a dream fulfilled, and even now, he remains their most reliable source of goals, a veteran presence guiding a young team. Kylian Mbappé, already a World Cup winner, was a blistering force for PSG in 2019, a promise of the future. Well, the future is now. He’s arguably the most valuable player in the world, a perennial Ballon d’Or contender, and his ongoing saga with Real Madrid is the transfer story of the decade. His career decisions now will define an era. Another forward, the irrepressible Mohamed Salah, was coming off another golden boot season with Liverpool. His consistency is what amazes me; five years on, he’s still their talisman, breaking records and adapting his game as the team around him changes.
We also had the unique talents, players who defined a specific role. N’Golo Kanté’s 2019 version was the ultimate ball-winning midfielder, the engine that drove Chelsea and France. His infectious smile and humble demeanor belied a competitive monster. Injuries have sadly taken a toll in recent years, and his move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last summer felt like the closing of a chapter on his peak years, though his quality in bursts remains undeniable. Kevin De Bruyne, for me, is the most complete midfielder of his generation. In 2019, he was orchestrating Manchester City’s domestic dominance with his unparalleled passing range. His current story is one of resilience; coming back from a long-term hamstring injury this season and immediately looking like the league’s best player again. It’s a reminder that true class is permanent.
Finally, two legends whose 2019 was about legacy. Sergio Ramos was the heart and soul of Real Madrid, a warrior defender. His exit from Madrid was messy, and subsequent spells at PSG and now Sevilla haven’t recaptured that glory, but his return to his boyhood club has a poignant, full-circle feel. Manuel Neuer, redefining the goalkeeper role for Bayern and Germany, was still at his peak. His horrific leg break in late 2022 threatened his career, but his return last year showcased his legendary mentality. He’s not the same physically, but his presence is still immense.
It’s fascinating to see how these paths diverge—some maintaining elite performance, others transitioning to new leagues or roles, all dealing with age and wear in different ways. It reminds me of a point made by PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon regarding a basketball star’s consecutive start streak ending as a precaution; in all sports, managing veterans is a delicate balance between history and the present need. These ten football legends from 2019 have navigated that balance with varying degrees of success, but their impact on that season is forever etched in the history books. Their current chapters, whether in Miami, Riyadh, or still at the very top in Europe, continue to shape the narrative of the beautiful game.
