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Football is the most popular sport in the world and you can find fans of the beautiful game in every nook and cranny of the planet. The top European leagues, for example, are followed by people from all around the world.
In 2021, we had two major international continental football competitions. It was a time of celebration as Euro 2020 and the 2021 Copa America enthralled fans and kept us entertained during the summer. The 2022 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner and it's quite simply an exciting time to be a football fan.
The jury is out on which continent has the best footballing ethos. Each continent has its own set of wonderful teams and players. Without further ado, let's take a look at the best footballers from each continent.
#5 Asia/Australia - Son Heung-Min
Son Heung-Min is one of the best players to have ever emerged from Asia. The South Korean international has been plying his trade in Europe for a very long time now. After rising through the ranks at Hamburger SV, Son made the switch to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013.
Son was impressive in spells for the Bundesliga outfit but it wasn't until he signed for Tottenham Hotspur that we saw him burgeon into the world beater he is. The 29-year-old is one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
In 308 appearances across all competitions for Spurs since joining in 2015, Son has scored 117 goals and provided 69 assists. He has done a decent job this term despite his strike partner Harry Kane enduring a difficult start to the season.
Son has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this term. He is inarguably the best Asian footballer right now.
#4 North America - Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies took the world by storm during the 2019-20 season. He made his debut for Bayern Munich's senior team in the 2018-19 season but it was in 2019-20 that he became a regular feature in the starting lineup.
Davies immediately turned heads with his blistering pace and trickery. He also showcased maturity way beyond his age as he played a crucial role in Bayern Munich winning the continental treble that season.
The 21-year-old has suffered a few injury problems in recent times but he has still been brilliant this term. He has made 23 appearances across all competitions, setting up six goals in the process. The Canadian international is one of the best full-backs in the world.
#3 Africa - Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is one of the best players in the world right now. He has been in sublime touch this season and has been absolutely tearing it up for Liverpool in Europe this season. The 29-year-old also made it to the 2021 AFCON final with Egypt but missed out on penalties.
Salah's pace, quick-feet and incredible shooting ability make him one of the most feared forwards in all of Europe. The Egyptian international has already had a stellar career at Liverpool but he has definitely taken his game up a couple of notches this season.
Salah has made a total of 29 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions this term, scoring 24 goals and racking up nine assists. He has entered the final 18 months of his contract and is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
#2 South America - Vinicius Jr.
This is a huge departure from the norm. Lionel Messi has simply been the best footballer hailing from South America for well over a decade now. Even though players like Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr. have made a great case for themselves intermittently, Messi has managed to reign supreme.
However, the Argentinian international has not been at his best this season. He has had a rather underwhelming 2021-22 by his own lofty standards. But there's one player whose levels have absolutely gone through the roof this season as far as expectations are concerned. That player is Vinicius Jr.
We have truly seen the Real Madrid youngster grow into one of the best wingers in the world this season. The 21-year-old embodies the 'samba' swagger we associate with players from Brazil.
Vinicius has been performing at a very high level this season. He has scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists in 33 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.
#1 Europe - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is widely viewed as heir apparent to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He is still just 23 years old but has already left an indelible mark on the game. Mbappe is a force of nature with the ball at his feet and is an incredible athlete who is one of the most sought-after footballers in the world.
The Frenchman has been in mesmerizing form for PSG this season. He has been the difference maker for both club and country this term. Mbappe scored crucial goals in the semi-finals and final of the UEFA Nations League during France's triumphant campaign.
Mbappe has scored 22 goals and provided 16 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for PSG in the 2021-22 season so far. He most recently scored a last-gasp winner in stoppage time against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. The way things are going, he is an early favorite to win the 2022 Ballon d'Or.
