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Football is a sport popular all around the globe. While Europe continues to be the hub of the sport, various leagues outside Europe have developed at an impressive rate. Brazil, Japan, Mexico and the United States of America have all seen their leagues flourish, with more and more big-name players moving there.
Gone are the days when non-European leagues were dubbed as retirement homes. Players in their prime are now moving to these leagues, which is a sign of their burgeoning quality.
On that note, here's a look at the five best players not playing in Europe right now.
#5 Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe)
One of the greatest midfielders to have played the game, Andres Iniesta is showing no signs of stopping down at Vissel Kobe.
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A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Iniesta made 674 appearances in all competitions for the Camp Nou outfit, scoring 57 goals and providing 139 assists. An elegant, technically gifted midfielder, Iniesta won every possible trophy for Barcelona and Spain before joining Japan's Vissel Kobe in 2018.
The 37-year-old has not disappointed in Japan. In 86 appearances in all competitions, Iniesta has scored 18 goals and provided 19 assists. He has won the Emperor's Cup and the Japanese Super Cup as he continues to impress with his creativity and passing.
#4 Oscar (Shanghai Port)
When Oscar left Chelsea to join Shanghai Port (then called Shanghai SIPG) in 2017 for an eye-watering fee of £54 million, he was heavily criticised.
But this transfer was the beginning of the dominance of the Chinese Super League, with Chinese clubs spending extraordinary amounts to lure big-name players from Europe. While that trend has stopped since then, Oscar continues to earn well with Shanghai Port, and has been consistently excellent for them.
The Brazil international has made 152 appearances in all competitions for Shanghai, scoring 48 goals and providing 82 assists.
A creative midfielder, Oscar has won the Chinese Super League and the Chinese FA Super Cup with Shanghai Port. Despite big-names departing China on a consistent basis recently, the 29-year-old has stayed put in Shanghai.
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#3 Dani Alves (Sao Paulo)
Arguably the greatest right-back to have played the game, Dani Alves is often operating as an attacking midfielder these days.
Alves became one of the best in the world at Barcelona, where he was part of Pep Guardiola's legendary team. The Brazil international made 391 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 21 goals and providing 102 assists. Highly creative, technically gifted and excellent in crossing, Alves redefined the full-back position.
After stints with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, Alves returned to Brazil, signing for Sao Paulo. He has made 91 appearances in all competitions for his new club, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists. The 38-year old is currently a part of the Brazil team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
#2 Andre-Pierre Gignac (Tigres UANL)
Andre-Pierre Gignac's move to Mexican side Tigres UANL after a successful campaign with Marseille raised eyebrows.
Gignac had scored 21 league goals for Marseille in the 2014-15 campaign, but joined Tigres UANL on a free transfer that summer. The France international's decision has proved to be an excellent one, as six years later, Gignac is the club's all-time top goalscorer.
In 261 appearances in all competitions, Gignac has scored 149 goals and provided 36 assists for the club. Gignac's presence was key in Tigres UANL signing former Marseille player and FIFA World Cup winner Florian Thauvin as well. Both Gignac and Thauvin are part of the France squad at the ongoing Olympics.
#1 Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo)
A prodigious talent during his Santos days, Gabriel Barbosa was regarded as the next big Brazilian talent to make a mark in Europe.
Barbosa moved to Inter Milan in 2016 for £26.5 million, but the forward had limited impact with the Serie A giants. After a loan spell with Benfica, Barbosa returned to Brazil, first with Santos and then with Flamengo. The Brazil international has rejuvenated his career with Flamengo, and is now a regular for both club and country.
Gabigol has made 96 appearances in all competitions for Flamengo, scoring 68 goals and providing 18 assists. The 24-year -old has won the Copa Libertadores once and the Campeonato Brasileiro title twice with the club. He also reached the Copa America 2021 final with Brazil.
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