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#3 Casemiro (Real Madrid)
Casemiro is one of Real Madrid's most important players. Without his contributions it is difficult to imagine Los Blancos enjoying the success they did last decade.
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He joined Real Madrid in 2013, but after limited appearances was loaned out to Porto in 2014. There the Brazil international was excellent, returning to Real Madrid to challenge for a spot in the first XI. Under Zinedine Zidane, Casemiro became one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, helping Real Madrid win three consecutive Champions League titles.
The 29-year-old is now an indispensable player for both club and country. With the likes of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos leaving the club this summer, Casemiro's role as a leader will be more pronounced.
#2 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
The most expensive football player in the world, Neymar was bought by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from Barcelona for nearly £200 million in 2017.
One of the best players in the world, Neymar was a prodigious talent who was destined for the very top. The Brazil international formed a fearsome attacking trident at Barcelona alongside Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, helping the club win the continental treble in 2015.
With PSG, Neymar has won three league titles and played a key role in the club reaching the Champions League final in 2020. In 116 appearances in all competitions for the French giants, the 29-year-old has scored 87 goals and provided 52 assists.
#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Arguably the greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi is also the best South American footballer in the world.
A world-class dribbler, goalscorer and creator, Messi has been one of the best in the world for quite some time. His extraordinary talent was visible when he made his Barcelona debut in 2004, and he has only improved with time. The Argentina international's talent is unparalleled.
A one-club man, Messi has made 778 appearances in all competitions, scoring 672 goals and providing 305 assists. The 34-year-old was linked with a move away from the club last summer, but looks set to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Barcelona.
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