5 most loved footballers in the world right now

#3 Ivan Rakitic

Ivan Rakitic will finally move out of his 'underrated' tag

Next up is Barcelona's clever midfield general, Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian number 7 has rightfully established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world right now, after being an able accomplice for his captain Luka Modric in their country's adventures in Russia.

Ivan Rakitic always had talents worth being loved, however, the player always remained in the shadows of his counterparts, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, when it came to being counted in the best crop of midfielders in the current generation. But his World Cup heroics have brought him out of the shadow and rightfully placed him on the pedestal he so richly deserves.

Fans love players who give it their all on the pitch. And Rakitic's amazing dedication of playing with a fever of 102 in the semis has gained him a fervent knot of admirers throughout the world.

His selfless dedication and services to his country, not to mention his silent nature and lifestyle of the pitch, have definitely made him one of those rare players that you just can't hate.