It takes a lot to get to play any kind of professional sport. But perhaps one of the toughest challenges of all is to make it through to the highest levels in soccer. In the English Premier League the figures are especially eye-opening.

Then, to make it to the very top of the top, is a monumental challenge that only the very few manage to conquer. Beyond skill, it takes that special X-factor – the ability to turn a team’s fortunes single-handedly or keep your head in moments of extreme pressure.

In the past it’s been players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho who have exemplified this ability – and today’s top 15 are just as impressive.

Casemiro

After playing a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid clinch the La Liga title, the Brazilian decided that it was time for a change. Manchester United were happy to provide it – and to pay no less than £70 million for the privilege. It’s proving to be a good buy.

Jude Bellingham

Still only 19, Bellingham is already a star midfielder for the German side Borussia Dortmund. He’s been made even better since being partnered with Salih Ozcan which has shown in his recent goal-scoring performances.

Harry Kane

The England captain and Spurs forward may still have that missed World Cup penalty haunting him, but it hasn’t shown in his domestic performances. Now his team’s highest-ever goal-scorer he is undoubtedly a world-class talent and largely responsible for the favourable soccer odds that Spurs attract when playing.

Neymar

Another player who has overcome World Cup disappointment to shine in domestic football with PSG. So far in the 2022-23 season he has 16 goals and 155 assists to his name – both totals which are certain to rise even further before the end of the season.

Sadio Mané

The real value of the Senegalese forward can be seen by what happens when he’s not in the team. Injured just before the World Cup, his absence made a big difference to the African side. Liverpool’s loss of him following the move to Bayern Munich has also added to Jurgen Klopp’s many headaches.

Mohammed Salah

That said, the Liverpool manager does have the reliable figure of Salah still putting in great performances. The club obviously also believes this will continue for some time having just signed a three-year £350,000 a week contract for him.

Thibaut Courtois

We saw his very best in the 2022 Champions League final when his countless saves were arguably more important than the single goal that won the title for Real Madrid. It also earned the player of the match award for him.

Vinicius Junior

The supplier of that winning goal for Real in the final, it’s still hard to remember that at 22 Junior really is still a junior. He’s relentless in attack and willing to penetrate the most solid defences.

Robert Lewandowski

At 34 the Polish player is something of a veteran. But he retains a real enthusiasm for the game – as demonstrated by his joy at scoring his first World Cup goal in Qatar.

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City wouldn’t be the force they are today without De Bruyne’s amazing contributions. An arch assistant when it comes to goal-scoring, it was him who set up the team’s league-winning goal on the final day of last season.

Luka Modric

It’s hard to think of a player with more heart than Modric, and at 37 he seems to still have plenty of fuel left in the tank. So long may he continue to turn out for Real Madrid and Croatia. And who knows? He might even have another World Cup in him.

Erling Haaland

It was surely a big disappointment for Haaland that Norway didn’t make it to Qatar. But he’s enjoyed plenty of success in England following his move to Manchester City, with much more on the cards.

Karim Benzema

The clear winner of the latest Ballon D’Or, it was a real shame that injury kept him on the sidelines in the World Cup. But his value is obvious as the top scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League.

Kylian Mbappé

Each season Mbappé seems to become even more of a nightmare for defenders to deal with. Very few can and that’s why he’s Europe’s leading goal-scorer – and shows no sign of letting up.

Lionel Messi

Still there at the top, the World Cup win seems to have increased his hunger and determination. He may have missed out on this year’s Ballon D’Or. But don’t bet against him winning his eighth one in 2023.

Plus, with youngsters like Xavi Simons and Antonio Silva also coming through we can expect to see a new generation making their way up this list.

So, whoever you support, you can be sure that world football is in a very good state indeed – and long may it stay that way.