I would say you overlooked Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder who accidentaly ended up in the same squad.

Messi, Rooney, Drogba and Ronaldo. Talk about stating the obvious. What, no David Villa? No Diego Milito? No Luis Fabiano? No...???? Tell us something we don't know or save your ink.

None. Either Villa, Xavi or Silva

"I would say you overlooked Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder who accidentaly ended up in the same squad."

and some more of other nations. You will see....

Lets not forget Fernando Torres. he may becoming off surgery, but watch for him to put his signature on the World Cup. Go Espana!!

dude Ronaldo is so much better than rooney. he got more vote cuz he's from england. But MESSI IS THE BEST! PERIOD

These names clarely show that CNN doesn't know anyhing about football.

none of that guys will be the best......., I'd say ..: Chilean player Alexis Sanchez

Eu acho que haverá novidades para além da lista colocada.

Luiz Suarez perhaps? Ribery?

and of course van der Vaart, to complete the list in the first comment. And watch Huntelaar closely.

Hey, I thought it was a pretty good article. He was talking about the world's best, and he covered all of them.

Van Persie, Robben, and Sneijder aren't bad... but Messi, Kaka, Ronaldo they are most certainly NOT.

I have a little feeling about Carlos Tevez. No one talks about him, but Tevez has a lot of skill and a giant heart.

Although I'm Brazilian, I think it will be Argentina's Messi.
He does magic with the ball at his feet.
But Brazil will win another World Cup.

Lionel Messi ,, No doubt ,

pretty confidant someone from the spanish squad will be the best player. if not, they definitely will play better than ronaldo, rooney, kaka, or drogba. messi is perhaps the only one mentioned that has a chance to impress.

Ronaldo is overrated, Rooney isn't complete, Drogba doens't have the team to back him up. Messi and Kaka are the players that can make the diffrence, but they are surely not the only ones. (those "just" 5 choises are for sure not enough!)

Xabi,iniesta,villa,torres,llorente,silva,casillas. SPAIN HAS THE BEST NATIONAL TEAM.

I think it will be Drogba. He'll definetly get a few favorable calls as well.

Giovani Dos Santos is the dark horse candidate for top player. He's playing with amazing pace for his national team. Watch out for that little guy!

i'm a true chelsae fan but messi is the best....he performs miracle...and i'm pretty sure he's going to rule for five good years period.

drogba...seriously? that guy's 32 and I highly doubt the ivory coast will make it to the semi final

Several players can be the World Cup's best player,but Lionel Messi has the most probability .Argentina won´t win the cup,because her defense is very weak.

Alexis Sanchez or perhaps Humberto Suazo

Milner of England, Uche of Nigeria and Chung-Yong from South Korea

Wait for Chilean player Alexis Sanchez (Udinense)...He will be famous.

they didnt include players from spain and they are top favourites... anyways i thnik that ronaldo is gonna show his value and that italian marchiso is gonna shine

I think david villa or messi will turn heads this world cup, im hoping for robben and robin to shine, denmark as dark horses,im curious to see which goalie will shine too

CR sucks at the national level because he is too egotistical with the ball because of a donkey coach who has placed to much emphasis on a team being built around one player. Because of this expect Portugal to not win a match and go out early. I would not be surprised if they don't even score a goal!

None of the above listed players!! Don't know why you guys keep "forgetting" the name SAMUEL ETO'O. This is a guy who guarantees success, winning three Champion Leaugue titles, two CONSECUTIVE triples in 2 countries, and till performed well though playing out of position the whole season. All the above listed players can only dream of this kind of decoration. Viva Sammy!!

We'l have a surprise. Robinho will be the best.

Forlan will be the best player.

What about the often overlooked goalies – the French Goalkeeper Thierry Henry is certainly one to look out for! His superior ball-handling skill especially in the opposition's penalty area is second to none...

Iniesta or Ribery

no spaniard???? this article was not thought through

Messi, Tevez and the rest of the forwards may get all the goals but the biggest threat Argentina will have on the pitch is De Maria. He is set for break out world cup. Watch and enjoy

Best players need to get maximum matches to show case their talents. Such players often take their teams to the finals and come out winners in the summit clash. Leo Messi, Wesley Sneijder and Wayne Rooney possess talent, temperament and ability to take responsibilities for their respective teams. I would not be surprised if one of them turns out to be the best at the end of the World Cup.

messi is only good when playing for Barca, Argentina barely made it. Portugal is not a one man team, so Ronaldo is screwed, forget rooney and Drogba, i rather bet on kaka, xavi, iniesta, milito, van persie, robben.

it will be robben or persie.

I think it will be a Dutch man though, either Arjen Robben or Wesley Schneider has the credentials to have a brilliant tournament.

Robben, Ribery, Xavi, Schweinsteiger, Villa, Sneijder, Essien, just to name a few.

I think v.persie wil hv a gud tournament, havin recovered frm injury he might end up bein the tournaments top scorer

Rory fallon....go the kiwis!!

I think that, despite these players really play very well, another players can surprise in this world cup such as: Sneijder, Milito, Luis Fabiano, Robben, Robinho and even the goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

I think the article has some grounds as the writer focuses his arguments on their performance at club level.

However, he leave out Eto,o who is one of the most prolific strikers in the world, and whose versatility on the pitch can be invaluable to any team he is part of. He has had a very good season with inter, where he played a role that can be very difficult for a striker, and suceeded in winning his second successive trebble with Inter – a new world record in the game of football by the way. He won a treble with Fc Barcelona in 2009.

MILOS KRASIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO SERBIA!!!!!!
ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!

Arda TURAN/ Turkey

Does it have to be one of the well know players?. Here's a wild card, Shinsuke Nakamura.

I bet the best player in the world cup will be Spain's Xavi Hernandez. He may not be Spain's captain, but he will control the midfield and dictate the tempo of Spain's attack.

The man who would have been the best have been left out.Certainly not Mesi,Inter's defence have shown that room marking for Mesi is extremely effective in stifling his style of play.What Messi is missing what the others have is a congenial partner up front.Right now he is the most skillful player on the planet,the best is a little way off.

what about Robinho????????

I think we are giving too much attention to Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney and living some top players without the attention they deserve! Beware of Fernando Torres, Xavi, Iniesta, Robben and Diego Milito! They can make a difference in this tournament!

I think we are giving too much attention to Ronaldo, Messi and Rooney and leaving some top players without the attention they deserve! Beware of Fernando Torres, Xavi, Iniesta, Robben and Diego Milito! They can make a difference in this tournament!

The players the author picked are so obvious its almost as if no one needed to be reminded one of them would likely be the World Cup Super Star!!! It would be nice if he had mentioned some players that get less media coverage, but are just as capable of becoming Super hero's for their respective nations.

robben, van persie, huntelaar, kuyt, van bommel, sneijder, van der vaart makes up a good team for the dutch. they are all in very good shape

a solid list. out of those listed, I would give the advantage to messi. but if i had to pick one off the list, fernando torres. at his best, the best player in world.

BONUS PICK: if the mighty yanks do the impossible it will be because of Jozy Altidore

USA!

there's a lot good player but these are the prominent among them. although i'm a fan of brazil team but i confess that Messi will be the best.

Why do they all have to be forwards, or scoring midfielders? that shows incredible bias for goal scoring and popularity. It has nothing to do with being the best player. why don't we ever care about goalies or defenders, surely they are not always the worst players....
my vote, Xavi.

Di Maria for sure.

This cup is going to be the Robin van Persie show, saw the Dutch yesterday against Mexico with a stunning first half with 2 times van Persie hitting the net.

I don't like the choices. So many players left behind.

J.S Park. Team Korea will be the Cinderella story of this years World Cup.

Messi is the best soccer player in the world! He is really a genius.There is nothing he can't do in the field.I hope he would lead the Argentina to the final and win the World Cup eventually in this summer!

In my opinion, Ronaldo has a good chance to shine as the Star of this edition of the world cup finals. Notwithstanding that Portugal is in a Group of Death, they have a solid team of professionals that should see off North Korea.

The crunch match would be the one against Ivory Coast where I believe they have the edge, overall, as I believe the Brazilians are the strongest in the group. Ronaldo is Portugal's standout player and is at the peak of his powers – incredible speed, mesmerising ball control and devastating on the dead ball.

All these attributes are equally applicable to Drogba and Messi but the latter is not as speedy while the former needs a good supply line to excel and Ronaldo has Nani who is in breathtaking form. What he needs most is to curb his petulance and gamesmanship and focus on making the most of his sublime skills like all Great footballers do.

no ji sung park

Best or worse much likely depend on how far the team gone thru. Stil lots of best players not yet been listed here.

wayne rooney will be the best player in the world cup looking at his recent form.

It will have to be Danish keeper Thomas Sørensen.
If not, then we have no chance......

Guys you forgot Torres and Gerrard

no one of these over paid ego man wil be a player with less ego but more spirit to do wel for his country and not for him self

you overlooked Michael Essien

U DEFINITELY 4GOT SULLEY MUNTARI, STEPHEN APPIAH AND THE "BISON" ESSIEN

As brazilian person I will suport Kaka. he is a great soccer player and a wonderful person.

Robin van persie

to be the top player at the world cup, you need a great coach and team backing the player. also you need to reach the semi finals or play the most games as possible. it hard to say who but from the big teams we have spain, brazil,netherlands, france, italy, germany, argentina, england and maybe portugal.

from these "big teams" i doubt portugal,france, italy will go far thus i doubt players from these countries will be player of the tournment.

argentina i doubt messi will be player of the tournament unless the reach the semis which is doubtful.

england i think rooney, lampard, ashely cole and gerrad could but be players of the tournamnet if england reach the semi finals

brazil the only player who can win it there will be kaka, or the goal keeper or maybe the defenders like maicon or luico since brazil will go far and have the best defence its possible the player of the tournament maybe a defender like in 2006 when canavro won it.

netherlands are my 2nd favourites 2 win the world cup with the fully fit team it will be hard to beat them. players like arjen rooben, robin van perscie, snijder and rafel van der vaart r contenders 4 the players of the tournamnet.

germany usally do well at the world cup, i think klose could be , since has an amazing strike rate at the world cup. at this tounament he is the top scorar at the world cup and is very likey to be player of the tournament.

spain r my number one favourites with xavi and instea barcelona best players the could be plus david silva and cesc fabragus could be very good contenders. david villa was the top scorar at the euros thus he may be 2 and ferando torres could also be player with the tournement,

Stop joking around! Kaka is the BEST. U will see

You may not see it at this stage but sambaboy LUIS FABIANO will emerge the best. He has the best eye for goal!!!

Without a doubt Lionel Messi. He's been giving masterful performances whenever he's on the field. I reckon Argentina, however, are not gonna make it to the finals, Maradona is by far the worst coach Argentina have ever had. Now, as far as Brazil is concerned, Kaka, Luis Fabigoal, and Julio Cesar will definitely surprise everyone and help the team get to the finals. If they get there, they're gonna win hands down!!

I believe in Luis Fabiano, the Fabulous.
He is the guy.
I think the list will pop up.

Good cup in south in africa for all selections.

One thing everyone is ignoring is that the according to FIFA rules, the World's Best Player will come from the country that wins the 2010 Worldcup.

So we need to ask ourselves, for instance, can the Ivory Coast win the World Cup? – since this is the only condition in which Drogba can even be considered for the Best Player honours.

And what about Pedrito, the only man in the world that scored a goal in 6 different competitions in the same season. (im talking about in his club not in the national team, but now it has a chance. Let see.

This definitely shows that CNN, as an American broadcastcenter, doesn't know football. What did Kaka do this season? Nothing! And why didn't they pick Sneijder in their poll? With him as the architect Inter won everything! So my vote goes to him!

you always forgot Samuel Eto'o!!!!!!!you could be suprised

I think Ribery has a good chance as he was injured for much of the season and will be 100% fit, unlike many other stars.
But agree with Kasonde that coach and team are also important.
So France will not make it to the finals. Neither will Argentina, so that excludes Messi.
I think it will be a surprise. Just like in the Champions League where all the star-packed teams did not make it.
I think Spain will win the World Cup, so maybe one of their players.
Sorry for the Dutch (I'm Dutch) but Robben and van der Vaart do not make the difference when under big pressure. Maybe Sneijder or van Persie ...

it will be great no matter who's the best player... i think that this world cup is gonna be more about team play togetherness than individual stars and players... messi is not gonna shine like in barca... netherland is gonna be good and serbia is gonna surprise.... remember marchiso from italy too

Martin Palermo

NONE of CNN´s list is likely to be the best player, so the question is biased .

First ask which team will win the world cup then who will be the best payer.Evey player is good but winning the final he will be the best

Schweinsteiger or Lahm get my vote.

Robin van Persie.

I vote for Messi.

But, why CNN forgot to include INDOMITABLE LION'S SAMUEL ETO'O?

KUN Aguero...if Maradona is able to line up best Argentinian players that is not sure...

i vote for diego milito

Iniesta

I vote for Samuel Eto'o. The man who has won back-to-back champions league will definitely lead Cameroon to lift the world cup on African soil.

Arjen Robben, had a fantastic season with Bayern München and it looks like he isn't made of glass anymore.

DAVID VILLA
He's just a LETHAL striker and the world cup star has to be from the winning team and with Spain's young dream-team who would it be?

Champions League's back to back champion SAMUEL ETOÓ. He's the best. just hold ur breath cos he's going to prove u all wrong

I tip Kaka for the title, a gentle, humble footballer.

Messi is the BEST player out!

i think cristiano ronaldo and drogba would be out there for sure and also watch out for Ghana's kwadjo asamoah, dede ayew and micheal essien. this world cup would really be a joy to watch.

I think Kwadjo Asamoah of Udinese will be outstanding for Ghana Black Stars .Black stars go on and win the world cup on African soil.

I voted for Rooney ......I think he's the best attacker ever ,,,, the cup will be easy for us ( England ) ....... No Brazil , nor Argentina , not even Spain.....no one but the real champions , England !!!!!!!

i strongly believe messi will be the world best player at the world cup, the lad is just the best at present.

I'd say either van Persie or van der Vaart. Both of them will be world champions anyway.

Only Rooney on your list is actually good at his national team.

Despite been an african, I will go for Wayne Rooney. This guy is strong, and got speed.

Um, hands down the best will be MIRASLAV KLOSE or his teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger!! Go Germany!!!!

There is absolutely no chance that Spain will win the cup !!!!!!!

Therefore no chance of a spanish player being the best .

xavi , iniesta , fabregas , torres , villa , silva

Messi is the best player in the world but... saddly despite the fact Argentina has a great team the manager is pretty bad he might be one of the best players ever but that doesn't make him the best manager ronaldo is clearly not the best player I think he is overestimated I think the best player of the world cup will be Arjen Robben
well and Cnn should add Iker Casillas best goalkeeper who will do a great world cup

The best players will be and has to be Lionel Messi.... other to watch is England's "Walcott"

The player who lead their team to get the champion will be the best player.

Mark Schwatzer. best keeper in the world, awesome shot stopper, he can be the key player in helping Australia advance out of the most competitive group in the World Cup

i vote for Kaka. Although Messi is the best player in the world I think Kaka will have a better World Cup.

Messi isn't even an optiom bcause Maradona is a mediocre coach... I feel sorry for him. And as everyboys saying the best player will b from the team that will win the world cup so I bet on Kaka as the Brazilian soccer team will b victorious this year in South Africa.

It's Argentina for me but less about Messi and more for Milito.

After seeing the Dutch match against Mexico this week, it has to Robin van Persie. What a player, Son of Dennis Bergkamp!
I really have a feeling that the Dutch will win the cup this year, look at their squad: Van der Vaart, Van Persie, Sneijder, Robben, van Bommel, de Jong, Huntelaar, kuyt, babel, van Bronckhorst etc..etc.. it is flipping good! Hard to beat that team this year!

How abt Frank Rebery?

he is a football magician.he understand the language of football.and the ball listen what he say.he has shown his magice in the field to the people.so the people of these earth should not have any hazitation for declaring that messi is the best player the world has ever seen.

Is there a possiblity for India to come through the wild card option ?

why is wayne rooney even there?all he does is score goals for man united.hardly for england.thats not the mark of the best player.
holland should produce the best player.

Unfortunately, Messi have to fight aginst South Korea' Team. It will not easy. Italy, Spain, and Portugal had defeated by Korean team in 2002.

Contrary to the many points listed here, the best player doesn't always come from the winning team. If I recall correctly, Oliver Khan was the named the best player at the World Cup in 2002, when Brazil – with Ronaldo scoring 8 goals – won. This year, the CL has thrown out a few surprises and I expect a bit of the same at this world cup. Makes sense that CNN went with Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, Rooney etc... they ARE the best in the world. For my money, I'd go for Higuain. Contrary to CNN bold statement that Ronaldo almost carried Real Madrid on his own, Higuain actually scored more goals than he did. He is simply not as hyped up.

Who will be the World Cup's best player? Steven gerard
-or fenando Torres

-

None of these guys will do best I say. I,m counting on Dong Kook Lee, the player I like best on South Korean team. Or Ji Song Park who I like second best.

Rooney, Drogba, Ronaldo, Messi etc... were good at playing soccer but I think Drogba was the best. Because in Spain league, Chelsea won the game, and in final round, Chelsea VS Wigan, Drogba did hat
trick and lead the game. So I think Drogba is the best.

Quote: "why is wayne rooney even there?all he does is score goals for man united.hardly for england.thats not the mark of the best player.
holland should produce the best player."

Romano, how can you say Wayne Rooney never scores for England:

Top Strike rate for the 2010 Qualifiers in Europe Was Wayne Rooney

9 goals in 9 games.

overall he has scored 25 in 58 appearances. England need Rooney in the big games, he can genuinely spark magic, and without him could be the difference of winning and losing. This shows he has the mark of a best player.

hei
my cmment serbea will takit wrld cup

the world cup best player? i will go for Wayne Rooney out of the other contestants. Messi is a one man player but always has a bad day when Xavi is not playing well, kaka has injury problems while Drogba and Christiano Ronaldo lacks the needed support.
the world cup is a different ball game all together, so any player can emerge as the tournaments best player, i will stick my neck out for players like milito, Xavi, torres can also win this award but lets keep our fingers crossed

Robinho will be the name of the next world cup, he's just been won a tournament in Brazil and gets other final stage called Brazil's world cup.

i will go for mr drogba because his the best his got the world in his hands go africa,go drogba

Mesut Ozil He will suprise you hes been put in the middle of talent with schwieni, Mueller and poldi that a whole lot of size and speed in midfield.

Drogba all the way! Teh fact. he became the best in the Premier League

I think Odewinge will shine even more than Drogba.

No doubt IT will be MESSI

I would say Didier Drogba n Frank Lampard

I my opinion Robinho is going to be the World Cup's best player. Who likes to see a Soccer show, look this guy playing. Brazil will struggle a lot to get on more Cup, but we will get it.

Landon Donovan will have a breakout tournament and will be right up there with the big five!!

LEONEL MESSI !! VAMOS ARGENTINA!!!

Messi has the best quality in the world, but I hope Jisung Park who plays for Manchaster United. He is the king of South Korea and scores a lot. Korea Fighting!!!!!!!

Luis Fabiano for Brazil. He has really proven himself over these past couple years and knows how to finish. I predict that he will take the Golden Boot.

Where is Arjen Robben ???????????????

Arjen Robben
Robin van Persie
Those are missing CNN
Do your homework better

people are all voting for the big stars like messi, ronaldo, rooney and so on.... but i think the entire world should watch out for these three players.. higuain, fabiano and diego milito....

No doubt,,is Cristiano Ronaldo

I thin Ronaldo would steal the show singlehandidly if he is supported by his team mate.

Infact, the Protugal coah should explore his shooting skills (Long range, shot , D area, etc). I feel that he can score a dozen goals if he keeps on shooting from every angle whenever he gets chances as he is very good at it. If he shoots from around 25 to 35 yards then it is certain that 80 % of the time he will score (he has that ability)

By saying that, the protugal team shold not get jelous as he has the ability instead should support him and give more balls to him.

So shoot Ronaldo Shoot....from thevery first minutes till the last secounds of the game...(its not necessary that you should shoot the goals only once you are inside the penalty area.) Remember, you loose the Champions league in the first leg becasue there was not much attempt and one long shoot from Lyon palyer made the difference.)

All the best in the world cup.....

As in Euro 2008, Xavi will be the MVP of the tournament

Van Persie, Robben, van der Vaart, Sneijder and, perhaps, Messi

The question is: Which of the best players can live up to his potential and can bring his team to another level? Messi can lift his whole team by playing as good as he is. It is not about the coach bringing his team in line for Messi, it is Messi playing so good, that his coach will do so. Messi can be the sensation but we all remember the tournament in Spain when Maradona could not do that, what everybody expected of him. 4 years later he did and became one of the best ever. I truly think Messi will be the best and that would put Argentina in the final. You can't be the best player of the tournament without reaching the final. The other contestant for me will be Iniesta!
He is the silent force of Spain and without him they are a few levels down. Xavi is the director but Iniesta the unmissable diamond on the midfield.

I think it can be a new rising star if no one blocks Messi –
TipsterCup.com fans on facebook

Watch the big four: v. Persie, Robben, Sneijder & v.d. Vaart.

Do you agree? Is Lionel Messi the best footballer on earth. The best player in the world cup

Didier Drogba deserves a my vote after what he has done this year for Chelsea so he gets it..

Kaka is returning from injury so not so sure.

Rooney has had recent injuries..

I do like Messi though and have watched him in front of goal a few times now..,.magic!

World cup around the corner but hare in Abudhabi U AE many fans will miss chance to watch this great sport only one channel will bring live this games very expensive to pay to watch and cheaper to travel and watch this games pliz advice me which other channel apart from Aljzeera sport will bring this game live .This will be great for us fans to watch thank you for your help

Do not underestimate Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany). I guess he will be on of the world cup's best players.

I love & want lionel messi to be the world cup player of the year

Hey guys the only player who can score with both feet, head, free kiks, drible, force and tecenic, its Cristiano Ronaldo, thats a fact, so please lets be real and look at things the way they should be, but its also a fact that Cristiano doesn't have a time to helping out, so best player C. Ronaldo who will be the best player at the world cup its always the winner and that won't be C. Ronaldo thats also a fact....

Hard choice, Drogba is good but African teams usually have trouble putting in wins in big tournaments. Rooney is amazing but the English team are overrated because of their best in the world Premier league. Christiano's problem is his ego which might get in the way. Kaka has been struggling with injuries. Messi is the best player out there right now but it remains to be seen if Maradona can get the best out of him. So in my opinion for the world cup the team is much more important than the individual stars. Most likely we will see someone else stealing the glory from these superstars.

Ji sung Park of South Korea, who plays for Man Utd.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player. but the worlds best its always from the time that wins, and that won't be Portugal, so Xavi if its Spain, Kaka or Julio Cesar if itd Brasil, Roben Holland, Messi Argentina, etc...great players out there but the most complete its Cristiano....

Samuel Eto'o

I will bet Di Maria will make a great cup

Phillip Lahm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wayne ROONEY all the way, common ENGLAND go and win the world cup.

When you leave the midfielders out, you don't understand the game.

Rooney the best forward of the world, is going to be the scorer of the world one.

to all my fellow football fans who say that CRonaldo is a bad player, i am sorry to say but u know nothing about football....messi shines becaues there is Xavi on the field..who do u think passes the ball to LMessi at the right time in the right place..its Xavi..and there is no Xavi on Argentina National team..so Messi being the best player is unlikely..its betweenn C Tevez,Silva,Villa,LFabiano and CRonaldo..
CRonaldo plays with passion on his natonal team for a first..second his abilities exceed messi rooney kaka and drogba..
he plays with both feet, mess iplays with only left foot, CR has perfect targetting and massive power at freekicks, messi has a very low chance of scoring at a free kick, CR is better built, is faster, and taller..all of this makes him the best player in the world and the upcoming FIFA's best player at 2010 world cup!
but the world cup is going to go to ESPANA!!!!!!

Franck Ribery

France is going to surprise most of you

If England go far into the tournament, I believe Steven Gerrard is the key to the team. If he's on fire, the rest will follow!

I believe you should also consider
Samuel Eto'o, he is one of Europe's best striker

Sneijder!

Messi is without a doubt the best player, but..... look out for Sneijder, van Persie, Robben and van der Vaart. Holland is a serious contender this year!

lionel messi is thebest footballer in the world.there isno question for that.and i believe he is going to shine in south africa.

Has the U.S. beat England yet, or is that next week??

I believe even after a sub par season that Miroslav Klose will be spectacular once again infront of the worlds eyes and kick start Germany in making alittle history despite of their injuries. Technically sound as always, they will be in the semi's!!!!!

i dont see those names as best player. i see Fernando Tores of Spain

Actually I know it will be noun of those given. The final match will tell you who he is. He must be the final match squad. I guess he is Xavi.

Messi is going to put his stamp on this tournament let's face it and not wast our breath.argument finish so bring it on.

Narrow minded vision I call this overlooked are Sneijder, van der Vaart and van Persie yes all three are Dutch.....

I stick my neck out for Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Osaze Odemwinge (Nigeria) and Wayne Rooney (England). In addition to this, you guys should watch out for Ardjen Robben (Holland)....

How come Rooney is even in the picture. there are better players than him, the likes of Villa. How can you ignore tham.

none of the above..believe me there going to a surprise in these world cup.unknown player will make a name for himself.

Klose, Podolski, or Schweinsteiger!

What about Robin van Persie!
He's still hungry because he was out of competition for 6 months.

What about Van der Vaart. He was playing KAKA out off the first eleven at Real Madrid.

You'll never gonna beat the DUTCH!

Hup Holland Hup

None of the above...believe me there going to be a surprise in these world cup.unknown player will make a name for himself.

without a doubt... leo messi!

Messi is the best player! GO MESSI!

Cristiano Ronaldo

well, drogba should be dropped from the list because when its giving his best for his country its next to zero...actually it goes for all highly rated african stars at these elite clubs!!!!! Messi is going to mesmerize during the tournament and also Rooooooooney

With Footbal being a team game supposedly, it is rather ironic that the Golden Boot is given to the player who has the most goals. Right now, with the hoo-hah on Henry's handball, with the unmanly attitude initially displayed by Drogba when Lampard took on the first penalty kick against Wigan just so he can have the most goals in the Premiership, and with his eventual implied admission of how players' choices can be reliant on their Club's wages or patriotism, it is about time the GB and the world's attention be given to the team that displayed the most spirit to bring their nation forward.
The best player in the world is not one player, it should be one team that exemplifies true camaraderie, true clean slate, true playmake, true sportmanship.

Five choices seems a bit thin

Kwadwo Asamoah and Andre Dede Ayew from Ghana, no doubt about that

None of them. It'll be Bastian Schweinsteiger, you'll see!!!

well u guys are kidding me, u forgot to including the tallest striker in the tournament, i believe he produce overwheming surprise GO PETER, VIVA THREE LIONS

It is a tough one to predict. So many good players!
Drogba will not have enough of a support cast.
Messi is probably the best player today ( but Maradonna as his coach?)
Ronaldo could be, but he gets hot and cold.
Go Holland!!!!!!!!!!

I think it will be some-one a little further under the radar...maybe Jesus Navas, Schneider, Robben, Robinho...and even Crouch could get lucky.

narrow minded view, like others commented , what about van Persie, Sneijder and Robben the latter for example is a much better player then Rooney ever will be....

OF COURSE ITS GONNA BE RON 'CAUSE HE'S THE BEST AND HE WILL GIVE HIS 100%. RONALDO ROCKSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

As a Spaniard, I think that Villa, Xavi and Iniesta at least need to be there. Xavi and Iniesta are the top mid-fielders in the world and Villa is no worse than any other striker.

Both Navas and Pedro could be pleasant surprises.

Keep up with the news people. Drogba is out of action due to an injury and evidently so is Arjen Robben (he will be sorely missed).

I also would have appreciated a "none of the above" option on this pole cause my favorite players aren't listed.

I will be keeping my eye on Wesley Sneijder, but as an outsider I hope Uruguay's Luis Suarez is gonna cause an little upset.

Go Orange Army Go!

Messi is real good if not de best..one will give it to him.But if Rooney hits form alongside wt his inform England teamamtes..i'd give to Rooney any time any day.

Several players have the potential to light up the world cup . In fact every world cup throws a rare gem of a talent no one barely knows; remember 2002 brought us El hadji Diouf- Senegal and the team spirit of the south Koreans 2006 – The mid field trio of Essien, Mutari and Appiah; 2010- I think cameroune mid fielders ; Mikoun11 and stepahnie M'bia, south african Piennar, The Dutch attacking trio- Sneider, Robben , Van persie. The spanish Mid field trio- Silva, Xavi, Iniesta. Then there are the south Americans- there is always a player that no one knows that just takes the world cup by storm- Remember the Saudi Arabin- Saeed Owairan with that wonderful goal against Belgium in the 1998. W/C

None of the above, it'll be Fernando Torres of Spain.

KAKA'!

I believe none of the above mentioned will shine
there will be new faces like inrahim afelay or other young ones

You guys have forgotten about Andre Dede Ayew and Kwadwo Asamoah of Black Stars of Ghana.One of them is definitely going to be crowned the best player of the tournament. Who's Messi, Drogba, Kaka, Ronaldo, or Rooney? None can be compared to these important players of Black Stars.

Even though i adore Rooney, i reckon Messi will take it. What he did to Arsenal in the Chapions League was unreal.

Other players to look out for are Xavi, Torres, Gerrard, Lampard and Robben (if he is fit).

There is just too many great players who can take this title.

Look out for Robin Van Persie! He is in great form. And being a number 9 he can make a huge impact in the tournament. With his technique and ability to read a game with his eyes closed, he is my number one! Being a Dutch you might not agree with me, but I've seen most of the players in the world – and he looks ready. Secondly, Lionel Messi – Brilliant technique – great to watch!

This is a long shot, but if he gets playing time, watch out for Ramires on Brazil`s squad. He`s the youngest player at 23 for Brazil and has plenty of gas in his tank. He only yesterday finally scored (twice) for the national team, but there is no pressure on him and he may be too young to feel it even if it starts to build. Look for a lot of assists from him as well. He is fast and talented. All that remains is for him to be able to play...

Surely,its Robinho

Di Maria, what a monster.

Messi,Kaka, Ronaldo, Didier might be the best players in the world cup but Nigeria will take the cup, crazy thought but watch the space.

Robben!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Again we know who will be the champion. Six-time Brazil
and Kaká best player

Robin van Persie

I agree that Rooney and Messi have a chance of winning but the rest ,...NO...KAKA is a weak player....hes not worth what RM payed for him.....Cristiano Ronaldo barely made it to the world cup....they forgot David Villa, Torres, D. Milito, but overall Spain will take this one....no doubt.....

Xavi, from Spain

One of the outstanding Oranjes-Dutch (van Persie, Robben or so) will be the best player hopefully, possibly one of the Spanish team or the selecao from Brazil. The ugly guy Rooney will be out in 1/8 final anyway, latest if it comes to penalty shootout.

Messi is number one currently,I havn't seen anyone of that calibre with ball other than Maradona.He is a magician. Though I am Indian but a huge fan of Brazil, I think Brazil has a fare chance to get the title. Brazilian are all magicians with ball. Brazil has a very strong defensive this time but Argentina i think on attacking.I think defense and couter attacking will win this time.But coz of Messy and Maradona I want Argentina to be the winner.If Argentina wins it will be a history Maradonna = Messy. I fare supporter who ever plays better I will go for it. England is team secondly i like the most,coz EPL pressure team mates are enemies ,tragedy. They have to do somthing on this.

Although I'm Brazilian, I think it will be Argentina's Messi.
He does magic with the ball at his feet.
But Brazil will win another World Cup. +1

I can't believe this list....you left out LeBron James, Walter Payton, Derek Jeter and Ken Shamrock.

But I'm certain Michael Jordan will be top player....

Landon Donovan for sure. Best player in the world.

I believe in Kaka. He is a great player. Brazil will win this world cup.

the four of the five you mentioned are white men messi,ronaldo,kaka,racist rooney, what about the black man,,,,its africas world cup blad....drogba or eto

Let's not forget that the best athletes in the USA do not play the sissy game, but are found in the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and American Eagles Rugby. If our kids play soccer after 12 years old we begin to question their masculinity!

The World's best soccer players are playing rugby!

Ling Yai

Ling Yai...

hahaha. I want to see the best american foot, basket or baseball player playing european football for 90 minutes

just want to see it! and we'll see if they are real men!

It's a ludicrous question! It's like asking "Who's the better American Football player: Quarterback Tom Brady or Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald? THEY PLAY DIFFERENT POSITIONS! Pick your top striker, top midfielder, best defender and best keeper. At least that keeps the discussion on track.

I just happen to come across this link in another article and it's just fitting that none of these players made any mark on the world cup. What do I say? I believe that of these five men only two scored (a single goal... Drogba and Ronaldo, right?)

What this world cup shows, and what should have been obvious for some time now is that good strikers in such a big tournament are rarely decisive anymore. It's all about the mid-field, that can both supplement the defense and the offense. Germany showed this wonderfully last night, building up constant offense while keeping the Argentinian strikers without a ball to play with (Messi mostly.) The Dutch managed to frustrate Kaka to such avail that I've only heard his name once in the entire match.

In future events, and this counts both for the WC, as the European championships and Copa, don't pick strikers as the best players. Pick the likes of Dirk Kuijt, Müller, etc. The guys actually working for the team.

It is unbelievable to know that Kaka, some years down the road, will
give up all that glitzy life and become an evangelical pastor, although,
moneywise, he will be making way more money. Can you fathom all
his fans, donating to his church 10% of their earnings?

It is really funny that people will still be thinking of the old horses like C Ronaldo, Kaka, etc. I believe Vanperse may emerge the best even though i believe spain will win the cap. But Messi and Andrew Dede Ayew of Ghana cannot be overruled

messi