2020 has been a different year for all of us. The coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to all activities and nothing has escaped it. Football was no different. However, it hasn’t stopped the best players in the world from delivering great performances and shocking the footballing world. Here are the best footballers of 2020.
Best Footballers During The Pandemic
Robert Lewandowski
Perhaps the best player of 2020, Robert Lewandowski has always been one of the best strikers in the world, however, this year his game has reached a new level. The Polish striker was a key member of the Bayern Munich team that won the European treble and the Pole was the top scorer in each competition. The master finisher concluded the season with 55 goals in all competitions in a mere 47 games. He is the frontrunner to get the FIFA Best Player Award this year. Having finished last season strongly he has begun the 2020/21 season equally good with already 13 goals in the Bundesliga.
Kevin De Bruyne
After having to rest for most of Manchester City’s domestic treble season, Kevin De Bruyne was determined to prove that he could get back to his best among the world’s elite. A rare positive in a largely disappointing season for Manchester City, De Bruyne won the PFA Players of the Year Award and is undoubtedly the best midfielder in the world. The Belgian provided 20 assists in the Premier League equaling Thierry Henry’s record while also managing to score 14 goals in the process in what were some crazy numbers for a midfielder. Also, he already has 13 goals and assists this season and looks set to carry this form well into the latter half of the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Hardly any season passes when Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the discussion of being one of the best players in the world. At 35 years of age, Ronaldo is still going strong at Juventus. His first season in Italy was not up to his own standards but he did make up for it in some fashion in 2020/21. 37 goals for The Old Lady in addition to the 11 goals with Portugal National Team shows his prowess at an age when others start to decline. He was one of the few rays of light in an average Juventus side that managed to go only till the first knockout round in Europe but did manage to retain their domestic crown. Under Andrea Pirlo, the Portuguese superstar has started the season the only way he knows with 14 goals thus far this season for Juventus despite being out for two weeks due to Covid-19.
Manuel Neuer
The German shot-stopper has cemented his place amongst the greatest ever goalkeepers and last season he once again proved his worth. A treble-winning team requires a solid defence along with a prolific attack and Manuel Neuer made sure that his team’s defensive structure was never broken. The Champions League final that was expected to deliver a goal feast, saw Neuer show the world why he has still got it. Stunning saves to keep out the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar ensured that Bayern Munich won their sixth Champions League title. He was undoubtedly one of the best footballers of 2020.
Sergio Ramos
2018/19 was a terrible campaign for Real Madrid and most of its players. Even one of the most consistent performers like Sergio Ramos suffered a dip in their form. Before the start of the season, many believed that this was the end for Ramos and his best days were behind him. Speculations of him leaving Madrid were also rising. However, the Spanish captain put all that behind him to endure a great season and finish it as the world’s best centre back. 13 goals last season along with constant Man of the Match performances and solid defensive displays helped his side achieve their 34th La Liga title and their first in three years. His stunning performances meant that he was amongst the best footballers of 2020.
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