Who Were the Top Soccer Stars of 2017 and Where Are They Now?
I still remember that electrifying 2017 football season like it was yesterday. The year when Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continued their otherworldly dominance, though I've always had a soft spot for Messi's magical footwork. Ronaldo bagged his fifth Ballon d'Or that year after leading Real Madrid to their second consecutive Champions League title - that's 12 goals in the tournament for those counting. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Kylian Mbappé announced himself to the world with that stunning performance against Manchester City, becoming the second-most expensive transfer in history at €180 million. What fascinates me now is tracking where these stars landed years later, much like following how players evolve after crucial moments in games.
Speaking of game evolution, I'm reminded of that intense basketball match where coach Charles Tiu's team forced a turnover, giving SGA plenty of time to complete their comeback. The parallel to football is striking - both sports have those make-or-break moments where careers pivot. Chris McCullough's missed attempts that would've tied or put them ahead mirror how football careers can turn on single moments. I've seen countless promising talents fade after similar crucial misses, while others use them as fuel for greatness.
Neymar's world-record €222 million move to PSG in 2017 perfectly illustrates how transfers can redefine careers. Personally, I thought leaving Barcelona was a mistake - he went from being part of football's most lethal trio to carrying a project. Six years later, he's become somewhat of a what-could-have-been story, battling injuries and never quite reaching the Ballon d'Or podium many predicted. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah's £34 million move to Liverpool looks like the bargain of the decade in hindsight. The Egyptian King exploded with 32 Premier League goals in his debut season, and unlike Neymar, he's maintained that elite level consistently.
The real success stories, in my view, are players like Kevin De Bruyne and Robert Lewandowski who've aged like fine wine. De Bruyne was already brilliant in 2017 but he's somehow elevated his game since turning 30. His vision and passing range remain absolutely sublime - that man sees angles most players don't even know exist. Lewandowski's transformation from Dortmund to Bayern Munich to Barcelona shows how intelligent career moves coupled with relentless improvement can extend peak years. At 34, he's still scoring 30+ goals per season while many contemporaries have retired or declined.
Then there are the cautionary tales. Remember Alexis Sánchez and Philippe Coutinho in 2017? Both were among the Premier League's most feared attackers. Sánchez had 24 goals for Arsenal that season before his ill-fated move to Manchester United, while Coutinho's £142 million Barcelona transfer essentially ended his elite career. I've always felt Coutinho's case particularly stings - he left Liverpool right before they became European champions, chasing Barcelona dreams that never materialized.
The young guns of 2017 present the most fascinating evolution. Mbappé has undoubtedly fulfilled his potential, becoming PSG's all-time top scorer and World Cup champion by 24. But what about Marcus Rashford? The 19-year-old sensation of 2017 has experienced dramatic peaks and valleys, from scoring 22 goals last season to struggling for consistency. His journey reminds me that linear progression rarely exists in football - it's more like that basketball game where momentum shifts unpredictably, and players must adapt constantly.
Looking at where these stars landed, the pattern that emerges clearly favors mental resilience over pure talent. The ones still thriving today - Modrić at 37, Benzema winning Ballon d'Or at 34, Messi still creating magic - all share that incredible adaptability. They've evolved their games, managed their bodies smarter, and maintained that competitive fire. Meanwhile, many physically gifted players who relied solely on their natural abilities have faded from relevance.
What strikes me most is how football careers resemble that SGA possession - you get limited opportunities to change your trajectory, and the difference between legend and what-if often comes down to converting those chances. The top stars of 2017 who've remained relevant didn't just rely on their 2017 form; they kept reinventing themselves, much like how great teams adjust after missed opportunities. As I follow today's emerging talents, I find myself watching not just for flashy skills, but for that intangible quality that separates transient stars from enduring legends. The game continues evolving, but certain truths remain: success requires both seizing moments and sustaining excellence long after the spotlight first finds you.
