| Now that the excitement around the 2014 Football World Cup has died down, it's appropriate to consider the top 10 soccer players for the year. While the World Cup certainly grabbed the football headlines, the list of top 10 soccer players for this year is based on overall performances, both before and during the tournament. Any such list is certain to be controversial, so feel free to disagree! | |
| Lionel Messi Despite his relatively low key performances at the World Cup, Messi has to be top of the list for his overall quality and ability to turn a game with a single pass or strike. |  |
| Cristiano Ronaldo The Ronaldo 'step-over' is imitated all over the world. A superb taker of free kicks and reader of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo is second only to Lionel Messi. |  |
| Arjen Robben Love him or loathe him, Arjen Robben is a special soccer player with amazing skills and a powerful left foot. If only he would stop his acting antics on field and concentrate on his undoubted skills! |  |
| James Rodriguez A surprise packet at the World Cup, James Rodriguez showed his class and skills to best effect with his wonder goal against Uruguay and deservedly won the 2014 Golden Boot award. |  |
| Gareth Bale Unfortunately Wales haven't got a strong national team, so Gareth Bale wasn't able to display his undoubted talents on the greatest stage, but he has justified his record transfer fee with impressive performances for his new club, Real Madrid. |  |
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic The mercurial Swede wasn't present at the World Cup, but his performances for club and country, when he's not sulking, entitle him to a position in my Top 10. |  |
| Philipp Lahm The German defender was as magnificent in his country's World Cup performances as he has been for his club, Bayern Munich. |  |
| Luis Suarez Another love-him-or-loathe-him player, Luis Suarez has an uncanny ability to sneak into an opponent's penalty area unseen and is deadly accurate in open play and set pieces. |  |
| Neymar Jr. Neymar carried the World Cup hopes of Brazil on his slim shoulders until his unfortunate injury left the team hopelessly exposed. His performances up to then gains him a deserved place on the list. |  |
| Manuel Neuer Not many goalkeepers appear on Top 10 lists, but Manuel Neuer showed during the World Cup why he is considered the world's best 'keeper. A deserved winner of the Golden Gloves award and superb reader of the game. | |
| There were several top players who deserve honourable mention, such as Paul Pogbar, Yaya Toure and Robin Van Persie, but who would you pick? | |