Reddit users predicted who the best footballer in the world would be in 5 years

5 years ago, Reddit users predicted who the best footballer in the world would be. While some predictions are brilliant, many look a bit silly now.

On a fine day in 2014, a ‘Reddit’ user kick-started a discussion about who the best footballer in the world would be in five years.

Yesterday, another user on the platform reminded the internet of the discussion, which included 797 comments, and varied opinions.

While we are at an obvious advantage in categorizing the correct and the horribly bad predictions, the wide range of opinions on the post is astonishing.

Let’s take a look at some of these comments on the post.

How the Reddit users predicted:

While many were split between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a majority of fans chose players who showed huge potential in 2014.

However, as we speak, these players have either not lived up to their early boom and simply faded away, or are still among the best – but behind the two obvious standout performers in European football.

While names like Eden Hazard, Neymar, Kevin de Bruyne and Gareth Bale were mentioned, many also opined that Mario Balotelli, Mattia de Sciglio, Romelu Lukaku, Mateo Kovacic and Christian Benteke could be the world beaters in 2019.

One fan wrote, “Balotelli, Isco, Nastasic, Hazard and Lukaku.” Another fan, who replied on his comment, was almost correct on most of the choices. “Balotelli: too temperamental, Isco: possibly, if he gets enough chances to develop with Madrid, Nastasic: ehhh…, Hazard: probably, Lukaku: God I hope so,” wrote the fan.

The prediction closest to reality was made by a user named ‘cdr268’, who wrote “Hazard has potential to be up there. Obviously Neymar, Gotze etc. But in 5 years Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will still be at the top imo.”

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among the top two players involved in most goals across the top-five leagues in Europe this season. The Portuguese forward scored a hattrick against Atletico Madrid to steer Juventus through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Messi, meanwhile, scored a breathtaking hattrick against Real Betis last weekend as well and received a standing ovation from the opposition fans.

How Twitter reacted..

‘Who do you think will be the best players in five years?’ was asked on Reddit five years ago today.

Gotze, Draxler, Jese, Isco, Lukaku and Reus were regular choices. Benteke, Lamela, and Højbjerg were less conventional suggestions. pic.twitter.com/2DD7kEBtdR

— Conor de Smith 📰 (@desmith19) March 18, 2019

All 3 Lionel Messi Goals vs Real Betis.

One of the best hattricks you’ll see. Enjoy 🐐 pic.twitter.com/w8jbUMewlm

— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) March 18, 2019

Beginning to get on my nerves, all this ‘who is the best, Messi or Ronaldo’ nonsense. So who do you reckon is the greatest?

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2019

If Messi and Ronaldo didn’t exist, who’s been the best player in the world over the last decade?

— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) March 18, 2019

I’ve been lucky to see some fantastic players play at Celtic Park, Cruyff, Ronaldo, Del Piero, Pirlo and yes even Neymar, but the best I’ve seen in the flesh is definitely Lio Messi. Who was your top man? pic.twitter.com/Ql8Oz50vss

— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog09) March 18, 2019

 

What next?

Five years on, Lionel Messi, 31 and Cristiano Ronaldo, 33 are still pushing each other for greatness. Long may it continue!