50 Players Who Will Dominate World Football In 2016

Predicting this year's masters of the beautiful game.

The world of football is indescribably vast; it's hard for somebody to claim total control over it in the manner of a Michael Jordan or Usain Bolt. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are considered the dual kings of the beautiful game, for example, but both men have enjoyed very limited success on the international stage - at least relative to their immense talents. When predicting the men set to dominate in 2016, it's important to not merely focus on the current cream of the crop, but to take into account all types of players - from seasoned veterans enjoying a late resurgence to young, raw upstarts. All across the world, from Birmingham to Buenos Aires, footballers are gearing up to enjoy a very fruitful year. Come the end of 2016, the landscape of football will have shifted immeasurably. The stature of former youth team players will have gone through the roof, transforming them into household names, while some of the game's most recognisable figures will have had the chance to galvanise their legacies - particularly those competing at Euro 2016, the Champions Leage, and in lauded domestic competitions such as La Liga and the Premier League From up-and-coming youngsters to international superstars, here are the 50 players set to dominate world football this year.

50. Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

As sure as the sun rises in the morning, Gianluigi Buffon will be manning the sticks for Juventus. Remarkably, despite appearing in his 14th season for the Turin side, the 37 year old goalkeeper has continued to impress as much as ever, earning his tenth Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year award in the process. He's showing no signs of decline just yet; 2016 could well be another great year for the veteran. Could a dominating Euro 2016 be on the cards?
 
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