Best Footballer from Each Of The 6 Continents

FIFA World Cup 2018 is just around the corner. Less than two weeks away, billions of people will hog around their TV sets to support their favourite teams. Football is one such sport which has not left any continent behind and has garnered interest from fans all across the globe.

World Cup 2018 has 32 teams representing countries from all around the world. From big names like Spain and Brazil to underdogs like Egypt and Australia, no team would like to shy away and would give their all to lift the coveted title.

From Asia to Africa to the Americas, countries have been producing exceptional football talent over the years. While Europe and South America have maintained their dominance of delivering high-class performers, lately Africa and Asia have been catching up too.

Let's take a look at the best footballers from each of the seven continents (excluding Antarctica of course).

#1 Oceania - Aaron Mooy (Australia)

The continent of Oceania isn't usually known for producing genuine football talent barring a few names. Only Australia and New Zealand have a handful of names to offer, one of whom is the number 13 for the Australian team - Aaron Mooy.

Mooy has successfully managed to carry forward Tim Cahill's legacy as the numero uno player of the team. While Cahill is still going strong at 38 years of age, Mooy seems to be the obvious pick of the bunch. Currently signed with Huddersfield in the Premier League, Aaron Mooy has a great range of passing and can decimate the opposition with his lethal long shot.

#2 Africa - Mo Salah (Egypt)

The easiest decision of all and no beating around the bush - it's Mohamed Salah. Arguably one of the best players in the world right now, Salah has taken the football industry by storm. Rising to limelight during his period at FC Roma, his move to Liverpool last year has changed his life forever.

With 32 goals in 36 games for Liverpool in the Premier League, Salah has been instrumental for the national side and single-handedly took Egypt to the FIFA World Cup. Ousting the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah is in his prime, and it's a matter of when, and not if, the Egyptian reaches the pinnacle and wins the coveted Ballon d'Or.

#3 South America - Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Choosing from South America is yet another easy choice. Neymar and Sergio Aguero among a few others are all great players, but no one stands a chance against the great - Lionel Messi. One of the most technically gifted performers of all time, Leo has scored over 600 career goals for club and country.

Despite facing his share of criticism for his form on the international stage, Messi has stood the test of time and single-handedly took Argentina to the upcoming WC 2018 in Russia. He Argentina’s all-time leading scorer (64 goals in 124 games) and was named the player of the tournament at the 2014 World Cup.

Messi's technique and dribbling skills are untouchable, and his ridiculous goal scoring numbers are unparalleled. He has record tied 5 Ballon d'Ors with Cristiano Ronaldo, and the two have transformed the dynamics of football for years to come.

#4 North America - Keylor Navas (Costa Rica) and Javier Hernandez (Mexico)

North America isn’t exactly a preferred destination for footballing talent, and Mexico along with the USA and Costa Rica make the three highest ranked North American teams in the world. Two names from the continent that come to mind Mexico's Javier Hernandez and Costa Rica's Keylor Navas.

Both Navas and Chicharito have represented the biggest of clubs, with the former being the first choice goalkeeper of Real Madrid. In his prime right now, Navas has multiple Champions League titles to his name and is successfully carrying forward the club's legacy at the highest level.

Hernandez too became a sensation after his performances at Manchester United and became a huge name after that. With 49 goals from 101 appearances to his name, the Mexican will be looking to extend his tally in Russia.

#5 Asia - Son Heung-min (South Korea)

From Shinji Kagawa to Omar Abdulrahman, Asia has given the world some great footballers. But one name that stands out from the rest is the South Korean Number 7 - Son Heung-min. His explosive pace and positional sense are his greatest strengths.

In his third season with Tottenham Hotspur, Son is adept with both feet and can play numerous positions in the attacking half.

At just 25 years old, the Korean is a brilliant prospect for both international and club team. Son already has 30 goals in 99 appearances for the Spurs, and with age on his side, even bigger clubs might be looking to lure him up.

#6 Europe - Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

There is nothing wrong in saying that Europe is the birthplace of football. The continent still rules when it comes to club games and producing high-quality footballers. From Harry Kane, Tim Kroos to world-class goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer and David de Gea, there is no dearth of talent in Europe. But none of the above names come close to possibly the greatest player of the 21st century - Cristiano Ronaldo.

Even at 33, Ronaldo is still in a sublime form and is a one-man army for the Portuguese Football team. He is the country's all-time top scorer with 81 goals in 149 matches. Cristiano's longevity and consistency have always been his strengths, and his mere presence is enough to intimidate the opposition.

Numbers speak for themselves, and Ronaldo's 650+ career goals for club and country are a living testament to the fact. His rivalry with Lionel Messi has been a topic of debate for years, but one thing is for sure; there is nobody in the European region who is anywhere near Cristiano Ronaldo.