5 highest-ranked footballers in list of top 100 athletes of 21st century as Zidane, Modric, Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho miss out! 

ESPN has released its list of the top 100 athletes of the 21st century, and the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo Nazario have failed the top five footballers ranked. Lionel Messi is the highest-ranked footballer, sitting third, with swimmer Michael Phelps named first.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the next footballer ranked, but he doesn't make the top 10 as he's 13th. Brazil's Marta is the best-placed women's footballer as she is 32nd, while Thierry Henry placed 48th. Barcelona women's star Aitana Bonmati is next up and 49th in the rankings.

Zidane comes into the equation in 50th place, arguably low for one of the most iconic midfield maestros to have graced the game. Zizou lit up European football, particularly at Real Madrid, where he bagged 49 goals and 68 assists in 227 games. The France icon won the Ballon d'Or award three years before the 21st century began and continued to wow fans.

Luka Modric is in 55th place, while Kylian Mbappe's stock is growing; he's in 65th place. Ronaldo Nazario's surprisingly low placing comes at 87th, given that many believe he's the greatest No.9 in history.

The former Inter and AC Milan forward was a menace in front of goal and flourished at Madrid and on international duty with Brazil. He won the Golden Boot (eight goals) at the 2002 FIFA World Cup as Selecao triumphed. R9 won the Ballon d'Or that year after his 1997 win.

The enigmatic former Brazilian frontman's former national teammate Ronaldinho is in 94th place. The Barcelona hero dazzled at Camp Nou with his silky skillset and was a benchmark for the Gingha brand of football.

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"It was fun" - Zidane delved into life with Ronaldo Nazario and his training mischief at Real Madrid

Zidane and Ronaldo were part of a Madrid side dubbed the Galacticos following a huge swarm of world-class talent arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu. Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Raul, and Iker Casillas were other stars befitting the nickname.

Ronaldo was renowned for his cheeky antics both in-game and behind closed doors. He tore defenders apart with his pace, power, and prolific nature, registering 103 goals and 35 assists in 177 games for Los Blancos.

Zidane gave an insight into life playing and working with the Brazil great when speaking last year. He said (via Marca):

"It was fun when you were with Ronaldo, the Brazilian, and he said to you, 'Today, I'm going to nutmeg you twice.' He said it, and he did it."

R9 was a unique striker who could score all types of goals, and his predatory instincts made him an all-time great at Bernabeu. He won four major trophies in five years at the Bernabeu before leaving in January 2007.