Africa is represented by five players in this year's ESPN FC 100, with Victor Moses, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Serge Aurier and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all featuring in this celebration of the world's top talents.
However, which of the continent's future stars are primed to crack the list in the future?
In this feature, we profile five players of 21 or under who we're backing to make the ESPN FC 100 in future years.
Alex Iwobi: A two-goal display against Argentina, as Nigeria bounced back from two goals down to defeat La Albiceleste 4-2, served an ample reminder as to the enduring class of Iwobi.
The forward - the nephew of Super Eagles great Jay-Jay Okocha - needed little time to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and the Champions League with Arsenal, delivering a series of intelligent displays when he emerged on the scene in the 2015-16 season.
He was out of the season at times last term as Arsene Wenger changed his approach, but Iwobi's undoubted qualities should ensure that he returns to prominence imminently.
Iwobi has the potential to be one of the breakout stars of the World Cup next summer, and definitely has the potential to be a feature in the ESPN FC 100 in years to come.
Joris Gnagnon: Along with Algeria's Ramy Bensebaini, Gnagnon is one of the continent's most exciting young defenders, boasting all the physical qualities to become a top centre-back.
Notably, he's also composed with the ball at his feet and confident in possession, and has made an encouraging early foray into international football, despite the Ivory Coast's troubles.
"He seized his chance when it came, he's improving all the time, and he has a big future," former Rennes coach Christian Gourcuff told the Ligue 1 website.
"He puts his physique to good use, but he also reads the game well and his technique means he's capable of bringing the ball cleanly out of defence. For me he's an ideal defender."
Henry Onyekuru: Following a remarkable goal haul with KAS Eupen last term during his breakout season, Onyekuru was signed by Everton and duly loaned back to Anderlecht.
This year is his opportunity to prove that he's not just a one-season wonder, with the wideman surely aiming to complete the current campaign with a strong World Cup and a return to Goodison Park.
He has the quality to do just that, with his pace, versatility and composure in front of goal combining to make him a lethal attacking presence.
Could he be Nigeria's x-factor at the World Cup?
Yves Bissouma is an attacking midfielder who, at times, can appear capable of conjuring up magic with the ball at his feet.
He caught the eye for the Mali at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations - scoring a wondergoal in their final group game against Uganda - and impressed with the way he continued to attempt to beat men and try tricks despite the torrid turf and diligent attentions of opposition defenders.
The 21-year-old has caught the eye occasionally in Ligue 1, but his progress at LOSC Lille stalled under the tenure of Marcelo Bielsa. With the Argentine coach soon to be on his way, expect the West African to return to the fore under his successor.
Franck Kessie: Another Ivorian talent who has the quality to help the Elephants out of their current plight is Kessie, who was signed by AC Milan this summer following a breakout campaign in Serie A with Atalanta.
The powerhouse isn't yet the finished article - he remains rough round the edges and was worryingly bypassed in Milan's recent defeat by Juventus - yet his raw materials make him an excellent prospect.
Beyond his immense physical qualities, Kessie's key strength is perhaps his consistent desire to turn with the ball at his feet and look forward. He's able to beat men and, last term at least, proved a dynamic presence in the heart of the park as La Dea registered their best top-flight finish.
Under Gennaro Gattuso's tutelage, expect him to demonstrate why so many have been quick to identify him as the heir apparent to Yaya Toure.