Every year there is great expectation and anticipation for the release of the annual FIFA video game. Once again that is the case for FIFA 21, with soccer fans around the world being incredibly excited to see the changes made and how their favorite teams will be showcased this time around.

One of the big things that gamers anticipate is how different players will be rated within the video game. Guesses about who will make the top 10 are always common, and now they have been officially announced, with FIFA releasing the ratings of their players for this year. The top 10 players have been made official, reflecting how the players performed during the previous campaign, helping to create one of the best sports games. 

10 Sadio Mane (90)

Sadio Mane finds himself in the top 10 highest-rated players this year, for the first time in his career. It is well deserved for the Liverpool winger who has had two tremendous seasons in a row now, winning the Champions League and the Premier League in that time.

He is someone who has thrived in the goals and assists department, and this video game saw his score raise up two points from 88 in the previous year.

9 Mohamed Salah (90)

Much like his Liverpool counterpart, Mohamed Salah finds himself in the top 10 highest-rated players on FIFA 21, and that is something he has certainly earned. He’s a constant attacking threat and someone who is very technical.

With Liverpool being an incredible success over the past few seasons, the clubs top players are always going to be making the rise in ratings and that is reflected here.

8 Kylian Mbappé (90)

Considering that Kylian Mbappé is on the cover of this years game, there was never any doubt that he would be featured in the top 10 players. The French international is an incredibly gifted soccer player and someone who has real potential to become the worlds best.

Not only has the tricky winger been rated as one of the top 10 overall players, but he is also classed as one of the fastest players in the entire game as well. Speed is something that a lot of gamers look for in players, especially in Ultimate Team, and that will make Mbappé a name many are on the lookout for.

7 Virgil Van Dijk (90)

Yet another Liverpool player who has made the top 10 players is Dutch defender, Virgil Van Dijk. The centre half completely transformed what was previously a poor defence when he joined the club, and has quickly made his qualities known to the world stage.

Dominant in the air, a contributor of goals, and strong in the tackle, Van Dijk really does bring everything that a team could want from a defender. He’s considered to be the worlds best defender, and therefore it’s a no-brainer that he was placed into the top 10.

6 Jan Oblak (91)

Once again, Jan Oblak is the highest-rated goalkeeper in the video game. The Atletico Madrid shot-stopper is an amazing player and someone who really has established himself as the very best in the world within his position.

While he hasn’t won any major titles yet, that doesn’t stop him from being such an incredible player. He’s incredibly confident at shot-stopping and very commanding of his area, making him the best overall goalkeeper in the world.

5 Neymar Jr (91)

Neymar Jr is an incredible talent and someone who can cause opposition teams complete havoc. There’s a reason that he’s considered one of the worlds greatest players and FIFA has showcased that with Neymar’s score of 91.

His ability to score goals and create chances really makes him a threat and considering his age, there is no doubt that there is only a potential for growth in future games.

4 Kevin De Bruyne (91)

The highest-rated player from the English Premier League this time around is Kevin De Bruyne, which doesn’t come as a surprise. The Belgian midfielder is an unbelievable soccer player with his precision passing really helping him stand out from others in his position.

De Bruyne was voted as the Player of the Year in the Premier League for the last campaign and he always contributes with both goals and assists. It’s no surprise to see him rated so highly, and he could be someone who continues to rise in the future.

3 Robert Lewandowski (91)

The Bayern Munich striker was arguably the best player in the world last season with his consistency goals helping the German side to huge success. His rating has gone up two points from last year to reflect his fantastic performances, which is well earned.

Robert Lewandowski is a tremendous all-around striker who can do it all. Whether it be aerial battles or tricky work with his feet, and seeing him be rewarded with a high FIFA rating is certainly deserved.

2 Cristiano Ronaldo (92)

A name that everyone expected to be high up on the list was Cristiano Ronaldo, who has consistently been one of the best players in the world since he burst onto the scene. Even in his maturity, Ronaldo has continued to provide countless goals and assists.

At Juventus, Ronaldo has continued to thrive and despite the fact that he has actually dropped down a point from last season hasn’t stopped him being the second highest-rated player in the game.

1 Lionel Messi (93)

This year in the battle between the world’s two top players, it is Lionel Messi who has come out on top with a slightly higher rating of 93. Officially the best player in the world according to FIFA, Messi is someone who gamers won’t be shocked to see at the top of the charts.

While he might be slowing down and coming towards the end of his career, Messi is still a phenomenal player. He can do some breathtaking things with the ball and his goals and assists speak for themselves.

NEXT: The Worst Sports Games Of The Decade (& Their Metacritic Scores)