‘Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo getting older’ – Aston Villa & Jamaica star Leon Bailey becomes surprise pick to inherit ‘best player in the world’ crown once GOATs retire

The 26-year-old winger was considered to be a hot prospect when making a senior breakthrough at Belgian side Genk while still in his teens. He has impressed in Germany and England since then, with 12 goals and 11 assists recorded for Villa this season as they take aim at a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Bailey is said to be attracting admiring glances from some of Europe’s biggest clubs and has made no secret of his desire to grace the Champions League stage. Such a platform would give him a chance to follow in the footsteps of all-time greats who are approaching the end of their remarkable playing careers.

Bailey’s representative, Craig Butler, believes the flying forward is ready to join the global elite, telling the ‘Up The Villa Podcast’ of the potential boasted by his client: “There is so much more to come. I don't think Leon has hit 40% of his potential yet. You've only seen 40 per cent of what Leon can do. It's about the timing, I believe that one day he will be the best player in the world. He'll keep getting better and better and one day he will be regarded as the best player in the world. Messi is getting older, Cristiano’s getting older, Neymar has injury problems and is getting older, [Kylian] Mbappe as well. Leon has no cap on his potential. You've not seen anything yet.”

Bailey is tied to a contract at Villa through to 2027, with that deal including the option for a further 12-month extension. The likes of Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala have been billed as the most logical successors to Messi and Ronaldo, as they prepare to pass on the ‘best in the world’ crown, but Bailey could put himself in that conversation if consistency can be maintained while remaining on an upward professional curve.