Ranking the best attacking trios of the 21st century

The greatest front three combination in the last 24 years.

Over the past two decades, some of the greatest teams in the football have been defined by their incredible strike partnerships.

From Barcelona's mesmerizing attacking force to Real Madrid's dominant trio, these front-lines have left a permanent mark on the game.

Pulse Sports rolls back the years to look into the best attacking trios of the 21st century.

1. Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar (Barcelona - 2014-2017)

No list of attacking trios would be complete without the formidable Barcelona trio that dominated European football. Known as "MSN," Messi, Suarez, and Neymar combined for a staggering 364 goals and 173 assists over three seasons. Their 2014/15 campaign was particularly remarkable, as they guided Barcelona to a treble, winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Their scintillating play and incredible chemistry made them one of the most feared attacking forces in football history. Although their partnership was relatively brief, the impact they made was profound and unforgettable.

2. Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid - 2013-2018)

Real Madrid’s attacking trio of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo, often referred to as "BBC," enjoyed a highly successful spell, particularly in the Champions League. Over five seasons, they helped Real Madrid secure four Champions League titles. While La Liga success was more elusive, the trio's ability to deliver in Europe’s premier competition was unparalleled. Ronaldo's goal-scoring prowess, Benzema's playmaking, and Bale's crucial contributions made them a formidable force in attack.

3. Lionel Messi, Pedro, and David Villa (Barcelona - 2010-2013)

During the peak of Pep Guardiola’s reign, Messi, Pedro, and David Villa formed a dazzling attacking trio. Their first season together saw Barcelona win both La Liga and the Champions League, with Villa and Pedro providing critical support to Messi. Despite Villa’s injury in December 2011, the trio continued to shine, reclaiming La Liga in the 2012/13 season with a record-breaking 100 points. Their ability to link up and create chances made them a joy to watch and a nightmare for defenders.

4. Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United - 2007-2009)

Sir Alex Ferguson's final great Manchester United team featured a devastating trio of Rooney, Tevez, and Ronaldo. Their dynamic play and interchangeability wreaked havoc on opposing defences. In just two seasons together, they won two Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League, and several domestic cups. Ronaldo’s Ballon d'Or-winning form, combined with Rooney and Tevez’s relentless energy, made them one of the most exciting front-lines of the decade.

5. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mané (Liverpool - 2017-2022)

Liverpool’s attacking trio of Salah, Firmino, and Mane captivated fans with their blend of speed, skill, and teamwork. Their first season together saw them reach the Champions League final, and they went one better the following year by winning the trophy. Their relentless press and fluid attacking play were crucial in ending Liverpool’s 30-year league title drought in 2020. The trio’s contribution to Liverpool’s success during their tenure at Anfield was immense, with Salah, Mane, and Firmino each delivering standout performances.

6. Arjen Robben, Mario Mandzukic, and Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich - 2012-2014)

This Bayern Munich trio made their mark with a trophy-laden spell, including the 2013 Champions League. Robben and Ribery, known for their explosive wing play, complemented Mandzukic’s striking prowess perfectly. Their synergy played a pivotal role in Bayern’s domestic and European successes. Though the partnership was short-lived due to tactical changes under Pep Guardiola, their impact in their first season together was significant.

7. Shinji Kagawa, Mario Götze, and Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund - 2010-2012)

Under Jurgen Klopp, Dortmund’s Kagawa, Götze, and Lewandowski were instrumental in breaking Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance. Their dynamic attacking play led Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles and a DFB-Pokal win in 2012. The trio’s chemistry and technical ability made them a thrilling watch and a force to be reckoned with in German football.

8. Robert Pires, Thierry Henry, and Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal - 2000-2004)

Arsenal’s attacking trio of Pires, Henry, and Bergkamp was crucial in the club's "Invincibles" season. Bergkamp’s vision and creativity complemented Henry’s pace and finishing, while Pires added flair and goals from the wing. Their interplay was a key factor in Arsenal’s unbeaten Premier League season and their domestic success during the early 2000s.

9. Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko, and Hernan Crespo (AC Milan - 2004-2005)

Although their time together was marked by a dramatic Champions League final defeat, the attacking trio of Kaka, Shevchenko, and Crespo was a joy to watch. Their individual brilliance and collective play were a significant factor in Milan’s domestic and European campaigns, with their attacking prowess nearly securing them the biggest prize in club football.

10. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry, and Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona - 2009-2010)

In a single season, Barcelona’s Ibrahimovic, Henry, and Eto’o formed a potent attacking trio that helped secure the Copa del Rey. Although their time together was brief, the blend of Ibrahimović’s power, Eto’o’s finishing, and Henry’s experience was impressive, adding another layer to Barcelona’s attacking options.

As we look forward to one of these teams producing another amazing set of three attacking players, we will continue revelling in the memories given to us by these wonderful star players.