Over the past few years, I've developed a love for the sport of soccer. I've grown to appreciate the sport as a whole, the skill required to play it, and the professional athletes that make a living from playing this beautiful game. I have also come to idolize and respect some of the players that make the game so enjoyable to watch. Here's a list of a few of my favorites:

1. Mario Balotelli

This Italian wild card has been one of my favorite players since I started watching soccer. He's currently on loan at the Serie A club AC Milan from Liverpool. I think the main reason is, because while he's a good soccer player, he also plays the role of celebrity off the field. He's hot-headed, and has received criticism over the course of his career because many people don't think he takes the sport seriously. He's been in a wide variety of arguments with teammates, broken the law for driving too fast, and broken up with girlfriends on national television. But something that I love about Balotelli is that what you see is what you get. He's going to do things his way, and he doesn't care whether people like it or not. It's also important to note that he is still only 25 years old, and while he hasn't lived up to his potential in his career thus far, he's shown signs that he can be a world-class player. It's up to him to straighten out his off-the-field issues and prove to people that he isn't the joke some make him out to be.

2. Paul Pogba

The 6'3" French midfielder is considered to be the future. Pogba is one of my favorite players to watch because he's constantly doing the unthinkable. Possessing such technical skills and great footwork make him invincible to defenders. Not only can he move well with the ball, but he's a great passer, and also has an unbelievable shot that he's able to get a great deal of power behind. He is only 22 years old, and has shown that he's a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. He currently plays at the Serie A club Juventus, but there's talk of him moving to another team because he's wanted by so many teams around the world. He will definitely be a player that is talked about for years to come.

3. Andrea Pirlo

There is so much to say about this Italian legend. He's a man of few words and a leader on the pitch. Pirlo is also known as "the Architect" for his ability to create plays on the field and consistently make things happen. One can argue that he is one of the coolest, most composed, and classiest players in professional soccer. He's recognized for his uncanny ability to score free kick goals and give picture-perfect passes to teammates. When you watch Pirlo play, he looks as if he has the ball on a string. He is always confident in his game, which I something admire. When he retires, it will be a sad day, because the world will not be able to witness such prowess on the field ever again.