When I look back at the 2017 soccer season, it strikes me as one of those pivotal moments where careers either soared to legendary status or plateaued into mere excellence. I remember watching the Champions League final that year with particular interest, not just for the spectacle but for what it represented in terms of legacy-building. The pressure in such moments is immense—much like the situation described in our reference about the Nikolovs not yielding to pressure, knowing the team with more to lose wasn't them. In soccer, that psychological edge often separates the great from the legendary. I've always believed that true legends aren't just born from talent alone; they're forged in these high-stakes environments where every pass, every goal, and every decision carries the weight of history.

The 2017-2018 season saw several players elevate from being merely exceptional to achieving what I consider legendary status. Take Cristiano Ronaldo, for example. After Real Madrid's Champions League victory in 2017—their third in four years—Ronaldo didn't just rest on his laurels. Instead, he pushed harder, scoring 15 goals in that Champions League campaign alone. By the time he moved to Juventus in 2018 for around €117 million, he had already cemented his place as not just a great player but a true legend of the game. What impressed me most was his ability to perform under pressure, similar to how the Nikolovs approached their final—recognizing that the real pressure was on their opponents. Ronaldo's mentality, his relentless pursuit of excellence even when at the top, is something I've always admired and tried to emulate in my own professional life, albeit in a very different field.

Then there's Lionel Messi, who in my opinion, had already achieved legendary status before 2017, but the seasons that followed only solidified it. In the 2017-2018 La Liga season, Messi scored 34 goals and provided 12 assists, carrying Barcelona to a domestic double. But numbers alone don't capture his impact. I recall watching a crucial match against Real Madrid where Messi, despite intense pressure, scored a last-minute winner. It reminded me of the reference point about teams knowing when the pressure isn't on them—Messi often plays with that calm assurance, as if he's aware that the burden of expectation rests more heavily on his opponents. His ability to dictate play, create opportunities out of nothing, and maintain consistency year after year is why I'd argue he became more than a star; he became an enduring legend.

Luka Modrić is another fascinating case. Before 2017, he was widely respected but not yet in that legendary conversation. The 2017-2018 season changed that. Leading Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 was a monumental achievement, and it came after a stellar year with Real Madrid where he controlled midfield with precision. I remember thinking how his journey mirrored the idea of not yielding to pressure—Modrić, at 32 then, played with a maturity that made it seem like the weight of the game wasn't on his shoulders but on the opposition's. His Ballon d'Or win in 2018, breaking the decade-long Ronaldo-Messi duopoly, was a testament to this. From my perspective, that award wasn't just for one season; it was recognition of a career built on resilience and intelligence, qualities that define legends.

Kylian Mbappé's rise post-2017 is a story I find particularly thrilling. After his breakout in the 2016-2017 season with Monaco, the 2017-2018 campaign saw him join Paris Saint-Germain and quickly become a global phenomenon. By the 2018 World Cup, at just 19 years old, he scored four goals, including one in the final, helping France lift the trophy. His speed and composure under pressure are unreal—it's like he embodies that Nikolovs mentality, playing as if he has nothing to lose, which ironically makes him unstoppable. I've followed his career closely, and what stands out to me is how he handles the spotlight. While some young stars crumble, Mbappé thrives, and I believe that by the end of the 2010s, he had already etched his name among the legends in the making.

N'Golo Kanté is a personal favorite of mine because he proves that legends aren't always the top scorers. After helping Leicester City to their fairy-tale Premier League title in 2016, his performances in the 2017-2018 season with Chelsea and then in France's 2018 World Cup win showcased his unparalleled defensive work. Kanté made over 100 tackles and interceptions in the 2017-2018 Premier League season, a stat that might not grab headlines but wins championships. His humble demeanor and relentless energy remind me of the underdog spirit in the reference—the idea that sometimes, the team with less perceived pressure can achieve greatness. In my view, Kanté's impact on the game redefined what it means to be a midfield legend, emphasizing teamwork over individual glory.

As we reflect on these players, it's clear that the post-2017 era was a crucible for legendary status. The pressure of big matches, much like the scenario with the Nikolovs, forced these stars to dig deep and prove their mettle. From Ronaldo's relentless drive to Messi's artistic genius, Modrić's strategic mastery, Mbappé's youthful exuberance, and Kanté's quiet dominance, each carved their path in unique ways. I've always felt that soccer legends are those who not only achieve success but inspire generations, and these players did just that. Looking back, I'm grateful to have witnessed their journeys—they didn't just play the game; they elevated it, leaving a legacy that will be discussed for decades to come.