I will attempt to make my list of the greatest footballers from 2000-09. It is an extremely difficult task to complete since everyone has had different amounts of exposure to different players, and opinions always differ from person to person. But I will attempt to make this list, and I hope you enjoy it. Reminder: this is purely opinionated. Feel free to disagree in the comments below.

10. Lionel Messi

One of the biggest names in football today, Leo Messi broke through in 2007, and despite only playing for 3 years at the top level during this decade, he makes the list. Winning the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009, and coming second and third in the Ballon d'Or in 2008 and 2007 respectively, Messi lit up Europe with mazy dribbles and Maradona-esque goals. His culminating season in the decade resulted in his best performance of his career to that date: 39 goals and a sextuple of trophies to boot. His best years, however, would be reserved for later.

9. Kaka

The elegant Brazilian was part of arguably one of the best teams of the decade. At Milan, he made the sport look easy, and played an immense role in their victory of the Champions League in 2007. His initial move to Milan in 2003 resulted in replacing Rui Costa in the starting line-up, and immediately being nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d'Or. His successful career at Milan resulted in 5 trophies, and praise from the entire world.

8. Raul

The Spanish forward is regarded as one of the greatest Spanish players in history, and his legendary goal-scoring feats are yet to be matched at Real Madrid. During his career at Madrid, he was both their highest-scorer, made the most appearances, and was the highest-scorer for his national team. Never a physical threat, Raul relied on his intelligence on the pitch to contribute to the match with bags of skill and assist, and being Real's highest-ever scorer while sharing the limelight with the likes of Ronaldo, Higuain, Morientes, Owen, and van Nistelrooy is an impressive feat indeed. Raul's phenomenal career in this decade resulted in 11 trophies, including 2 Champions League titles.

7. Iker Casillas

The legendary Spanish goalkeeper is considered by many to be one of the finest ever, and his career during this decade was nearly impeccable. Beginning the decade with a Champions League winners' medal, and ending it with a victory at the EURO Championships, Casillas has left his mark on Spanish football forever. His excellent reflexes and dives were hardly matched by anyone during his career, and being an inspiration to his team-mates as the captain served to motivate his team as well. The Spaniard would also go on to be part of the team that would win the World Cup in the next decade.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese winger was known for his notoriously eccentric behavior and dribbling skills, but was extremely efficient and talented as well. Helping his nation reach the finals of Greece 2004 and the semi-finals in the 2006 World Cup, the young Ronaldo began his career impressively. His tint at Manchester United saw him inspire the English club to three league titles and a Champions League trophy. His time in this decade culminated in two 2nd place awards for the Ballon d'Or, one Ballon d'Or in 2008, two FWA Player of the Year awards, and a FIFA World Player of the Year as well. Like his Argentine compatriot, the Portuguese winger would save the better part of his career for the following decade.

5. Ronaldo

An outrageous World Cup hairstyle, and equally outrageous talent, the Brazilian would have arguably been the greatest player in history if not for his recurring injuries and weight issues. His ridiculous talent saw him bag goal after goal with ease, and lead his nation to victory in the 2002 World Cup with 8 goals, which was enough to win him the FIFA Golden Ball. A Ballon d'Or winner in 2002, the Brazilian also became the highest-ever goal-scorer in the World Cup during the 2006 edition in Germany, with 15 goals. The Phenomenon scored 169 goals during this decade.

4. Gianluigi Buffon

The legendary Italian is arguably one of the greatest ever goalkeepers of the game, and is deservedly near the top end of this list. He demanded the highest-ever fee paid out for a goalkeeper in 2001 when he moved from Parma to Juventus for 32.6 Million Pounds. The fee has since been called a "bargain" for his immense services to the club. He helped them to the final of the 2003 Champions League, losing on penalties, but made no mistake in a shoot-out at the 2006 World Cup, where his record of 5 clean sheets helped Italy win the competition. Buffon had among the finest-ever reflexes for a goalkeeper, and was a born leader. His only conceded goals at the 2006 World Cup were an own goal by Cristian Zaccardo, and a Zinedine Zidane penalty.

3. Thierry Henry

The Frenchman had a fantastic decade, establishing himself as one of the finest forwards in history. He won the FWA Player of the Year three times, a record, and won the Premier League Golden Boot 4 times. His style of play was described by Arsene Wenger as being able to score wonderful goals, while simultaneously being a dangerous play-maker. He is the highest scorer in the Premier League with one club, and the 4th highest overall. His record with France also makes him the highest-scorer for his nation, and he led his team to the 2006 World Cup final.

2. Ronaldinho

The Brazilian was absolutely marvelous to watch in his prime. His no-look passes, slick dribbling, and impressive goal-scoring abilities made him the Ballon d'Or winner in 2005, and FIFA World Player of the Year winner in 2004 and 2005. His break-out came in the 2002 World Cup, where he made a notorious trio of forwards with Ronaldo and Rivaldo, and made himself a legend at Barcelona, where he helped them to a Champions League title in 2006. His game was played with grace, and his manners equally graceful.

1. Zinedine Zidane

Regarded as one of the finest players in history, Zidane defined elegance. You could have your Ronaldos, your Maldinis, your Figos, and your Buffons, but one Zidane is more than enough to change the entire game in your favor. Zidane's excellence seemed to be immortalized, as he led his nation to the World Cup final in 2006 at the age of 34, scoring past both Casillas and Buffon throughout the tournament. His notorious headbutt against Materazzi ended a beautiful career in shame, but Zidane does not deserve to be judged by one act alone. His talent was surreal, and he was rightfully awarded the FIFA Player of the Year twice in this decade. Zidane also holds the record for most goals scored in a World Cup final with 3 (2 in 1998, 1 in 2006). At club level, Zidane had scored a majestic volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final, which ended up being the game-winner. He had won 6 trophies with Real Madrid throughout this decade.

http://footyroom.com/hall-of-fame/2000-2010/

Why is it 2000-2009 or why isn't it 2000-2015 ? :D
About the list, I would probably do this list with the same names but placing them like this:

**10. Messi

1. Raul
2. Casillas
3. Kaka
4. C. Ronaldo
5. Henry
6. Buffon
7. Ronaldo
8. Zidane
9. Ronaldinho**

I totally agree with Zizou being no. 1

My Top 10 is exactly what @Dynastian's is.

Honorable Mentions to:
Steven Gerrard
Michael Owen
Ryan Giggs
Frank Lampard
David Beckham
Michael Essien.

My honorable mentions were to the following players,

Steven Gerrard
Clarence Seedorf
Frank Lampard
Deco
Samuel Eto'o
Luis Figo
Claude Makelele
Paolo Maldini
Fabio Cannavaro
Andriy Shevchenko

Very good, Zizou best player I have ever watched. Although I would take Ronaldo (brazilian) higher up, he won the WC in 2002, and also became the tournaments highest scorer, as well as being HUGE at Real Madrid, he did go downhill in 2006, but still, I would honestly put him over Ronaldinho. Just my opinion. I can see why Ronaldinho would be #2 though.

I agree w/ your list for some reason :-p Guess I'd add Bergkamp there though, w/ Vieira to honorable mentions. So damn hard to make list out of so many great players anyways.