New Delhi: The 26-player shortlist for the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World XI was revealed, showcasing the best footballers of the past year. This award, voted on by professional players, aims to select the greatest starting XI, ensuring it reflects football’s finest talent.
Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which relies on journalists’ votes, the FIFPRO XI is chosen by over 28,000 professional footballers worldwide. Players vote for their top three goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from an initial pool of 250 names. The lineup includes a goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, with one extra outfield player added based on votes.
Notably, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are once again nominated. Even though neither was on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, their longevity keeps them in contention for an 18th consecutive World XI appearance. Rising stars like Lamine Yamal and seasoned players like Virgil van Dijk also made the cut. However, names like Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka were surprisingly excluded despite standout performances this season.
The final World XI lineup will be unveiled on 9 December, a moment eagerly awaited by football fans worldwide.
Full list of players nominated for FIFPRO Men’s World XI
2024 FIFPRO World XI Shortlist. 🚨⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1vZmc51IiT
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 2, 2024
Goalkeepers
Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina)
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Defenders
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)
Rúben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands)
Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
William Saliba (Arsenal, France)
Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
Phil Foden (Manchester City, England)
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia)
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay)
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)
Vinícius Junior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
Rising stars like Lamine Yamal join legends Messi and Ronaldo on the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World XI shortlist. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
