The 26 finalists for the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 have been revealed, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo headlining the list. Both players, who have won the most Ballon d’Or awards in history, are nominated for inclusion in the prestigious team, marking their 18th consecutive nomination. However, for the first time since 2018, neither Messi nor Ronaldo won the Ballon d’Or this year.
The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Award
The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is voted on annually by professional football players worldwide and celebrates the highest level of footballing excellence. The 2024 edition will be the 20th anniversary of the award, and the winners will be announced on December 9. A record 28,000 players from 70 countries have cast their votes for the Men’s and Women’s World 11 teams this year.
Notable Nominees
Among the notable nominees this year are Manchester City’s Rodri, Barcelona’s emerging star Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. These players join Messi and Ronaldo as key contenders for the final XI.
Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka Excluded
While many top players made the cut, Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka were notably absent from the shortlist. This exclusion has sparked discussions among fans and pundits, given their strong performances throughout the year.
Messi’s Opportunity for 18th Nomination
Lionel Messi has a chance to extend his dominance in the FIFPRO World 11 if he makes the final team this year. A nomination for Messi, who also helped lead Argentina to a Copa America title last summer, would mark his 18th inclusion in the World 11, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
Full FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Shortlist
- Goalkeepers: Ederson, Emiliano Martinez, Manuel Neuer
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Ruben Dias, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Antonio Rudiger, William Saliba, Kyle Walker
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Jamal Musiala, Rodri, Federico Valverde
- Forwards: Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Cole Palmer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal
What’s Next?
The final FIFPRO Men’s World 11 will be unveiled on December 9, alongside the Women’s World 11. With the inclusion of some of football’s biggest stars, the announcement is expected to be a highly anticipated event in the world of soccer.
SOURCE: Goal.com