Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both been named on the shortlist for this year’s FIFPRO World XI.
Both players have been named in the final XI on 15 occasions, with both players being named in the team every year since 2007.
Along with Messi and Ronaldo, the shortlist includes Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Karim Benzema, Neymar and Robert Lewandowski. Messi, who is considered the favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, has consistently produced impressive performances for Argentina on their way to the World Cup in Qatar.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric – who won the UEFA Champions League again in 2022 and appeared in the World Cup semi-finals with Croatia – is joined by Premier League stalwarts Jude Bellingham, Xavi and Pedri as well as Kevin. De Bruyne. Chelsea’s new signing Enzo Fernandez’s record move to Stamford Bridge has been downplayed yet again.
The defense includes Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Silva and former Chelsea man Antonio Rudiger, while the goalkeeper includes Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois and Emiliano Martinez.
FIFPRO World 11 shortlist
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Man City/Bayern Munich), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Casemiro (Man Utd), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Enzo Fernandez (Benfica/Chelsea), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd/Al Nassr), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Erling Haaland (Man City), Neymar (PSG)
