The FIFPro Men’s World 11 for 2024 has been unveiled, showcasing the finest talents in world football as voted by the players themselves. With over 21,000 professional footballers casting their votes, the announcement not only highlights the best individual performers over the past year but also provides a fascinating insight into the players’ perspectives on the global game.
The Selection Process
Organized by FIFPro, the World 11 is the only global award decided exclusively by footballers. Players are invited to vote for their ideal starting XI, consisting of one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, with the final slot going to the next highest-voted player, regardless of position.
For the 2024 team, performances between August 2023 and July 2024 were considered. This timeframe encapsulated major tournaments, including domestic league competitions, the UEFA Champions League, and international fixtures. Players evaluated their peers based on skill, consistency, and impact, making the World 11 a reflection of the respect and admiration within the football community.
The 2024 FIFPro Men’s World 11
This year’s lineup features a blend of established superstars and emerging talents, with five Premier League players making the cut. The final team is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
- Defenders: João Cancelo (Bayern Munich), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
- Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Wildcard: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
The team demonstrates the global nature of football, with representation from Europe’s top leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1. Players from five different clubs were included, reflecting the diversity of talent across the footballing spectrum.
The Premier League’s Influence
The Premier League continued to assert its dominance, with five players featured in the final XI. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City were shoo-ins after their phenomenal roles in City’s historic treble-winning campaign, including their UEFA Champions League triumph. Haaland’s record-breaking goal tally and De Bruyne’s consistent creative brilliance were key to their inclusion.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk also made the cut, reinforcing their status as two of the league’s most consistent performers. Despite Liverpool’s challenges last season, Salah’s goal-scoring prowess and Van Dijk’s defensive solidity stood out. Meanwhile, Ruben Dias, another Manchester City stalwart, was a rock at the back and earned his spot through his commanding presence and leadership in defense.
The Most Popular Player: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, who now plies his trade at Inter Miami in the MLS, emerged as the most popular player in the voting. The Argentine maestro’s spectacular performances in leading his country to Copa América and FIFA World Cup glory continued to resonate with players worldwide. His ability to deliver in big moments, combined with his undeniable technical brilliance, ensured he remained a global icon.
Messi’s move to the MLS has not diminished his reputation among his peers. On the contrary, it has added another fascinating chapter to his storied career, with his influence in raising the profile of football in North America being widely acknowledged.
Notable Omissions
As always, the FIFPro World 11 sparked debates and discussions about the players who narrowly missed out. Stars like Robert Lewandowski, who had another prolific year with Barcelona, and Neymar, who dazzled in spells for PSG, were conspicuous by their absence. The fiercely competitive nature of the voting underscores just how difficult it is to make the cut.
A Celebration of Excellence
The FIFPro Men’s World 11 is more than just a list of names; it’s a celebration of the extraordinary levels of skill, dedication, and determination displayed by these athletes. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the year’s most memorable moments and honors those who have consistently delivered on football’s grandest stages.
As we look ahead to another season, the 2024 FIFPro World 11 serves as a reminder of the game’s beauty and the players who continue to inspire millions around the globe. Whether it’s Messi’s magic, Haaland’s hunger, or Bellingham’s rise to stardom, these players embody the very best of football.
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