Messi, Ronaldo Headline FIFPRO Men’s World Best 11 Nominees

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have once again been shortlisted for the 2024 FIFA FIFPRO World 11.

The FIFPRO World XI is regarded as one of the most esteemed accolades in football, aiming to assemble the best starting XI from the most exceptional players worldwide over the past year.

Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which relies on journalists’ votes, the FIFPRO X1 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.

Most of the familiar names were among 26-player shortlists announced on Monday, with the duo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both included in the list of nominated forwards despite missing out on this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist.

The final team will be revealed on Monday, December 9, showcasing the players voted as the best in the world by their peers.

The Premier League dominates the nominations, with 11 players included – more than any other league.

Among the nominees are familiar names like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Virgil van Dijk, alongside new talents such as Cole Palmer, who makes his first appearance on the shortlist.

FIFPRO Men’s World 11 shortlist 2024

Goalkeepers

Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil).

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina)

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Defenders

Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)

Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal).

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)

Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands)

Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany)

William Saliba (Arsenal, France)