Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only nominees for the World XI from non-European clubs, showcasing their enduring influence in the football world. Despite their absence from European leagues, both athletes continue to command respect and admiration from their peers.
At 37 and 39 years old, respectively, Messi and Ronaldo were included in a 26-man shortlist for the prestigious World Team of the Year, organized by FIFPRO, the global players’ union. This recognition reflects their remarkable careers, even as they compete in leagues outside of Europe.
Of the other 24 nominees, all played in the past year for clubs in top European leagues such as England, Germany, Spain, and France. Kylian Mbappé stands out as the only French representative, having spent the last season with Paris SG.
Interestingly, no players from Italian clubs, South American teams, or African clubs made the shortlist, highlighting the concentration of talent in specific leagues.
Real Madrid leads the nominations with eight players, including Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. Manchester City follows closely behind with seven nominees, featuring Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland.
Among the nominees is Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old sensation from Barcelona, recognized for his outstanding performance during Spain’s European Championship triumph.
Messi, now playing in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, and Ronaldo, competing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, will discover their fate regarding the World XI lineup on December 9.
FIFPRO has indicated that the final team will consist of the highest-polling goalkeeper, the top three vote-getters from defenders, midfielders, and forwards, and one additional outfield player based on total votes.
This year, a remarkable 28,000 players from 70 different countries participated in the voting process, emphasizing the global nature of football.
Goalkeepers nominated include Ederson from Manchester City (Brazil), Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa (Argentina), and Manuel Neuer from Bayern Munich (Germany).
Defenders on the list feature Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain), Rúben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany), William Saliba (Arsenal, France), and Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England).
Midfielders nominated include Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium), Phil Foden (Manchester City, England), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid, Croatia), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany), Rodri (Manchester City, Spain), and Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay).
Forwards include Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England), Mbappé (Paris SG/Real Madrid, France), Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Cole Palmer (Manchester City/Chelsea, England), Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal), Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil), and Yamal (Barcelona, Spain).
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