2022 FIFPRO World XI: Disparities with ‘The Best’ rankings that need to be talked about

The 2022 FIFPRO World XI has left people confused, if anything. The main reason being the inconsistencies between the line-up, and the ranking of players that were presented in the Men’s Best Player category. 

Lionel Messi ended up winning the individual award for his remarkable performance at the 2022 World Cup. On the other hand, Emiliano Martinez was named the best goalkeeper at the ceremony for winning the penalty shootout which led to Argentina’s World Cup win. 

2022 FIFPRO World XI – How it really should have been 

While Messi was named in the 2022 FIFPRO World XI, Emiliano Martinez was replaced by Thibaut Courtois of Belgium and Real Madrid. His performance in the Champions League final was key to Madrid winning their 14th UCL title. 

The difference is that FIFPRO consists of only the players voting for the best line-up. On the other hand, FIFA’s The Best Awards include votes from journalists, coaches, national team captains as well as the fans. 

And as a result, there are quite a few notable absentees from the FIFPRO line-up, which would have been included had ‘The Best’ rankings been used. 

There can be very little dispute when it comes to the FIFPRO World XI. But, since Courtois has made the lineup ahead of Martinez, perhaps he should have won the Best goalkeeper award as well. 

Croatia’s Dominik Livakovic and Morocco’s Bono both had a great case for themselves had the World Cup weighed in so much. But, both players have been snubbed for Martinez, who was also named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.