The wait is over! The 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, showcasing the finest talents in football, has been officially announced. This prestigious lineup, voted by over 28,000 professional players across 70 nations, celebrates a remarkable year in the sport.
Featuring an array of talents from Real Madrid and Manchester City, the 2024 team reflects a year dominated by these two clubs. Notably, it’s the first time since 2006 that Lionel Messi is absent from the list, marking the end of an era.
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Dominance of Real Madrid and Manchester City
This year’s World 11 is heavily influenced by two European powerhouses, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Six players from the Spanish giants and four from the English champions have made the cut, showcasing their incredible seasons. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is the only representative from outside these two clubs, making his fourth appearance on this elite roster.
Four players – Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Ederson, and Rodri – made their debut appearances in the FIFPRO World 11. Their selection underscores their consistent performances throughout the season. Rodri and Ederson were pivotal in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, while Carvajal and Rudiger contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s defensive stability.
Midfield Mastery and Farewell to a Legend
Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, who recently retired, earns a fitting farewell with his inclusion. His contributions to Madrid’s midfield over the years have been nothing short of extraordinary. Joining him are Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, Manchester City’s midfield architects, and Jude Bellingham, whose meteoric rise has established him as one of the best young players in the world.
Sensational Forward Line
The forward trio of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr represents the next generation of footballing brilliance. Haaland’s goal-scoring spree for Manchester City, Mbappe’s electrifying performances, and Vinicius Jr’s flair for Real Madrid make them deserving inclusions.
Voting Process: A Democratic Touch
What sets the FIFPRO World 11 apart is its unique voting mechanism. This is the only global football honor determined solely by players. From 21 August 2023 to 14 July 2024, footballers from around the world voted for their peers based on their performances. Players were required to have participated in at least 30 official matches during this timeframe to be eligible.
Each voter selected three players per position – goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward. The players with the most votes in each category earned their spots, with the final position going to the next highest-voted outfield player.
2024 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Team of the Year
Goalkeeper
- Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
Defenders
- Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
- Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
Midfielders
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
- Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Forwards
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
- Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France)
- Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)
End of Messi’s Reign
A significant talking point is Lionel Messi’s absence. Since its inception in 2005, the Argentinian icon has been included 17 times, a record unmatched in the history of the award. His omission symbolizes a shift in footballing dominance as a new generation steps into the spotlight.
The 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 stands as a testament to excellence, teamwork, and individual brilliance. With the rise of fresh talent and the continued dominance of stalwarts, this year’s lineup encapsulates the beauty and unpredictability of football. As players continue to inspire millions, this honor remains a celebration of their incredible journeys and accomplishments.
Read More: UEFA Champions League 2024/25: Atalanta vs Real Madrid – Preview & Prediction
FAQs
How is the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 decided?
The team is chosen through votes cast by over 28,000 professional footballers from 70 countries, based on performances between 21 August 2023 and 14 July 2024.
Which clubs dominated the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World 11?
Real Madrid contributed six players, while Manchester City added four. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk was the sole representative from outside these two clubs.
Who are the new debutants in the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World 11?
Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Ederson, and Rodri made their first appearances in the World 11.
Why is Lionel Messi not in the 2024 World 11?
For the first time since 2006, Messi was not selected, signaling a generational shift as younger stars took center stage.
What criteria are used to select players for the World 11?
Players must have appeared in at least 30 official matches during the voting period, with the most votes in their positions securing a spot. The 11th spot goes to the next highest-voted outfield player.
