The recent announcement of the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) Team of 2023 has stirred controversy, with Cristiano Ronaldo notably absent from the star-studded lineup. Despite finishing as the top goalscorer in 2023, the Portuguese legend finds himself on the sidelines while his arch-rival, Lionel Messi, secures a spot in an unconventional position.
Ronaldo’s Shocking Omission
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s omission from the IFFHS Team of the Year has raised eyebrows across the football community. The 38-year-old, who netted an impressive 54 goals in 59 appearances for Portugal and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, failed to secure a place among the forward trio. This marks the second snub for Ronaldo, following his exclusion from the IFFHS’s list of the ten best footballers of 2023.
The Chosen Ones in the IFFHS Team of 2023
The chosen forwards for the IFFHS Team of 2023 include Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe. Haaland’s remarkable tally of 50 goals played a crucial role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign, which culminated in the Club World Cup triumph in December. Meanwhile, Kane showcased his goal-scoring prowess with stellar performances for both Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich, totalling an impressive 52 goals across all competitions. Mbappe, the PSG talisman, matched Kane’s goal tally and secured his place in the prestigious lineup.
Messi’s Unfamiliar Role in Team
While Ronaldo faces exclusion, his long-time rival Lionel Messi finds himself in an intriguing position within the IFFHS Team of 2023. The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, having clinched the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain before making a move to MLS side Inter Miami, has been positioned in a four-man midfield. This unexpected deployment suggests a tactical shift from the norm for Messi, who joins forces with Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.
IFFHS Team of 2023 Composition
The IFFHS Team of 2023 boasts a formidable lineup, with five players hailing from treble winners Manchester City. Ederson, the Brazilian goalkeeper, stands as the last line of defence, supported by a three-man backline comprising Ruben Dias (Portugal), Kim Min-Jae (South Korea), and Alphonso Davies (Canada) – all donned in the colours of Bayern Munich.
The Midfield Maestros
In the midfield, the quartet of Rodri, Bellingham, De Bruyne, and Messi promises a perfect blend of defensive solidity, creative flair, and goal-scoring prowess. Rodri and De Bruyne played pivotal roles in Manchester City’s triumphant campaign, while Bellingham’s impressive performances since his £113 million summer move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid have not gone unnoticed.
Controversy Surrounds Ronaldo’s Exclusion
The exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo from the IFFHS Team of 2023 raises questions about the selection criteria and the significance placed on individual achievements versus team success. Ronaldo’s prolific goal-scoring record, coupled with his contributions to Portugal and Al-Nassr, seems insufficient to secure a spot in the prestigious lineup, leaving fans and pundits alike bewildered.
Ronaldo’s Response
In response to the snub, Ronaldo took to social media, posting several laughing faces on Instagram. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s reaction adds an element of intrigue to the controversy, as fans speculate on the reasons behind his exclusion and whether personal rivalries played a role in the decision-making process.
The IFFHS Team of 2023 has undeniably sparked debates and discussions within the football community. While the chosen lineup boasts an array of exceptional talents, the exclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo remains a contentious point. As fans dissect the decisions made by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, one thing is certain – the controversies surrounding team selections will continue to fuel the passion and excitement that make football the global phenomenon it is today.
