The International Federation of History and Statistics (IFFHS) has announced its much-awaited Men’s World Team of the Year for 2024. The line-up is dominated by Real Madrid players, highlighting the club’s exceptional performances last season.
Real Madrid secured both the Champions League and La Liga titles, further cementing their dominance. However, Kylian Mbappé’s omission from the squad for the first time since 2020 has generated significant debate.
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Real Madrid’s Dominance Continues
Five players from Los Blancos have been included in the IFFHS Team of the Year, highlighting the club’s incredible achievements over the last season. England’s Jude Bellingham, a standout performer, made the prestigious list alongside the recently retired Toni Kroos and FIFA Men’s Player of the Year, Vinícius Jr. Both Kroos and Bellingham were instrumental in Real Madrid’s midfield dominance, while Vinícius Jr dazzled in the attack, helping secure major trophies for the club.
In defence, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger represented Real Madrid, completing a stellar showing for the Spanish outfit. Carvajal’s consistency and Rüdiger’s commanding presence ensured Real’s backline was as formidable as ever, contributing to their double triumph.
Premier League’s Limited Representation
The Premier League’s presence in the 4-3-3 formation is notable but limited, with only four representatives. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez was named as the goalkeeper, thanks to his stellar performances between the posts. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s trio of Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Erling Haaland were also included, reflecting their crucial roles in the Citizens’ 2023-24 Premier League-winning campaign.
Rodri, the Ballon d’Or winner, earned his spot in midfield alongside Kroos and Bellingham. His remarkable performances both domestically and internationally were pivotal, though a knee injury threatens to sideline him for the remainder of the season. Dias and Haaland further emphasized City’s dominance, with Dias anchoring the defence and Haaland continuing his record-breaking scoring spree.
A Rising Star Shines
The inclusion of Lamine Yamal, who had an exceptional year, adds a refreshing narrative to the team. The young Spanish forward burst onto the scene with an outstanding finish to the previous season and a remarkable European Championship campaign. Yamal joins Vinícius Jr and Haaland in the attacking trio, forming a dynamic front line.
Shock Omissions
The absence of Kylian Mbappé is among the most surprising talking points. The French forward, who joined Real Madrid earlier this year, missed out for the first time in four years. His form at Paris Saint-Germain in the early part of the year likely contributed to his exclusion. Mbappé’s omission ends his streak in the prestigious squad, a stark contrast to the consistent performances that previously earned him a spot.
Other notable exclusions include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mohamed Salah, all of whom enjoyed successful seasons but failed to make the final cut. This signals a shift towards recognizing emerging talent and players who excelled in team successes over the past year.
A Season of Triumphs
Of the 11 players selected, five were part of Real Madrid’s Champions League-winning squad, while three were key to Spain’s victorious European Championship campaign. Real Madrid’s title-winning journey was punctuated by crucial performances from Carvajal and Vinícius Jr, both of whom scored in the final against Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham, meanwhile, played a dual role as a Champions League winner and a Euro finalist, making him the sole Englishman in the team.
The 2024 IFFHS Men’s World Team of the Year
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Spain), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Vinícius Jr (Real Madrid)
The IFFHS Team of the Year 2024 encapsulates a blend of seasoned professionals and rising stars, with Real Madrid’s dominance in the footballing world shining through. While the omissions of global icons like Mbappé, Messi, and Ronaldo are noteworthy, the inclusions emphasize the importance of individual brilliance and team success in shaping the narrative of a remarkable season.
FAQs
Who dominated the 2024 IFFHS Men’s World Team of the Year?
Real Madrid, with five players in the lineup, dominated the team after winning the Champions League and La Liga.
Which Premier League players made it into the team?
Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, along with Manchester City’s Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Erling Haaland, were the only Premier League representatives.
Why was Kylian Mbappe excluded from the team?
Mbappe missed out for the first time since 2020, likely due to his inconsistent form with PSG before joining Real Madrid.
Which formation was used for the IFFHS Team of the Year?
The team was set in a 4-3-3 formation featuring Martinez as the goalkeeper, a strong defensive line, and a balanced midfield and attack.
Which players were surprisingly left out despite strong performances?
Fan favorites Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah, and Mbappe were excluded despite their individual successes last season.
