-Deborah Akinyosoye
Ademola Lookman and other Nigerian stars were notably absent as FIFPRO, on Monday, unveiled the final shortlist for the 2024 Men’s World XI, featuring 26 of the world’s top-performing footballers.
The prestigious accolade, voted on exclusively by professional players, saw over 21,000 men’s footballers from 70 countries cast their votes for the standout performers between 21 August 2023 and 14 July 2024.
Although Lookman’s stellar season in Serie A had sparked hopes of his inclusion, no Nigerian player made the cut this year.
The list includes players from powerhouse nations such as Brazil, Argentina, and England, highlighting the fierce competition for the coveted spots.
The finalists feature top-tier talent across all positions.
Goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Ederson (Brazil), and Manuel Neuer (Germany) made the cut, while defenders such as Virgil van Dijk, Ruben Dias, and Kyle Walker showcased the dominance of Premier League players.
Midfielders like Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, and Luka Modric led the charge in their category, with young stars such as Jamal Musiala and Federico Valverde also earning recognition.
The forward line features global icons Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé, alongside rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Cole Palmer.
FIFPRO explained that the World XI is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players. To qualify, players must have appeared in at least 30 official matches during the evaluation period.
“The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards who have received the most votes will be selected for the World XI. The final spot in the World XI will be assigned to the remaining outfield player with the next highest number of votes.”
“FIFPRO will announce the World XI on Monday, 9 December 2024, on its digital platforms,” FIFPRO added.
Full List:
Goalkeepers
Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina)
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Defenders
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)
Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands)
Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
William Saliba (Arsenal, France)
Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
Phil Foden (Manchester City, England)
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia)
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay)
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
Cole Palmer (Manchester City/Chelsea, England)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)
Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain).