FIFPRO World XI shortlist announced

By | Niranjan Bhargav 15 Feb, 2023

FIFPRO has released their shortlist for World XI

It’s astonishing how the duo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have made the list for FIFPRO World XI.

Two of the most iconic players to have played the sport, both have made the list on 15 occasions. Since 2007, there has not been a single year when the duo hasn’t been named in the list together.

Along with the two are featured some of the top attackers of the year such as Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr, and Erling Haaland. The Argentine is considered to be the favorite to lift the Ballon d’Or due to his heroics for Argentina in the 2022 World Cup as he led his country to its third World Cup.

In the Midfield department, Real Madrid veteran Luka Modric was followed by teammate Federico Valverde, who lifted the 2022 Champions League title. He is also backed by several young maestros such as Golden Boy winners Gavi and Pedri along with Jude Bellingham. From the Premier League, it is Kevin De Bruyne who partners alongside new Chelsea, British record signing, Enzo Fernandez, who won the best young player award at the FIFA World Cup.

The notable names in defense are Virgil Van Dijk, Thiago Silva, and Antonio Rudiger. Moreover, Alisson, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois made the list of Goalkeepers.

FIFPRO World XI Shortlist

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

Defenders: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Joao Cancelo (Man City/Bayern Munich), Theo Hernandez (Milan), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez (Benfica/Chelsea), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Gavi (Barcelona), Pedri (Barcelona), Casemiro (Man Utd), Kevin De Bruyne (Man City), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (PSG), Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd/Al Nassr), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Erling Haaland (Man City), Neymar (PSG), Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)