In a surprising turn, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were not included in the men’s World XI announced by FIFPRO, the global players’ union, on Monday. This marks the first time since 2006 that Messi, now playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, has not been selected. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, last made the team in 2021.
Both players were the only nominees on a 26-man shortlist not affiliated with European clubs, as voted by professional players from 70 countries. The 2023 World XI features six players from Real Madrid, the record 15-time UEFA Champions League winners, and four from Premier League champions Manchester City. Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk rounds out the selection.
The team includes Ederson in goal, with Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger joining Van Dijk in defense. The midfield boasts Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos from Madrid, along with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Up front, prolific City striker Erling Haaland is joined by Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. from Madrid.
In the women’s category, Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze was named to the team for a record-equalling seventh time, matching Lyon and France’s Wendie Renard. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is included in midfield after her stellar performance with Barcelona, who triumphed in the Spanish league, cup, and Champions League. Brazilian veteran Marta returns for the first time since 2021, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda becomes the first African woman to earn a spot in the World XI.
The women’s team also features England’s Mary Earps as goalkeeper, with Olga Carmona and Alex Greenwood in defense. The midfield includes Bonmatí and fellow Barcelona star Alexia Putellas, while the attack showcases Colombia’s Linda Caicedo and England’s Lauren James.
FIFPRO has been inviting professional footballers to vote for the men’s team since 2005 and for the women’s team since 2015, making it the only global football award determined solely by players. This year, a record-breaking 7,000 women players participated in the voting.
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