FIFPro, the global union for professional football players, has announced the 26-man final nomination list for the 2024 Men’s World XI and Real Madrid have the highest representation in the group.
The FIFPRO Men’s World XI is an all-star team made up of the world’s leading footballers – voted by the players, for the players.
Footballers choose the three players who, in their opinion, were the most outstanding in each of the said positions – goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
One goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes in their position make it into the World XI. The 11th spot is assigned to the outfield player with the next highest number of votes.
Real Madrid have eight representatives
With the 26-man nominations list being unveiled today, Real Madrid have as many as eight representatives on the final shortlist.
Seven active players – Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe feature on the list along with the now-retired club legend Toni Kroos.
Photo courtesy: FIFPro
It does not come as a surprise considering the success that the Real Madrid stars tasted this year – winning the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League as well as the UEFA Super Cup.
Meanwhile, Carvajal also has the UEFA Euro 2024 triumph to his name with the Spanish national team.
As for Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona, they have only one representative in the form of Golden Boy winner Lamine Yamal.
Other players such as Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Cole Palmer have also been nominated.
The final World XI will be announced by FIFPro itself on Monday, December 9.