Despite a difficult campaign to date for Kylian Mbappé (25), he’s still considered among the best in the world. The Frenchman has once again cracked the FIFPRO World 11, a list which professional footballers exclusively select.
Over 21,000 players across the globe vote on the prestigious honour, with the former Paris Saint-Germain striker figuring in the starting XI alongside four of his current Real Madrid teammates: Dani Carvajal (32), Jude Bellingham (21), Vinicius Junior (24) and Antonio Rüdiger (31)
Former Real Madrid central midfielder Toni Kroos is also on the list, having retired after the 2023-24 season concluded.With six players, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners had the most players selected to the men’s World XI squad.
Manchester City were next with four players on the starting XI, including reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri (28), along with Ederson (31), Erling Haaland (24) and Kevin De Bruyne (33).
Liverpool were the only other side to have someone in the men’s XI, with that player being Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk (33).
Among the most noteworthy players not to make that top 11 for the men was Lionel Messi (37), who had been on that list on 17 successive occasions, with this being his first time not being chosen since 2006.
Rodri, Carvajal, Rüdiger and Ederson each made this roster for the first time. Bellingham received over 11,000 votes, which was the most among the top XI men.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (32), who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, was narrowly edged out by Ederson in his position.
Mbappé was the lone French international to make the starting XI on both the men’s and women’s sides, with PSG women’s goalkeeper Mary Earps (31) being the only player on either list that currently features at club level in France.
GFFN | Joel Lefevre