William Saliba was named in FIFA’s Men’s World 11 this week, with David Raya also finishing in the top-five for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: William Saliba of Arsenal applauds the fans as he celebrates victory after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Arsenal’s William Saliba was named in FIFA’s Men’s World 11 this week, joining fellow Premier League players Emi Martinez, Ruben Dias, Rodri, and Erling Haaland in the side.
The rest of the team was made up largely of Real Madrid players, with Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos (now retired), and Vinicius Junior all included. But there was one spot left for Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
LONDON, ENGLAND: David Raya of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Meanwhile, David Raya finished fifth in the running for the The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, earning five points to put him ahead of other shortlisted goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG and Mike Maignan of AC Milan.
Former Gunner Martinez won the award, with Ederson of Manchester City, Unai Simon of Athletic Club, and Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid completing the top four.
Arsenal didn’t have any players in the Women’s World 11, but Mariona Caldentey finished 11th in the running for The Best FIFA Women’s Player with six points.
The only other Arsenal finish of note was Beth Mead finishing eighth in the FIFA Marta Award, the award given to the women’s player judged to have scored the most beautiful goal of the calendar year. She earned that spot with her goal against West Ham United last season.
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Beth Mead of Arsenal reacts during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Semi Final match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Meadow Park on March 06, 2024 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Saliba’s inclusion in the World 11 comes after Kylian Mbappe admitted this week that the Arsenal defender would have been a worthy recipient of the 2023/24 French Player of the Season award – won by Mbappe himself.
Votes were cast by former winners of the trophy, with each voter casting three votes for their top-three players. Mbappe ultimately won with 56 points, marginally ahead of Saliba on 51.
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