In a surprising twist to the football world, the iconic duo Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were left out of the prestigious FIFPRO World XI, marking a notable shift as emerging talents take center stage. This year’s lineup showcases the dominance of European clubs, particularly Real Madrid and Manchester City, whose players made up the majority of the selections.
Midfield Mastery and Striking Power
The FIFPRO World XI, determined by the votes of professional players from around 70 countries, saw no place for Messi, currently with Inter Miami, and Ronaldo of Al-Nassr. This omission is particularly significant for Messi, who has been a consistent figure in the World XI since 2006, securing a spot seventeen times—a record in the award’s history. Ronaldo, who last appeared in the lineup in 2021, has been selected 15 times.
The selected team is a blend of seasoned players and rising stars, with six athletes from Real Madrid and four from Manchester City shaping a formidable squad. The defense is solidified by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger, and City’s goalkeeper Ederson, forming an impenetrable backline.
Women’s World XI: Trailblazers and Record Setters
The midfield showcases an array of talent with Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos from Real Madrid, alongside Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Up front, the attack is spearheaded by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, paired with Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and French superstar Kylian Mbappé. This trio of forwards underscores the youthful vibrancy and clinical finishing that top European clubs are renowned for.
Parallel to the men’s achievements, the women’s FIFPRO World XI also highlighted exceptional talent and groundbreaking achievements. Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze matched Wendie Renard of Lyon with her seventh selection, a record in the women’s category. The midfield dynamo from Barcelona, Aitana Bonmatí, along with teammate Alexia Putellas, has been instrumental in Barcelona’s recent successes, underscoring their pivotal roles in winning the treble—Spanish league, cup, and Champions League.
England’s Mary Earps, now with Manchester United and previously Paris Saint-Germain, secured her spot as the top goalkeeper, with defensive support from Real Madrid’s Olga Carmona and Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood. The attacking might is bolstered by Colombia’s Linda Caicedo of Real Madrid and England’s Lauren James from Chelsea, adding flair and precision to the lineup.
The exclusion of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from this year’s FIFPRO World XI may signify a turning point in football, as the game begins to celebrate new heroes and perhaps, a changing of the guard. While the legacy of Messi and Ronaldo continues to influence the sport, the focus is undeniably shifting towards the next generation of football stars, both in the men’s and women’s games. As the sport evolves, so too does its recognition of excellence, embracing a broader and more diverse array of talents from across the globe.