Top stars contend for football’s prestigious team selection as the shortlist for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11 is announced.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the 23 players shortlisted for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11. A selection voted for by over 28,000 professional players. Eight Manchester City players, including Erling Haaland, and five from Real Madrid, like England’s Jude Bellingham, made the selection. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka are conspicuously absent.
The nominations for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11 have once again included Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
With over 28,000 professional players voting, Manchester City’s trophy-laden year sees them dominate the 23-man shortlist.
Eight members of Pep Guardiola’s squad made the cut, including Erling Haaland, who netted an impressive 44 goals across all competitions for his club in 2023. Ederson, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva are also on the list.
Only two other Premier League players found their way onto the list: Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, who clinched the Yashin Trophy last year, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
Notably, the absence of Mohamed Salah, who scored 32 goals in the past calendar year, and Bukayo Saka from Arsenal is conspicuous. However, Harry Kane, with 25 goals for Bayern Munich since his transfer from Tottenham, secured a spot.
Among the nominees are four England internationals—Walker, Stones, Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid. And the aforementioned Kane—who have showcased remarkable performances.
MESSI AND RONALDO REMAIN DOMINANT
Despite concluding 2023 playing outside Europe—Messi in the United States for Inter Miami and Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr—both football legends continue to feature in the nominations.
Considered by many as the greatest footballers ever, Messi, 36, and Ronaldo, selected 16 and 15 times respectively, have secured spots on the World 11 list consistently.
They will reveal the final XI during The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London on January 15, alongside the Women’s World 11.
The shortlist for the Women’s World 11 includes several England Lionesses players who contested the World Cup final against Spain, including goalkeeper Mary Earps, Lauren James, Keira Walsh, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood, Ella Toone, and Lucy Bronze. Chelsea’s Sam Kerr and 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Aitana Bonmati are also among the nominees.
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