The 26 finalists include the two players with the most Ballons d'Or in history, with all winners set to be announced next week
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi among FIFPRO World 11 finalistsBallon d'Or winner Rodri includedInjury prevented inclusion of Thibaut CourtoisFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Most of the biggest names in men's soccer have been included among the nominees for this year's FIFPRO Men's World 11. It is voted upon annually by the best players in the game.
Messi and Ronaldo are once again among the nominees. For the first time since 2018, neither of the duo won this year's Ballon d'Or – but stand a chance for inclusion among the FIFPRO Men's World 11 for the 18th straight year.
Dating back to 2005, the award celebrates footballing excellence on the global level. The 2024 awards will mark the 20th edition, and will be revealed Dec. 9. A record 28,000 players from 70 countries have voted for the 2024 Men’s World 11 and Women’s World 11.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Other big names on the list include Man City's Rodri, Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk.
Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka did not make the shortlist, however.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Messi has a chance to extend his FIFPRO dominance this year, should he make the final 11. An inclusion for the Inter Miami star, who also won Copa America last summer, would be his 18th acknowledgment – another impressive mark in a career full of individual honors.
GettyTHE FIFPRO MEN'S WORLD 11 SHORTLIST IN FULL
Goalkeepers: Ederson, Emiliano Martinez, Manuel Neuer
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Ruben Dias, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Antonio Rudiger, William Saliba, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Jamal Musiala, Rodri, Federico Valverde
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Cole Palmer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal