On Monday, FIFPRO revealed the final shortlist for the 2024 Men’s World XI, an esteemed recognition that highlighted 26 exceptional football talents from across the globe. This accolade emerges from a voting process involving over 21,000 professional players spanning 70 nations, who submitted their picks for the most outstanding performers in football between August 21, 2023, and July 14, 2024. The absence of Nigerian stars, particularly Ademola Lookman, who had a strong season in Serie A, has raised eyebrows. Despite fan hopes for his inclusion, Lookman and other Nigerian players fell short of making the final roster, a reflection of the intensely competitive landscape of international football.
The 2024 shortlist encompasses elite athletes across various positions, underscoring the depth of talent in world football. In the goalkeeper department, Ederson, Emiliano Martinez, and Manuel Neuer were recognized for their consistent performances at top clubs. The defensive lineup includes notable figures such as Virgil van Dijk, Ruben Dias, and Kyle Walker, further highlighting the predominance of Premier League talent. The diversity in footballing prowess is evident, with players from different leagues and backgrounds contending for coveted recognition, making the selection process even more intriguing.
Midfielders feature prominently in the finalists’ list, showcasing stars like Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, and Luka Modric, who have excelled in their respective roles. Emerging talents such as Jamal Musiala and Federico Valverde also gained accolades, demonstrating the future of football is bright with young players stepping into the limelight. This array of midfielders emphasizes the critical role such players play in shaping matches and influencing team dynamics. Their presence on the shortlist reflects their impact in both domestic leagues and international competitions over the past year.
The forward line is nothing short of exceptional, populated by global icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kylian Mbappé. Additionally, the inclusion of rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Cole Palmer reveals a blend of seasoned expertise and youthful vigor that characterizes modern football. This combination not only fuels anticipation for upcoming seasons but also speaks to the evolving nature of the game, where young talents are increasingly vying for the spotlight alongside established legends. Each forward on the shortlist possesses the ability to change the outcome of a game, highlighting the fierce competition among attackers.
FIFPRO delineated that the World XI represents the only global football award determined solely by professional players, granting a unique perspective on performance evaluation. To qualify for the World XI, a player must participate in at least 30 official matches during the stated evaluation period. The final construction of the team will involve selecting the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards who receive the most votes, with an additional outfield player chosen based on the next highest vote count, ensuring a diverse and competitive final roster.
The announcement of the World XI is set for December 9, 2024, across FIFPRO’s digital platforms, generating excitement and discussion among players and fans alike. The anticipation surrounding this accolade illustrates the significance of peer recognition in sports; professional players voting for their contemporaries encapsulates a deeper respect for skills and contributions on the pitch. The final list will likely continue to fuel debates about individual players’ performances, especially in the context of their league competitions and international obligations throughout the year.
