December 09, (THEWILL) – The global players’ association FIFPRO has revealed its 2024 World XI with Real Madrid and Manchester City players predominantly featuring in the men’s team. Jude Bellingham led the voting, receiving an impressive 11,176 selections from his professional peers, highlighting his exceptional performance during the year.
For the first time since 2006, Lionel Messi is absent from the men’s selection, ending an extraordinary streak of 17 consecutive appearances. His exclusion signifies a generational transition, with Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr occupying the forward positions in this year’s lineup.
The men’s team reflects the dominance of European football powerhouses, with six players from Real Madrid and four from Manchester City. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk stands as the sole representative from outside these two clubs.
In the women’s category, English players significantly influenced the World XI, picking five positions. Lucy Bronze achieved a milestone by tying Wendie Renard’s record with her seventh selection. The women’s team also made history with Barbra Banda becoming the first African player to be named in the World XI, representing a breakthrough for continental representation.
The men’s selection includes Brazil’s Ederson in goal, with a defensive line featuring Dani Carvajal, Virgil van Dijk, and Antonio Rudiger. The midfield boasts talents like Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Toni Kroos, and Rodri.
The women’s World XI features Mary Earps in goal, with a diverse defensive lineup including Lucy Bronze, Olga Carmona, and Alex Greenwood. The midfield and forward lines are populated with global talent, with players from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and international clubs representing the breadth of women’s football excellence.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
