The FIFPro Men's World 11 for 2024 has been unveiled, marking a significant shift in the landscape of elite football. This year's selection, voted by over 28,000 professional footballers from 70 countries, reflects the changing dynamics of the sport and the emergence of a new generation of football stars.
Team Composition
The 2024 FIFPro Men's World 11 lineup is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany), Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
- Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Most Popular Player
The standout player in this year's World 11 is Jude Bellingham, who received the highest number of votes from his fellow professionals, totalling an impressive 11,176 votes. This remarkable achievement underscores Bellingham's meteoric rise and the respect he commands within the football community. As the sole English player in the team, Bellingham's inclusion highlights his exceptional performances for both Real Madrid and the England national team.
Key Insights and Analysis
End of an Era
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the 2024 World 11 is the absence of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. For the first time since 2006, Messi has not been selected, bringing an end to his remarkable 17-year streak in the team. Similarly, Ronaldo's exclusion marks a significant shift, signalling the end of an era dominated by these two football icons.
Club Dominance
The 2024 lineup is heavily dominated by players from Real Madrid and Manchester City, with six and four players respectively. This composition reflects the current power dynamics in European football, with both clubs enjoying successful seasons and maintaining their positions at the pinnacle of the sport.
Surprising Inclusions and Exclusions
One of the most unexpected inclusions is that of retired Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. At 34 years old, Kroos's selection has raised eyebrows, especially considering he is no longer actively playing at the club level. This decision highlights the lasting impact of his performances during the selection period.
Notable exclusions include high-profile players such as Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal, which has surprised many fans and analysts. These omissions further emphasize the competitive nature of the selection process and the emergence of new talents in the global football arena.
Statistical Highlights
The selected players have demonstrated exceptional performances throughout the season:
- Ederson maintained 16 clean sheets in 43 matches and boasted the highest passing accuracy among Premier League goalkeepers at 85.9%.
- Erling Haaland secured his second consecutive Premier League Golden Boot with 27 goals in 31 matches.
- Kevin De Bruyne, despite limited appearances due to injuries, contributed 24 goal involvements (6 goals, 18 assists).
- Rodri played a crucial role in Manchester City's fourth consecutive league title and was named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024.
Voting Process and Criteria
The FIFPro World 11 is determined through a comprehensive voting process involving professional footballers worldwide. Players must have appeared in at least 20 official matches during the relevant period to be eligible for selection. The team is composed of the top-voted players in each position, with an additional spot for the next highest-voted outfield player.
Conclusion
The 2024 FIFPro Men's World 11 represents a pivotal moment in football history, marking the transition from the Messi-Ronaldo era to a new generation of stars. The dominance of Real Madrid and Manchester City players in the lineup reflects their current supremacy in club football. As the sport continues to evolve, this year's World 11 serves as a testament to the emerging talents and changing dynamics of global football.
The inclusion of young stars like Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland alongside established players like Kevin De Bruyne and Virgil van Dijk showcases the blend of youth and experience that defines the current elite level of football. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how these players continue to shape the future of the sport and whether they can maintain their positions in the World 11 in the years to come.