The FIFPro players’ union has unveiled its 26-player shortlist for the prestigious FIFPro World XI, but no African players have been included this year.
This annual selection, based on votes from professional footballers worldwide, recognizes the top performers in the sport.
For the 2023-2024 cycle, players’ contributions between August 21, 2023, and July 14, 2024, were considered, provided they played at least 30 official matches during this period.
Despite notable achievements by several African stars, none made the cut. Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, who netted an impressive 28 goals in 28 Bundesliga matches last season and added six goals early this campaign, was among those overlooked.
Similarly, Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, who delivered a remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final, failed to secure a spot on the shortlist.
The absence of African talent has sparked discussion, as the continent continues to produce exceptional players excelling on both club and international stages.
The final 11 will be selected from the following 26 nominees:
Goalkeepers:
- Ederson
- Emiliano Martinez
- Manuel Neuer
Defenders:
- Dani Carvajal
- Rúben Días
- Virgil van Dijk
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Antonio Rüdiger
- William Saliba
- Kyle Walker
Midfielders:
- Jude Bellingham
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Phil Foden
- Toni Kroos
- Luka Modrić
- Jamal Musiala
- Rodri
- Federico Valverde
Forwards:
- Erling Haaland
- Harry Kane
- Kylian Mbappé
- Lionel Messi
- Cole Palmer
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Vinícius Júnior
- Lamine Yamal
The final World XI will be revealed on Monday, December 9, when the footballing world will learn which players have been recognized as the best in their respective positions.
🚨 These are the 26 nominees for the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s #World11, as voted by players.
🇧🇷 Ederson
🇦🇷 @EmiMartinezz1
🇩🇪 @Manuel_Neuer🇪🇸 @DaniCarvajal92
🇵🇹 @RubenDias
🇳🇱 @VirgilvDijk
🇳🇱 @JeremieFrimpong
🇩🇪 @ToniRuediger
🇫🇷 William Saliba
🏴 @KyleWalker2🏴 @BellinghamJude
🇧🇪… pic.twitter.com/mCgLn4dx4n— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) December 2, 2024
