FIFA and the Professional Footballers’ Association (FIFPRO) have surprisingly left Mohamed Salah out of the list of nominees for the 2024 FIFA Ideal Formation. The Egyptian forward, who has been a key player for Liverpool, was not included in the attacking line-up despite his outstanding contributions. The announcement comes shortly after FIFA revealed the list of candidates for the prestigious team, which will feature three players from a pool of 22 for the upcoming season.
Among the nominees are several notable players, including two Arabs: Akram Afif of Qatar, who helped his nation win the Asian Cup, and Soufiane Rahimi of Morocco, who had a stellar year, winning the Asian Champions League and securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Also on the list are two African players: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Gabon and Ademola Lookman from Nigeria, who helped the Super Eagles to a runner-up finish in the Africa Cup of Nations.
In addition to these regional stars, the list also features European heavyweights such as Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, and the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The final formation will be composed of only three players from this competitive group, leaving many to question Salah’s absence from the shortlist given his prolific career.
The exclusion has sparked reactions from fans and pundits alike, especially considering the forward’s consistent performances for Liverpool.
