Neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo made the men’s world team of the year chosen by the global players’ union FIFPRO on Monday.
Messi, 37, who plays for MLS team Inter Miami, and Ronaldo, 39, who plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, were the only players not from European clubs to be included in the 26-man shortlist voted on by FIFPRO last week.
This year’s team includes six players from Real Madrid, which holds the record with 15 Champions League titles, and four players from Manchester City, a top Premier League team. Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool was the other player selected.
The World XI was voted on by professional players from 70 countries.
In goal is Ederson from Manchester City, with Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger partnering Van Dijk in defense.
The midfield features Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos from Madrid, along with Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri from City.
Erling Haaland from City is joined by Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. from Madrid in a strong attack.
This is the first time since 2006 that Messi has not been chosen. He holds the record for most selections with 17. Ronaldo, who has been selected 15 times, last appeared in the team in 2021.
Since 2005, FIFPRO has invited professional football players worldwide to vote for the men’s team and since 2015 for the women’s team. This is the only global football award decided solely by the players.
A record 7,000 women’s players voted.
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze, formerly with Barcelona, was selected for the seventh time, tying the record held by Wendie Renard, a defender for Lyon and France.
Aitana Bonmatí, a two-time women’s Ballon d’Or winner, made the team after helping Barcelona win the Spanish league, cup, and the Champions League.
Brazilian veteran Marta, 38, made her return for the first time since 2021, while 24-year-old Barbra Banda of Zambia (Shanghai Shengli and Orlando Pride) became the first African woman to make the team.
Mary Earps from England, who plays for Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, was chosen as goalkeeper. Olga Carmona from Real Madrid and Spain and Alex Greenwood from Manchester City and England were also named to the defense.
Alexia Putellas joined Bonmatí in the Barcelona midfield, along with England’s Keira Walsh.
The attack features Linda Caicedo from Colombia (Real Madrid) and Lauren James from England (Chelsea).
