Finalists Announced for 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11

On Wednesday, the 23-man shortlist for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11 was disclosed, featuring star footballers from various positions. Notable forwards nominated include Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior.

The final XI will consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of four forwards, to be officially revealed on January 15 at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London.

Some key insights:

Messi has been part of the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 for 16 consecutive years.Ronaldo, who missed out in 2022, had made the dream team in 15 straight seasons before that. 

The FIFA FIFPRO World 11 is determined by votes from professional players globally, with over 25,000 votes cast each year. Voting is conducted online, with players nominating three individuals in each position.

The shortlist for the Men’s World 11 includes notable names across positions:

Goalkeepers: 

Thibaut Courtois, Ederson, Emiliano Martinez.

Defenders: 

Ruben Dias, Virgil van Dijk, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, John Stones, Kyle Walker.

Midfielders: 

Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Luka Modric, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Federico Valverde.

Forwards: 

Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Junior.

The award is based on performances and achievements from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023.

Additionally, the shortlist for the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 was revealed, with nine nominees playing in England’s WSL and five members of the Spain Women’s World Cup-winning team making the cut. The Women’s World 11 award considers performances between August 1, 2022, and August 20, 2023.