The anticipation is building as football enthusiasts around the globe await the unveiling of the prestigious FIFA FIFPro Team of the Year, with iconic names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland leading the charge on the 23-player shortlist.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the seasoned forward from Al Nassr, stands out as a formidable contender, having showcased his goal-scoring prowess with an impressive tally of 54 goals for both club and country in the eventful year of 2023.
Joining Ronaldo in the race for football glory are luminaries such as Lionel Messi, currently with Inter Miami, the prolific Erling Haaland of Manchester City, and the electrifying Kylian Mbappe from PSG. These football titans are among the nominees, each leaving an indelible mark on the pitch.
The FIFPro award, distinguished as the only global football accolade exclusively decided by professional footballers, boasts a shortlist crafted by the votes of over 28,000 professional football players worldwide.
Nominees for the FIFPro Team of the Year were evaluated based on their stellar performances spanning from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023. To be eligible for selection, players must have demonstrated their skills in a minimum of 23 games during this period.
Women’s Category Highlights:
In the women’s category, luminaries Aitana Bonmati and Jenni Hermoso, both World Cup winners, headline the nominations. Chelsea’s dynamic duo, Lauren James and Sam Kerr, also earn well-deserved spots on the list, reflecting their contributions to the women’s football landscape.
Finalists for the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 (2023):
- 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 Jr
Finalists for the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 (2023):
- Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Earps, Alyssa Naeher
- Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Olga Carmona, Alex Greenwood, Amanda Ilestedt, Ashley Lawrence, Maria Leon, Irene Paredes
- Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati, Claudia Pina, Fridolina Rolfo, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh
- Forwards: Jennifer Hermoso, Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Alex Morgan, Salma Paralluelo, Alexandra Popp, Alessia Russo
The FIFA FIFPro Team of the Year announcement promises to be a thrilling celebration of football excellence, with fans eagerly awaiting the revelation of the standout performers who will grace this prestigious lineup.
