FIFA FIFPRO World XI Candidates Revealed, Mo Salah Misses Out And Dani Alves Made It Into FIFA World XI Team


The ultimate 23 names for the FIFA FIFPRO World XI for Men in 2021 have been revealed, and they are guaranteed to raise a few heads.

FIFA and FIFPro, the union that represents over 65,000 professional football players, requested current players to suggest 3 of their teammates, who in their view, were the most impressive players throughout the 2020/2021 season.

Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the final 23 nominees list, however Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is not among them.

The Egyptian icon scored 31 goals in 51 appearances last season but was ignored, with Ronaldo, Messi, Erling Haaland, Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski, Kylian Mbappe, Romelu Lukaku, and Neymar identified as the eight strikers nominated respectively.

There are also a few odd choices in the midfield choices.
Notwithstanding Barcelona's troubles past season, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong have both been nominated.

Belgium player and Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United have also been shortlisted, as have N'Golo Kante and Jorginho of Chelsea.

(Image credit: PA)


In an unusual choice, Brazilian veteran Dani Alves has been named as one of the proposed defenders.

Alves finished previous season at Sao Paulo before returning to Barcelona this season on a rumored monthly salary of €1.

Ruben Dias of Manchester City and RB for Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold have also been named, along with David Alaba of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Jordi Alba of Barcelona, and Leonardo Bonucci of Juventus.

(Image credit: PA)


However, there was no room for Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer, or Jan Oblak in the goalkeeper group.

Meanwhile, Alisson Becker of Liverpool and Edouard Mendy of Chelsea were chosen, along with AC Milan stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The final World XI will consist of 1 goalkeeper, 3 midfielders, 3 defenders and 3 forwards who got the most points, with the final slot going to the remaining outfield player who obtained the following majority of votes.

The ultimate World XI Winner will be revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards on January 17, 2022.

FIFA FIFPro World XI Candidates

Forwards

Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Manchester United), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid & France), Neymar (PSG & Brazil),  Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund & Norway), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/PSG),  Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich & Poland), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain & France), Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan/Chelsea & Belgium)

Midfielders

N’Golo Kante (Chelsea), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Jorginho (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)

Defenders

Ruben Dias (Manchester City), David Alaba (Bayern Munich/Real Madrid), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool & England), Dani Alves (Sao Paulo/Barcelona).

Goalkeepers

Edouard Mendy (Chelsea), Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan/PSG), Alisson Becker (Liverpool & Brazil)

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Previous Post Next Post