• FIFPRO announces its shortlist for 2024

FIFA has unveiled the final shortlist of 26 players nominated for inclusion in the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, celebrating their outstanding performances for their respective clubs.

This exclusive award is determined by the players themselves, making it the only global honor based solely on votes from professional footballers. Manchester City leads with eight representatives in the shortlist, a testament to their exceptional performances across all competitions last season.

The FIFPRO Men’s World XI aims to assemble the best starting XI from the top football talent worldwide over the past year. The nominees come from a pool of over 28,000 professional footballers spanning 70 countries. Each player selects the top three goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from an initial list of 250 candidates.

The final team consists of the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards with the highest number of votes. The remaining outfield player with the most votes completes the prestigious XI.

Who are the players on FIFPRO’s final shortlist for 2024?

Goalkeepers:

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FIFA has announced the 11 nominees for the highly anticipated 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Player award. The nominees were selected based on performances between August 23, 2023, and August 10, 2024.

Votes from fans, football experts, national team coaches, captains, and journalists will determine the winner of the coveted accolade.

Last year’s winner, Lionel Messi, returns to the shortlist following another remarkable season. Messi led Argentina to Copa America glory and achieved domestic success in the United States, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami.

Notably, Messi is the only nominee representing a club outside Europe.

Real Madrid dominates the list with five players nominated. The reigning La Liga and Champions League champions are represented by Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, Dani Carvajal, and Federico Valverde. Former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos, who retired this summer, also features on the list, highlighting his enduring impact on the sport.

Manchester City also boasts two nominees. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is expected to be a strong contender, while Erling Haaland’s phenomenal goal-scoring form ensures his place as a serious challenger for the award.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal earns recognition after a breakthrough season. The 17-year-old played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and claimed the prestigious Kopa Trophy during the October Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Rounding out the nominees is Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. The young German midfielder’s standout performances for both club and country have solidified his reputation as one of football’s brightest stars.

With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Player award promises a thrilling competition. Fans and experts alike will eagerly await the final results at the forthcoming awards ceremony.

The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 nominees

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
• Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
• Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
• Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
• Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
• Toni Kroos (Retired)
• Rodri (Manchester City)
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
• Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

🚨 OFFICIAL: The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 nominees released tonight. ✨ pic.twitter.com/fWRa8BJhgJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 28, 2024

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The 30 players vying for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, which honors the best male player in the world over the past season, have been announced.

Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior are the leading contenders, with either potentially becoming only the fifth different winner in the last 17 years, following two decades of dominance by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Both Bellingham and Vinicius had outstanding seasons, helping Real Madrid secure La Liga and the Champions League titles, with Bellingham scoring 23 goals and Vinicius 24.

However, their hopes for international success fell short, with Bellingham’s England losing in the Euro 2024 final and Vinicius’ Brazil underperforming in the Copa America.

Other top contenders include Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal, all of whom will be aiming for high placements in the final rankings.

Notably, many expected Messi to be nominated after leading Argentina to another Copa America victory, but the 37-year-old did not make the shortlist. Ronaldo was also left out for the second consecutive year, marking the first time in 21 years that neither has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

Ballon d’or 2024 nominees

• Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid/England
• Ruben Dias – Man City/Portugal
• Phil Foden – Man City/England
• Federico Valverde – Real Madrid/Uruguay
• Emiliano Martinez – Aston Villa/Argentina
• Erling Haaland – Man City/Norway
• Nico Williams – Athletic Club/Spain
• Granit Xhaka – Bayer Leverkusen/Switzerland
• Artem Dovbyk – Girona/Roma/Ukraine
• Toni Kroos – Real Madrid/Germany
• Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid/Brazil
• Dani Olmo – RB Leipzig/Barcelona/Spain
• Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen/Germany

They're all here!

But… who should win it? #ballondor pic.twitter.com/SrkHBrJtuI

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 4, 2024

• Martin Odegaard – Arsenal/Norway
• Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund/Roma/Germany
• Rodri – Man City/Spain
• Harry Kane – Bayern Munich/England
• Declan Rice- Arsenal/England
• Vitinha – PSG/Portugal
• Cole Palmer – Chelsea/England
• Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid/Spain
• Lamine Yamal – Barcelona/Spain
• Bukayo Saka – Arsenal/England
• Hakan Calhanoglu – Inter/Turkey
• William Saliba – Arsenal/France
• Kylian Mbappe – PSG/Real Madrid/France
• Lautaro Martinez – Inter/Argentina
• Ademola Lookman – Atalanta/Nigeria
• Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid/Germany
• Alejandro Grimaldo – Bayer Leverkusen/Spain

Here's the full recap of the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or nominees!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/B9AG4nrc0N

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 4, 2024

When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner announced?

The Ballon d’Or will be presented to the best male player on 28 October at the annual ceremony at Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

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Federico Valverde is exuding confidence as Real Madrid prepares to take on Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.

While acknowledging the threat posed by Bayern’s star striker, Valverde highlighted Real Madrid’s formidable defense, led by Antonio Rudiger. He emphasized the experience and skill of their defenders, who have effectively neutralized top-tier attackers like Erling Haaland in previous matches. Real Madrid’s defensive prowess is underscored by their impressive record of conceding the fewest goals in La Liga this season, just 22.

Addressing reporters ahead of the crucial fixture, the 25-year-old expressed his trust in the team’s defensive line: “We have world-class defenders who have been through every moment at this club and have played in Champions League finals. So, we must first acknowledge and respect them before considering the strikers we’ll face. I’m very confident in our defense.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will head to Germany for the first leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday, before returning to La Liga action against Cadiz on Saturday.

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Federico Valverde has explained how his impressive performance at the South American Under-17 Championship contributed to his transfer to Real Madrid.

After entering Madrid’s development system in 2016, the Uruguayan has since emerged as one of the world’s top midfielders, winning two La Liga championships and the UEFA Champions League with Los Blancos before making his first-team debut in 2018.

The 25-year-old’s recent signing of a new contract that extends until 2029 highlighted how important he is to Real Madrid.

In an article published on The Athletic, Valverde provided details about how his transfer to Real Madrid happened, stating that scouts were drawn to his exploits with the Uruguayan junior teams.

“I got the call that changed my whole life,” he said.

“I was playing at the South American Under-17 Championship in Paraguay. I had been killing it, and we were about to play a big match against Argentina the next day. I was sitting in my hotel room, and my parents were there staying in another room. My mom called me and said, ‘Hey, come to our room right now. There’s some people here who want to talk to you.’ 

“We had a curfew and weren’t supposed to leave our rooms, so I said, ‘I can’t, Mum. I gotta go.’ I hung up. She called me back, ‘Fede, come now. These men are from Real Madrid.’

“Literally, I thought she was pulling a prank. I rushed over to the room to see what was going on, and sure enough, there were two guys there I’d never seen before. She had tears in her eyes. But she’s always crying, so I still didn’t know what to think! 

“They told me, ‘We’re from Real Madrid. We believe that you can become a star for us. We want you and your parents to move over to Madrid.’ I looked at my mom. I looked at my agent like: ‘Nah. You’re f****** with me.’ My mom looked back like: ‘Shut up, Fede. We are not f****** with you.’

“There are 500,000 players in the world and Madrid want to sign me? What??? I literally ran out of the room. I was yelling, ‘Where’s Dad? I need to tell Dad!!!’ I ran down to the lobby. My dad was standing around talking to one of the other parents, and I said, ‘Dad!!!! Dad!!! Madrid are here!!!!’

“That was the first perfect day of my life. Because I saw how excited my parents were. My mom cries for anything, but my dad is a rock. It takes a lot for him to show emotion, but I saw a tiny little crack! Hahahah. I saw the light in his eyes, you know? 

“’My son plays for Real Madrid.’ There’s no price in the world you can put on that sentence.”

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Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard has claimed he still sees himself playing for the team the next season despite receiving virtually no playing time thus far in 2022–23.

The deal Hazard signed when he transferred from Chelsea for $100 million in 2019 has one more year left on it. In La Liga, he has played just 98 minutes total this year, and none at all since September.

The 32-year-old has dealt with injuries all of his time at Real Madrid; but, manager Carlo Ancelotti has taken a far different approach this year, as a fully healthy Hazard has spent the majority of games on the bench as an unused substitute.

“I want to play. I want to have fun on the field,” Hazard told RTBF.

“Training is good but what keeps us alive are the matches. I hope deep inside me that I can bring something and that the coach is still counting on me, I hope. We’ll see if I’m still going to play by the end of the season. I doubt a little. It’s up to me to show him in training that he can call on me.”

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The Belgian continued by acknowledging that, in Ancelotti’s opinion, he “probably deserves less [playing times] than others,” given that Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde, Marco Asensio, and even Mariano Diaz are ahead of Hazard in the Real Madrid pecking order.

Even so, Hazard has little intention of continuing his career elsewhere

“I would like to stay. I have always said it,” he explained. “To hope to play on the pitch to prove that I can still play football. People have doubts, it’s normal. I understand very well. But for me, I’m still here next year. A transfer is not in order of the day. But you never know.

“I don’t know [what could change my mind]. The only thing I think about is playing. That’s why I don’t even think about leaving. Deep down inside, I think I can bring something. I feel it, that’s all. People, if I bring a little, they’ll trust me again. They might say to themselves that they made a mistake leaving me out. I just need minutes in the legs.”

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With a point, each in their opening Group H match, South Korea and Uruguay set an unwanted “first record in FIFA World Cup history.

During the FIFA World Cup, numerous strange records were broken. Another record of this kind was set on Thursday during the Uruguay vs. South Korea game of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The match ended in a scoreless tie, the fourth one this tournament.

Both teams had goal opportunities, with Uruguay hitting the post twice. South Korea and Uruguay engaged in a heated match, with both sides exchanging similar possession. South Korea was more frightening, but they lacked innovation in the opponent’s box.

Uruguay struggled against the strong pressing of the Asian giants because they were frequently unable to keep up with the pace.

When Hwang Ui Jo missed his attempt from 12 yards out, South Korea had a great chance to make a breakthrough.

RELATED:

• Ruben Dias discloses first impressions of Cristiano Ronaldo
• Top six stunners result in the history of the FIFA World Cup
• World Cup: Uruguay frustrated after a goalless draw with South Korea 

The South American juggernauts, on the other hand, were nearly in control when Diego Godin’s header struck the far post. Federico Valverde’s attempt hit the post and rebounded, giving Uruguay another chance to score.

The South American giants were disappointed, nevertheless, to lose. Heung-Min Son had one final opportunity to give South Korea the lead when Sergio Rochet’s careless clearing fell into his path, but he missed the target.

Interestingly, Uruguay attempted 10 shots, while South Korea had seven, none of which were on target. It has never happened before in a World Cup game this century. Both teams had a sufficient number of shots on goal, but none of them was successful in testing the goalkeeper.

Zero shots on target were recorded by FIFA for either team, which is unusual in a World Cup match. This occurred during a FIFA World Cup match for the first time ever in the 20th century. It’s extremely surprising considering that the game included some of the tops forwards in the world.

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Following extensive research, here are the top 10 national team players with the highest market value for the 2022 World Cup.

In light of this, we looked up Transfermarkt’s enormous database of estimated player valuations to obtain an idea of which teams are indeed the most expensive at the 2022 World Cup.

The CIES Football Observatory estimates that England’s team is the most valuable at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, estimated at an astounding €1.499 billion, well ahead of the favourites Brazil (€1.455 billion) and the defending champions France (€1.377 billion).

Ahead of kick-off, The Mp3bullet runs down the list of the top 10 most valuable players, by nation:

1. England/Dortmund – Jude Bellingham (Estimated value: €202 million)

Bellingham, a player on the radar of the biggest teams in Europe, has England fans all over the world anticipating great things from him. This season, the 19-year-old has made 22 appearances for Dortmund, scoring nine goals and providing three assists.

2. Brazil/Real Madrid – Vinicius Junior (Estimated value: €201m)

The young Brazilian has had a fantastic start to the season with 15 goal contributions in 21 league games. He assisted Madrid in winning the Champions League and La Liga last year.

RELATED:

• James Maddison reveals the player he studied to help win a place in England’s World Cup squad
• Neymar names his two favourite England players before the World Cup
• Neymar lists 4 other 2022 World Cup favourites alongside Brazil

3. France/PSG – Kylian Mbappe (Estimated value: €185m)

The biggest star in France, who was phenomenal as Les Bleus won the World Cup in Russia, will be aiming to avoid the rumoured winners’ curse in Qatar. This season, he has 24 goal contributions in 20 club games is just ridiculous.

4. Spain/Barcelona – Pedri Gonzalez (Estimated value: €158m)

For many years, one of Barcelona’s most promising young talents has played a major role in Luis Enrique’s side, as Spain attempts to qualify from one of the toughest groups alongside Germany, Japan, and Costa Rica. The player has been one of the most prominent footballers in the world but also one of the best midfielders today.

5. Germany/Bayern – Jamal Musiala (Estimated value: €151m)

Nine titles, including the Champions League, have already been won by Musiala at Bayern Munich at the age of 19. Former Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves called him “one of a kind” and predicted that he will excel for Germany.

6. Uruguay/Real Madrid – Federico Valverde (Estimated value: €123m)

The 24-year-old defender has already played 44 times for Uruguay in international competition, scoring four goals. He is worth €123 million, or 21% of the squad’s total value for the World Cup. In the first 14 games of the 2022–2023 season, he has six goals. He now ranks as the sixth-highest scorer in La Liga thus far. His shot-to-goal conversion rate is 41 per cent.

RELATED:

• The Countries With The Most Bets To Win The FIFA Qatar World Cup
• The Football Clubs with the Most Representatives at the FIFA Qatar World Cup

7. Portugal/Man City – Ruben Dias (Estimated value: €118m)

Every fan of the Premier League is aware of how important Ruben Dias has been to Pep Guardiola’s illustrious Manchester City team over the past several seasons. Dias and City teammate Joao Cancelo will be vital to Portugal’s chances of winning the World Cup because players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and Bernardo Silva will be causing havoc at the opposite end of the field.

8. Croatia/Leipzig – Josko Gvardiol (Estimated value: €110m)

You might not be very familiar with the first name on this list. Chelsea and Barcelona were both interested in signing the 20-year-old Croatian defender in 2022, and he might draw additional interest going into the January transfer market if he performs well in Qatar. Croatia should advance from a group that also included Canada, Belgium, and Morocco.

9. Netherlands/Barcelona – Frenkie de Jong (Estimated value: €110m)

Keep an eye on Frenkie de Jong in Qatar if you haven’t grown tired of hearing his name after the will he or won’t he dispute with Manchester United over the summer. He plays an important role in the Netherlands team coached by Louis van Gaal, who is optimistic his team can win the World Cup.

10. Argentina/Inter Milan – Lautaro Martinez (Estimated value: €99m)

Everyone we spoke to appears eager to watch the best team in international football compete for victory this winter, which is well justified. Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria, and Lionel Messi form a terrifying attacking three, and the Inter forward has scored more than one goal for his country every other game – 21 in 40 games.

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Uruguay has unveiled their 26-man squad for the World Cup tournament in Qatar, and they will be aiming for a great campaign given Suarez and Cavani’s experience.

Coach Diego Alonso announced his squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on the 10th of November 2022.

Diego Alonso has given his team great hope ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while experienced attackers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani have been selected for their fourth straight World Cup, which was the highlight of Uruguay’s squad announcement on Thursday.

Cavani, 35, was considered in doubt due to a recurring ankle injury, which has seen him complete a full 90 minutes just once this LaLiga season for Valencia.

Following that 90-minute performance, he was withdrawn just 18 minutes into Valencia’s following game against Barcelona on October 29 and is yet to return.

Suarez, who is also 35, played in both September friendlies, contributing an assist in a 2-0 win against fellow World Cup qualifiers Canada to indicate he is still at the required level, despite playing his club football for Nacional in the Uruguayan First Division.

The Uruguayan team boasts a great mix of younger, developing talent, led by 24-year-old Real Madrid player Federico Valverde, who will add experience to the attacking partnership.

Centre-backs Ronald Araujo from Barcelona and Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid are among the impressive group that has joined the squad from La Liga. Cavani and Valverde are at the front of this group.

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur and Manchester United’s Facundo Pellistri are the squad’s only Premier League representatives, while Napoli’s Mathias Olivera, Roma’s Matias Vina and Lazio’s Matias Vecino represent Serie A.

RELATED:

• Portugal announce the 26-men squad for the Qatar World Cup
• OFFICIAL: England finally unveils their squad for the Qatar World Cup.
• Poland confirms their 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup.

Uruguay begin their campaign on November 24 against South Korea, before facing Portugal on November 28 and wrapping up Group H against Ghana on December 2.

• Uruguay 2022 FIFA World Cup squad:

 Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray), Sergio Rochet (Nacional), Sebastián Sosa (Independiente); Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Martín Caceres (LA Galaxy), Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP), Jose Gimenez (Atletico Madrid), Diego Godín (Velez Sarsfield), Mathias Olivera (Napoli), Jose Luis Rodriguez (Nacional), Guillermo Varela (Flamengo), Matias Vina (Roma); Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo), Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham), Nicolas de la Cruz (River Plate), Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray), Manuel Ugarte (Sporting CP), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Matías Vecino (Lazio); Agustín Cannobio (Athletico Paranaense), Edinson Cavani (Valencia), Maxi Gomez (Trabzonspor), Darwin Nunez (Liverpool), Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United), Luis Suarez (Nacional), Facundo Torres (Orlando City).

📋 𝗟𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗔

Los 26 seleccionados para defender a Uruguay en la Copa del Mundo.

🇶🇦 @FIFAWorldCup #ElEquipoQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/BS8EqdRr1n

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) November 10, 2022

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