This prestigious lineup celebrates the exceptional performances of the most outstanding players over the past year.

The FIFPRO World 11 (2024):

Goalkeeper

• Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)

Defenders

• Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain)
• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
• Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany)

Midfielders

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
• Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
• Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
• Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)

Forwards

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
• Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France)
• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)

This year’s selection highlights Manchester City’s dominance, with four players representing the club, a testament to their remarkable success during the 2023/2024 season. Real Madrid also made a strong showing, further underscoring their influence in global football.

The FIFPRO World 11 is unique among football awards as it is decided exclusively by professional players, offering unparalleled authenticity and recognition from peers.

The lineup underscores the brilliance of these stars and their contributions to the game over the past year.

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• 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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Toni Kroos has announced his decision to retire from professional football this summer, a move he made to avoid becoming a burden to Real Madrid.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who had the option to extend his contract by another year, chose instead to hang up his boots after the Euro 2024 tournament.

Kroos shared his thoughts on his podcast, “Einfach mal Luppen,” revealing that he had considered retirement last summer but wanted to finish his career on a high note.

He expressed a long-standing desire to end his career at Real Madrid, a club he has been deeply connected to since joining in 2014.

“Anyone who has listened carefully to me in recent years will have heard me say at some point that the only option for me is to finish my career at Real Madrid,” he said. “My last season at Real means that this summer will be the end.

“Even outside of sports, I think it was probably the most difficult decision of my life. Thank God I haven’t had to make a more difficult decision in my private life.

To start football at the age of six and manage it to a certain extent until you are 34…it is a very, very serious decision if football has always been at the centre of your life. That is why it is not so easy.

“I was already a little bit at the point of making this decision a year ago. So it was already made. But I had also been thinking about it for a long time.

In retrospect, I have to say that it was the right decision to continue another year, because things have really turned out as I hoped. I stayed healthy, it wasn’t too much for my body, it was another full season without injuries.

Plus, I had a lot of fun in most of the games, I managed to maintain my level and we were successful as a team.

“That’s always a big goal when you think about retiring, that you want to retire successfully. Even before the Champions League final, I can say that it has been a successful season. Now, it seems like the perfect time.

“I never wanted to have the feeling that the club, the fans and the people around me had to tell me ‘it’s over’ at the end, or that I would end up sitting here on the bench for another two or three years. That, in some ways, wouldn’t be worthy of a career, so I’m glad, happy and a little proud that I was able to avoid all those things. It’s a nice feeling.”

Toni Kroos expressed his gratitude towards those who have honored his career, including his teammate Luka Modric.

He also extended his appreciation to Real Madrid for allowing him the time and space to make this significant decision about his future.

“Since last year, and now with the various projects that I have built and am building on the side, I can perfectly imagine life without football,” he explained. “That does not mean that I will not miss it, but I will miss it if I leave now, in a year or in five years. Clearly, at some point, this big change was coming.

“I look at the positives: more time at home, fewer trips and stays in hotels…that’s what I have during a season like this. In addition to all the fun and victories, you also get these feelings. Ten or so trips a year where you think, ‘wow, that seems like ten wasted days’, or that you travel three days for a 90-minute game: ‘I’m travelling for three days, in a hotel, what could I do at home in that time?’.

“These thoughts have been on my mind for a whole. I’m looking forward to having some time to myself and more time at home.

“The timing is good because it is a fact that I made this decision myself. I could make it myself at any time, it was not made for me or about me. This feeling is very important, that of having it in your own hands, which is not always the case.

“Ten years is a long time. I wouldn’t have thought about it when I signed [for Madrid]. Because I also know that if you don’t perform consistently, the average life in such clubs sometimes is not long. I embarked on a brutal adventure. It wasn’t just about going to the biggest club in the world. Going abroad with such a small family is a big step.”

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Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has penned an emotional tribute to Toni Kroos following the announcement of his Real Madrid team-mate’s retirement after Euro 2024.

Kroos will end his remarkable footballing career after this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. Recognized as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Kroos has enjoyed an illustrious career, starring for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and the German national team. His accolades include league titles in Spain and Germany, the 2014 World Cup, and five European Cup victories.

Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has already experienced success alongside Kroos, with Los Blancos clinching the La Liga title. The England international expressed his admiration and gratitude for playing with the veteran midfielder in a heartfelt post on social media, highlighting how much he has cherished their time together at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bellingham wrote on Instagram: “One year was not enough. Thank you for everything you have given to the game, it’s been an absolute pleasure to enjoy your football and personality as a fan and even more so as a teammate. Still some more work to do this season but wish you all the best for whatever is next for you and your family. LEGEND! 🐐8️⃣🤍”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jude Bellingham (@judebellingham)

Toni Kroos has won the Champions League five times, and in the history of the European Cup/UCL, only Paco Gento has won it more often, with six titles. This year, Kroos has the opportunity to equal that record.

Bellingham and Kroos have already secured the La Liga title with Real Madrid this season and are now aiming to lift the European Cup. They will face Borussia Dortmund in the final on June 1. Following the final, both midfielders will head to Euro 2024, with Kroos set to feature for the tournament hosts before finally hanging up his boots.

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Toni Kroos is poised to extend his contract with Real Madrid, committing to stay with the Spanish giants until 2025, recent reports have revealed.

The future of the German midfielder has been a subject of intense speculation in recent weeks, especially with his current deal with Los Blancos set to expire at the end of the 2023–24 season.

Following his impressive return to the German national men’s team during the March international friendlies, where he demonstrated his enduring quality, Kroos is now expected to continue his journey with Madrid by signing a new contract extension, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Since joining Madrid in 2014, Kroos has made a significant impact, amassing over 450 appearances for the club across all competitions. During his tenure, he has clinched four Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns, among numerous other accolades.

Despite the emergence of a new generation of midfielders at the Bernabeu under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, including Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde, Kroos remains a pivotal figure. He has started 20 games in Spain’s top flight this season, demonstrating his enduring importance to the team.

While his longtime midfield partner Luka Modric has seen less playing time, Kroos continues to be a mainstay in the squad, playing 1799 minutes in La Liga compared to Modric’s 1161 minutes.

Recently, the 34-year-old decided to end his international retirement and delivered outstanding performances as Germany secured victories over France and the Netherlands in friendlies leading up to Euro 2024.

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The 20-year-old England international, who cost €103 million (£88 million; $110 million) to move from Borussia Dortmund to the Spanish capital in the summer, has already earned the nickname “blue-eyed boy” among the supporters after scoring three goals in his first two league games.

With his movement in the attacking third, Bellingham has shown to be a challenge for opposing defenders, and his contribution has ensured that Real Madrid is not in goal drought despite the departure of talismanic forward Karim Benzema.

The seasoned midfielder Kroos is ecstatic about Bellingham’s contribution and views him as a “absolute asset” to the team.

“It was indicated in the preparation, where he did really well. He’s integrated surprisingly well in such a short time,” Kroos said on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen. “I have a very good feeling about him because I think he’s incredibly mature for his age – not just mentally, that he’s already very far, but also with the way he plays football. He’s very, very far, doesn’t do hara-kiri things, is always clear in his actions, works, tries to play to his strengths to the full.

“A lot of other people at that age still make a lot of hara-kiri, a lot of technical and tactical mistakes. You don’t see that much with him. So far I have to say that he is already an absolute asset to our game. That means something, because we’re not a completely blind team. The fact that a 20-year-old enriches us right from the start is a good sign.”

It had been reported that Borussia Dortmund players are glad about Bellingham’s exit as the midfielder allegedly always wanted to be the centre of attention. However, Kroos does not agree and instead insists that the squad is “quite happy” with his behaviour.

“I can only give you our perspective. And I can say that we are quite happy that he is here. Should that also be the case in Dortmund: all the better. If not, at least they got good money now,” he said.

Bellingham will try to maintain his strong run of performance as Real Madrid plays Celta Vigo in their upcoming La Liga match on Friday night.

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Jude Bellingham claims he ‘can’t wait to test out’ the foul Spanish words that his new Real Madrid teammates are teaching him.

The 20-year-old joined Real Madrid in a deal that might end up costing Borussia Dortmund £115 million if all performance-related add-ons and bonuses are met.

Bellingham is only the sixth Englishman to play for Real Madrid, following in the footsteps of Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Michael Owen, and Jonathan Woodgate, and has taken on the mantle of wearing the club’s number five shirt, made famous in the modern era by Zinedine Zidane.

Bellingham had never lived outside of his comfort zone before moving to Spain, but he is used to doing so. At the age of 17, he signed a £25 million contract to join Dortmund from Birmingham City, making him the most expensive player of his age.

After scoring 30 minutes into his DFB-Pokal debut against MSV Duisberg, Bellingham quickly set a club record for the DFB-Pokal’s youngest goal scorer. Over the following three years, Bellingham established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Bellingham acknowledges that he is still adjusting to his new surroundings despite being at probably the largest club in world football. However, with some assistance from his teammates, particularly when it comes to learning a new language, he is making progress.

“Lucas Vázquez and Brahim Díaz are probably my biggest Spanish teachers,” Bellingham told the club’s media channels. “Everyone’s chipping in and teaching me bad words. I can’t wait to try them out.”

Although he’s ‘feeling strong and fantastic’ so far, he continued that one of the main challenges of the transfer thus far has been getting used to the heat of training.

There was also time to acknowledge the skill of seasoned midfielder Toni Kroos, who will unquestionably be charged by manager Carlo Ancelotti with imparting his knowledge to a player who will certainly be the midfield’s linchpin for the team for years to come.

“Toni Kroos is a master. One thing I’ve noticed is his passing details,” Bellingham said of the German. “The ball just drops wherever he wants it to, all the time.

“Having watched Kroos from the outside, it’s a pleasure to watch him up close. It’s really good being able to receive the ball from him, showing him what I can do too, and see how our skills can match.”

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Jude Bellingham gave an explanation of his decision to accept Real Madrid’s €103 million (£89 million/$112 million) price tag and the goals he has set for his first season.

After spending three years in Germany, the 20-year-old midfielder has completed a high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid. When wearing a famous white shirt in the Spanish capital, Bellingham is aware that all eyes would be on him, but he claims to be enjoying the pressure being put on his youthful shoulders.

Bellingham told Sky Sports when asked if he feels any kind of pressure: “Not really. I think it follows you everywhere. People are saying to me that there is pressure on the move and stuff like that. Wherever I was going to take my next step there was going to be pressure, so it’s one of those things now that I get to enjoy because I’m under it so much. It’s all about finding ways of coping and I’m having a great time.”

Bellingham is already setting lofty targets for his first season in Madrid, with the England international eager to get his hands on major silverware.

He added on his goals with the Blancos: “Just to try and win. That’s why the club have signed me, that’s why I’m there. That’s why I have joined the biggest club in the world, to try and keep adding to the history and win trophies. I’m buzzing. It’s a move that is a dream move for me. I’m there now. I feel like I’ve done all the talking, now it’s about getting ready and starting playing. I’m just so happy to be at the club.”

Asked whether the pressure is something he feels, not least having become the most expensive English player of all time and the first Englishman to join Real since Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate in 2004, Bellingham replied: “Not really.”

He added, “[Pressure] follows you everywhere. People are saying to me there is pressure on the move, but wherever I was going to take my next step there was going to be pressure. It’s one of those things that I get the chance to enjoy because I’m under it so much – it’s all about finding ways of coping and I’m having a great time trying.”

Bellingham has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid that will keep him at the club until 2029. He will compete for regular game time in 2023-24 with players like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga.

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Real Madrid have announced that Croatia international Luka Modric has agreed to extend his contract until summer 2024.

Real Madrid and Modric have agreed to terms of a contract extension that would keep the Croatian player with the club through June 2024. The Croatia international has now joined fellow veteran Toni Kroos is committing to Real Madrid for another year.

Comunicado Oficial: Modrić.#RealMadrid | #Modrić2024

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 26, 2023

Madrid recruited Modric from Tottenham in 2012, and the playmaker has won almost 20 titles at the Santiago Bernabeu, including five Champions League triumphs. Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia had targeted Modric, but he chose to stay in the Spanish capital instead.

The midfield positions in Real Madrid will be fiercely contested next season. Modric and Kroos have already indicated their intention to continue at the club, and they will be joined by Jude Bellingham. Carlo Ancelotti can also call on Aurélien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Fede Valverde.

Modric has reacted to the announcement with a brief post on social media. “Home Sweet Home,” he wrote on Twitter.

Home Sweet Home. #Modric2024

— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) June 26, 2023

RELATED:

• Real Madrid confirms Dani Ceballos signs new contract
• Toni Kroos renews contract at Real Madrid
• OFFICIAL: Nacho extends stay at Real Madrid until 2024

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Zinedine Zidane has revealed which of his former Real Madrid players astounded him above all others.

The former midfielder, who won 17 titles as a player and later served as manager twice for Los Blancos, is unquestionably one of the most well-liked legends in the club’s history.

During his tenure in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout, Zidane oversaw a number of legendary players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, Vinicius Junior, and Casemiro.

However, he admitted in an interview with Telefoot that Luka Modric was not too far behind Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema as his first choice for a player who gets him out of his seat.

“If there is a player who lifts me out of my chair, that is Karim Benzema. Maybe also Luka Modric, players who, when they have the ball, you think they are going to lose it, but no, they always manage to get away with it,” Zidane said.

During Zidane’s first managerial tenure, Benzema primarily served as a supporter of Ronaldo, frequently selflessly setting up the Portuguese attacker. The Frenchman even finished the 2017–18 La Liga season with just five goals in 32 games.

By the time Zidane made his second appearance in Real Madrid in March 2019, Benzema had accepted the responsibility of being the team’s primary goal scorer. In 2022, a year after Zidane left once more, he eventually guided Los Blancos to their 14th Champions League championship.

The 51-year-old, who has been out of work for the past two years, acknowledged that he misses the routine of managing a football team.

“Do I miss the adrenaline of training at the highest level? Yes of course. When you’re away, you see it differently. I haven’t had it for two years, but it will come,” he added.

When asked if he would work in France – either for the national team or PSG – Zidane replied: “You can’t deny anything. I know what I want and what I don’t want. If I have decided to take a break, it is because I should have. I hope I can tell myself that soon I will be able to return to training.”

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