Messi and Ronaldo Still in Demand: Legends Awaiting World XI Selection
Despite venturing beyond European football, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo remain deeply respected. Both icons – aged 37 and 39 respectively – stand as the sole non-European club players featured on the 26-man shortlist for the prestigious FIFPRO World XI. Selected by the global players’ union, this team honors the world’s best.
Rounding out the lineup are players representing clubs from England, Germany, Spain, and France, plus a surprising lack of representation from Italian clubs and football powerhouse continents, like South America and Africa. Read the release
Real Madrid dominates the shortlist with eight nominations: Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham.
Manchester City closely follows with seven. Among them is Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Erling Haaland.
Rising star Lamine Yamal, aged 17 from FC Barcelona. His impressive displays during Spain’s triumphant European Championship campaign sealed the deal.
Messi, now showcasing his talents in MLS with Inter Miami and Ronaldo, playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, await the December 9th announcement.
The selection process will see the goalkeeper with the highest votes earning a coveted spot.
Of 28,000 global players’ votes.
Here’s the complete list, by position:
Goalkeepers: Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, Argentina), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Defenders:
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain),
Rúben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, Netherlands)
Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
William Saliba (Arsenal, France)
Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England).
Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium)
Phil Foden (Manchester City, England)
Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany)
Luka Modrić (Real Madrid, Croatia)
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, Germany)
Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay).
Forwards:
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway),
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France),
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami),
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Cole Palmer (Manchester City/Chelsea, England)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)
Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
– Despite playing outside Europe, how have Messi and Ronaldo managed to maintain their positions among the world’s best footballers?
## Messi and Ronaldo Still Reign Supreme?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. We’re joined today by football analyst Sarah Jones to discuss the recent FIFPRO World XI shortlist. Sarah, it seems despite moving beyond European football, Messi and Ronaldo are still very much in demand.
**Sarah Jones:** Absolutely. It’s remarkable really. While European clubs dominate the shortlist, both Messi and Ronaldo, at 37 and 39 respectively, are the only two players from non-European clubs to make the cut. It’s a testament to their enduring talent and influence on the global game.
**Host:** Is this a surprise to you?
**Sarah Jones:** Honestly, not entirely. Both players remain phenomenal even as they navigate the latter stages of their careers.
**Host:** What about the lack of representation from other continents and leagues?
**Sarah Jones:** It’s definitely striking. Apart from Messi and Ronaldo, the shortlist is heavily skewed towards European clubs, notably Real Madrid and Manchester City. It raises questions about the visibility and recognition given to talent from other footballing powerhouses around the world.
**Host:** What impact do you think Messi and Ronaldo’s continued presence on this list has on the younger generation of players?
**Sarah Jones:** I think it set a powerful example. It shows that age is just a number and dedication to the sport can lead to enduring success. It might also inspire young players, especially those from outside Europe, to believe they can reach the highest levels of the game regardless of where they play.
**Host:** Thanks for sharing your insights, Sarah.