In a major shift in football's landscape, Lionel Messi has been excluded from the FIFPRO Men's World XI for the first time since 2006, ending an incredible 17-year streak of consecutive selections. Cristiano Ronaldo, another global legend, has also missed out on the prestigious lineup for 2024, marking the first time in his career that he has not been included since 2021. The absence of both Messi and Ronaldo, two of football's most iconic figures, signals the dawn of a new era in the sport, with a fresh generation of stars now taking center stage.
The FIFPRO World XI is voted on by over 21,000 professional footballers across 70 countries, making it the only global football award determined exclusively by players. This year’s lineup reflects a shift towards younger talents and the growing dominance of two footballing giants: Real Madrid and Manchester City. Six players from these two clubs dominate the 2024 World XI, with a sole representative from Liverpool—Virgil van Dijk—being the only player not from either of these two teams.
The 2024 FIFPRO World XI:
- Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, Germany), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
- 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)
Ederson, the Brazilian goalkeeper for Manchester City, earned his first-ever inclusion in the World XI, securing his place after a series of stellar performances in the 2023-2024 season. Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool completed the defense, with each player delivering consistently strong performances for their respective clubs. The midfield was led by Jude Bellingham, who received the most votes and is one of the standout young talents in world football, alongside established stars like Toni Kroos, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri, the Ballon d'Or winner for 2024.
In attack, the forward line saw Erling Haaland’s inclusion, continuing his dominance in European football, alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Mbappé’s selection is particularly notable given his fluctuating form this year, but his impact across the season, both in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League, was enough to secure his spot. Vinícius Júnior, who had a standout season with Real Madrid, completes the attacking trio.
The End of an Era: Messi and Ronaldo Excluded
Messi’s exclusion from the World XI this year marks the end of an era. The Argentine legend had been selected for 17 consecutive years, a streak unmatched in football history. Despite his exceptional performances and continued brilliance, particularly after leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, Messi’s move to Inter Miami may have contributed to his absence. His transfer to Major League Soccer, while not diminishing his skill, has meant less exposure to the elite European competitions, which may have played a role in his omission.
Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has also missed out on the World XI for the first time since 2021. Ronaldo’s exclusion underscores a broader shift in global football, with European leagues and top-tier club competitions now serving as the primary platforms for recognition among players. Despite his continued success and influence in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo's lack of involvement in the top European tournaments has likely impacted his chances of making the World XI this year.
A New Generation of Stars
The omission of both Messi and Ronaldo highlights the changing of the guard in global football. With the 2024 World XI showcasing a young and dynamic crop of players, it’s clear that the next generation is now in the spotlight. Jude Bellingham, at just 21 years old, was the most-voted player in the midfield, while Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior continue to prove their worth as two of the most exciting attacking players in the world. These emerging stars are poised to lead football into its next phase, and the 2024 World XI marks a key moment in that transition.
The FIFPRO World XI remains a unique accolade in football, as it is entirely determined by players themselves, making it a true reflection of peer recognition. With the exclusion of Messi and Ronaldo this year, the 2024 lineup is a testament to the evolving nature of the sport and the shifting dynamics at the highest level of football.
As football enters a new era, the influence of these new stars will only continue to grow, and the sport is set for a fascinating and unpredictable future. The exclusion of Messi and Ronaldo from the World XI is not just the end of an era but the beginning of a new chapter in global football.
