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Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both missed out on the 2024 FIFPRO Men's World XI. Global players union FIFPRO announced the final list of the best 11 players in their respective positions, as voted by professional footballers from around the world, on Monday, December 9.
The 2024 FIFPRO World XI consists of six Real Madrid players, four Manchester City stars, and one representative from Liverpool. Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson Moraes has been voted as the best goalkeeper in 2024. In defense is the trio of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, and Virgil van Dijk.
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Former Germany international Toni Kross has been named in midfield alongside Kevin de Bruyne, Jude Bellingham, and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. The list is completed by the attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr.
Messi and Ronaldo were the only players not affiliated to a European club to be named in the initial 26-man list. However, both have been omitted from the final XI, marking the first time since 2006.
The Argentine holds the record for the most appearances in the FIFPRO XI with 17 straight since 2006. Ronaldo, meanwhile, has appeared in the XI 15 times and was last voted in, in 2022.
It is pertinent to note that both players also missed out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or final 30-man shortlist for the first time since 2006. These recent events emphasize a sad but nostalgic end to one of the greatest eras of football the world has ever seen.
Lionel Messi, 37, plays for Inter Miami in the Major Soccer League. Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, plies his trade for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's dominance in football
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the football space for almost two decades. The Inter Miami star is the record Ballon d'Or winner with eight titles and the most decorated footballer with 46 trophies. He is also the all-time assist leader in football, scoring 850 goals and 379 assists in 1,083 games for club and country.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has won five Ballons d'Or and is the all-time scorer in men's football with 916 goals and 256 assists in 1,255 appearances. The Portuguese legend has won 35 trophies in his career so far.
