Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi find themselves once again shortlisted for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World XI, as over 28,000 professional players have cast their votes for the team of the year. Following their remarkable achievements over the past 12 months, Manchester City stars dominate the 23-man shortlist.
Pep Guardiola’s squad boasts eight players on the list, including prolific striker Erling Haaland, who netted 44 goals across all competitions in 2023. The Manchester City representation extends to Ederson, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva.
Only two other Premier League players secured spots on the list, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who previously won the Yashin Trophy, and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk also earning well-deserved recognition.
The absence of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who scored 32 goals in the last calendar year, and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka is notable on the shortlist. However, Harry Kane, who has netted 25 times for Bayern Munich since his summer transfer from Tottenham, has secured a spot.
Kane is among the four England internationals nominated, joining Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Jude Bellingham, who has impressed since his move to Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi in for FIFPRO World XI 2023
Despite both players spending the latter half of 2023 outside of Europe, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated. Widely regarded as two of the greatest footballers of all time, they currently play in the United States and Saudi Arabia, respectively.
At the age of 36, Messi made a move to the MLS to join Inter Miami after his contract with Paris St-Germain expired. On the other hand, Ronaldo left Manchester United for Al-Nassr in late December 2022. Their geographical moves have not hindered their inclusion in the shortlist. Messi, the World Cup winner from Argentina, has now been part of the World 11 for 16 consecutive occasions since his debut in 2007, while Ronaldo has been selected 15 times.
