Lionel Messi Absent from FIFPRO World XI After 17 Years; Cristiano Ronaldo Also Misses Out

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For the first time since 2006, Lionel Messi, one of football's most iconic figures, has been omitted from the FIFPRO Men's World XI. Cristiano Ronaldo, another global legend and 15-time selection, also failed to make the cut for 2024, signaling a seismic shift in the footballing landscape.

The 2024 World XI, voted on by over 21,000 professional footballers from 70 nations, reflects a new generation of dominance. Six players from Real Madrid and four from Manchester City dominate the lineup, with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk being the sole representative from outside these two clubs.

The 2024 FIFPRO Men's 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)

Manchester City's Ederson earned his first inclusion as goalkeeper, while the defensive trio of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and Van Dijk secured their spots with exceptional performances. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, the most-voted player, headlines the midfield alongside veteran Toni Kroos, creative powerhouse Kevin De Bruyne, and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.

The forward line features Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinícius Júnior. Despite Mbappé's inconsistent form this year, his inclusion emphasizes his impact across the season. Messi's exclusion ends a 17-year streak in the World XI, a record unmatched in football history.

This year, the Argentinian's move to Inter Miami may have contributed to his absence, despite his enduring brilliance. Similarly, Ronaldo, who transitioned to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, continues to miss the lineup after last featuring in 2021.

The FIFPRO World XI remains the only global award exclusively determined by players, ensuring that selections reflect peer recognition. With 2024 marking a significant shift, the new generation of football stars seems poised to lead the sport into its next chapter.