Lionel Messi's 17 Years Streak Broken! FIFPro Announces FIFA World 11 For 2024

The FIFA Men's Team of the Year 2024 was revealed by FIFPro on Tuesday. Notably, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were absent from the list. Instead, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior secured the forward positions in this prestigious lineup.

Real Madrid and Manchester City dominated the selection with ten players. Real Madrid clinched the Champions League title, while Manchester City excelled in English football during the 2023-24 season. Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool was the only other player to be included among the top defenders of 2024.

Messi and Ronaldo's Absence

Lionel Messi, playing for Inter Miami, did not make it to the World XI for the first time since 2006. Despite his impressive form at both club and international levels, he was overlooked. Similarly, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been part of the World XI for 16 consecutive years until 2023, also missed out despite his strong performances with Al-Nassr.

The goalkeeper position was filled by Ederson from Manchester City and Brazil. The defensive lineup included Dani Carvajal from Real Madrid and Spain, Virgil van Dijk from Liverpool and Netherlands, and Antonio Rudiger from Real Madrid and Germany.

Midfielders and Forwards

The midfield featured Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid and England, Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City and Belgium, Toni Kroos from Real Madrid and Germany, along with Rodri from Manchester City and Spain. The forwards were Erling Haaland representing Manchester City and Norway, Kylian Mbappe playing for Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid and France, as well as Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid and Brazil.

This year's selection highlights a shift in football's elite players as younger talents like Haaland and Mbappe take centre stage. The absence of Messi and Ronaldo marks a significant change in the landscape of world football recognition.