Despite stellar performances this year for club and country, Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong and forward, Ademola Lookman missed out on FIFPRO’s final list for the 2024 World XI.
FIFPRO has unveiled its final list of nominees for the 2024 Men’s World XI, chosen through a voting process involving over 21,000 professional football players from 70 countries, according to the organisation’s official website.
The 26 players who received the highest votes for their performances between August 21, 2023, and July 14, 2024, are the finalists for the prestigious FIFPRO Men’s World XI.
To qualify, players needed to feature in at least 30 official matches during this period.
Despite stellar performances from Ademola Lookman, recognised for his attacking prowess, and Troost-Ekong, lauded for his defensive excellence that propelled Nigeria to the AFCON final, missed out on the final cut.
The final lineup of 26 features world-class talents across all positions. Goalkeepers include Ederson (Manchester City), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), and Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich).
In defence, prominent names such as Virgil Van Dijk, Antonio Rudiger, William Saliba, and Dani Carvajal secured their spots.
The midfield category boasts stars like Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Toni Kroos, while the attacking lineup includes Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Chelsea’s rising star Cole Palmer.
