Sports

Ronaldo, Messi, Bellingham Make 2023 FIFA FIFPro Team Shortlist [FULL LIST]

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

The 2023 Federation of International Football Association’s FIFPro team shortlist, released on Wednesday, will be unveiled at The Best FIFA Football Awards in London, England, on Monday, January 15.

The FIFA FIFPro is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers with over 28,000 professional footballers who have cast their votes.

Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, 38, currently the highest goal scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 20 goals, is joined on the list by the 2022 World Cup winner for Argentina, Lionel Messi.

Also on the list are Paris Saint-Germain captain, Kylian Mbappe; Real Madrid sensation, Jude Bellingham; and Manchester City treble winner, Erling Haaland.

Bayern Munich striker, Harry Kane, and former Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema, also appear on the list.

As stated by FIFPro, the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards who have received the most votes will be selected for the World 11.

The final spot in the World 11 will then be assigned to the remaining outfield player with the next highest number of votes.

The male players were nominated for their performances from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023, inclusive, and the players selected must have played at least 23 games within the period.

In the women’s category, World Cup winners Aitana Bonmati and Jenni Hermoso were nominated. Also on the list is Chelsea’s women’s duo of Lauren James and Sam Kerr.

See the full list below:

2023 FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Finalists

Goalkeepers

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium), Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil) and Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, Argentina).

Defenders

Ruben Dias (Manchester City, Portugal), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Eder Militao (Real Madrid, Brazil), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany), John Stones (Manchester City, England) and Kyle Walker (Manchester City, England).

Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/Real Madrid, England), Kevin De Bruyne, (Manchester City, Belgium), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/Barcelona, Germany), Luka Modric (Real Madrid, Croatia), Rodri (Manchester City, Spain), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City, Portugal) and Federico Valverde (Real Madrid, Uruguay).

Forwards

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/Al-Ittihad, France), Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur/Bayern Munich, England), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain/Inter Miami, Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal) and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil).

2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Finalists

Goalkeepers

Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham United, Australia), Mary Earps (Manchester United, England) and Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars, USA).

Defenders

Lucy Bronze (Barcelona, England), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Amanda Ilestedt (Paris Saint-Germain/Arsenal, Sweden), Ashley Lawrence (Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea, Canada), Maria Leon (Barcelona, Spain) and Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain).

Midfielders

Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona, Sweden), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich, England), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England) and Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)

Forwards

Jennifer Hermoso (Pachuca/Tigres, Spain), Lauren James (Chelsea, England)
Sam Kerr (Chelsea, Australia), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave, USA), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona, Spain), Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg, Germany) and Alessia Russo (Manchester United/Arsenal, England)

The PUNCH reports that in August 2023, FIFPro confirmed that it received complaints from the Super Falcons over their outstanding bonuses and allowances with the Nigeria Football Federation, which dates back to 2021,

This followed after the Falcons’ elimination from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

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Sports

EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola

Published

24 hours ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted Arsenal could be “difficult to catch” in the Premier League title race if they extend their lead at the top of the table.

City will have the chance to cut the Gunners’ lead to one point when they travel to Newcastle United in Saturday’s late kick-off.

Ahead of the game, Guardiola has warned his players that they have to keep pace with Arsenal, who will host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

“Arsenal are an impeccable team,” Guardiola said.

“If they manage to take some distance in points, it will be difficult to catch up.

“Just like how it went with Liverpool last season.”

Liverpool finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal last season.

Sports

Ikpoba-Okha Trade Tackles With Ovia N-East As Benin Unity Cup Kicks Off

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2025

Editor

Ikpoba-Okha LG traded tackles with Ovia North-East LG at the opening match of the maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup held at the Crescent Sports Club in Irhirhi, Benin City, on Thursday evening.

The seven local government councils in Edo South Senatorial District are expected to participate in the tourney sponsored by Neda Imasuen, the Senator representing the district at the National Assembly.

The match between the two LGs saw the players from both sides showcasing tactical organization, intensity, and individual brilliance, but neither team could find the breakthrough despite promising chances.

The draw sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talent-rich tournament, with scouts already keeping close watch on standout performers.

Both sides played out a cagey 0–0 draw, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talents-reach tourney.

‎In his remarks earlier, the tournament sponsor, and vision bearer Senator Imasuen, appreciated participating teams and officials for embracing the initiative.

He explained that the Unity Cup was designed to discover, nurture, and create pathways for grassroots footballers across Edo South, revealing that scouts from other parts of Nigeria — and possibly abroad — will attend live matches during the tournament.

READ ALSO:Senator Imasuen Kicks Off Benin Unity Cup To Foster Unity
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‎Imasuen encouraged all players to give their best, emphasizing discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship as the core values of the competition.

Imasuen, who promised to make the football tournament an annual event, assured to consider other sports including boxing, cycling, tennis ,and basketball in the nearest future.
‎
‎ Addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded Senator Imasuen for investing in grassroots football, describing the competition as a timely platform for youth development in Edo State.

‎He appealed to Senator Neda Imasuen, individuals and corporate bodies to extend similar support to other sporting disciplines, stressing that Edo State is home to many gifted athletes outside football who are yet to be discovered.

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Sports

EPL: He Has No Replacement – Alan Smith Names Arsenal’s Most Important Player

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2025

Editor

Former Arsenal striker, Alan Smith has suggested that Declan Rice is Arsenal’s most important player this season under manager Mikel Arteta.

Smith insisted that Rice has no replacement in Arteta’s squad, adding that it would be a big loss if he got injured.

Asked how Arsenal will cope with any injury blows in their bid to become Premier League champions this season, Smith told Metro UK: “We have seen Arsenal lose a couple of key players, haven’t we?

“Martin Odegaard was perhaps the main one, but [Eberechi] Eze came in and we have not really seen a drop-off.

“Declan Rice would be a big loss if he got injured because you would lose that drive in midfield and his set-piece ability which has become so important. They have not really got anybody to replace Rice.

“The defence has been superb but even at the back, [Cristhian] Mosquera has come in at times and they have got [Piero] Hincapie as well, so Rice would be the biggest loss for me.”