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

Published

2 years ago

January 4, 2024

Editor

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 I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.