For the first time in 17 years, Lionel Messi, one of football’s greatest legends, has been excluded from the FIFPRO Men’s World XI. This marks a historic shift in the global football hierarchy, with Cristiano Ronaldo—another iconic figure—also failing to make the 2024 lineup. Both stars, who have dominated the sport for nearly two decades, were notably absent, as a new generation of footballers takes center stage.
2024 FIFPRO Men’s World XI
The World XI, voted on by over 21,000 professional footballers across 70 countries, is dominated by players from Real Madrid and Manchester City, with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk being the sole representative from outside these two clubs.
| Position | Player | Club | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Ederson | Manchester City | Brazil |
| Defender | Dani Carvajal | Real Madrid | Spain |
| Defender | Antonio Rüdiger | Real Madrid | Germany |
| Defender | Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | Netherlands |
| Midfielder | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | England |
| Midfielder | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City | Belgium |
| Midfielder | Toni Kroos | Real Madrid | Germany |
| Midfielder | Rodri | Manchester City | Spain |
| Forward | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Norway |
| Forward | Kylian Mbappé | PSG/Real Madrid | France |
| Forward | Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid | Brazil |
This year’s lineup marks a generational shift, with Manchester City’s Ederson making his debut in the World XI. The defensive trio includes Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and Van Dijk, who all delivered consistent performances throughout the year.
Read More: Messi willing to compete 2026 World Cup.
In midfield, Jude Bellingham, the most-voted player of 2024, stands out alongside Toni Kroos, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri, who was crowned Ballon d’Or winner this year. Upfront, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior complete the squad, signaling the dawn of a new era in football.
End of an Era for Messi and Ronaldo
Messi’s omission from the World XI ends his remarkable 17-year streak of selections. His move to Inter Miami this year likely played a role in his exclusion. Similarly, Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has now missed the World XI for three consecutive years, marking a notable departure from the elite squad.
The FIFPRO World XI remains the only award entirely determined by the votes of professional players, ensuring that the selections reflect peer recognition and respect.
With the absence of Messi and Ronaldo, the 2024 World XI marks a pivotal moment in football history, as new stars like Bellingham, Haaland, and Vinícius step forward to shape the future of the sport.
