Messi makes history, headlines FIFPro World XI with Mbappe
Modric, Benzema, Casemiro also named in XI
Lionel Messi earned his 16th consecutive nomination to the FIFPro World XI, a record number for any player in the history of the game. The PSG star was first named in the XI as a 20-year-old in 2007 and has included in the XI every year since then.
Messi helped Argentina win a first FIFA World Cup since 1986 in Qatar when they overcame France on penalties. He also won the tournament’s golden ball for his impressive showing throughout the tournament.
Messi’s PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe was also included in the FIFPro World XI for his showing for club and country. The forward led France to a second-placed finish and won the tournament’s golden boot. He was also joined in the XI by Moroccan defender and PSG teammate Achraf Hakimi, who impressed with the Atlas Lions at the World Cup, and PSG in France.
Real Madrid striker and captain Karim Benzema also made the FIFPro World XI for his performances for the Los Blancos and France. The striker captained his club to UEFA Champions League and La Liga glory, and also won the Ballon d’Or afterwards.
Evergreen Croatian midfielder Luka Modric also made the XI after impressing for club and country. After playing a starring role for Real Madrid as they won the UEFA Champions League, the 37-year-old then led Croatia to a third-place finish at the Mundial in Qatar. Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was also included after his performances for Real Madrid and Brazil in 2022.
Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne also made the FIFPro World XI on the back of his displays for Manchester City as they won the English Premier League. His teammate at the club, Joao Cancelo, now on loan at Bayern Munich, also made the XI.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was included in the FIFPro World XI after his stunning displays for the European champions. Despite winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award, Aston Villa star Emiliano Martinez was overlooked in favour of the Belgian.
Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland completed the XI following impressive showings for their respective clubs in 2022.
