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The anticipation among football enthusiasts is reaching a fever pitch as the FIFPro World XI awards ceremony approaches.
Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this prestigious event, scheduled for January 15, 2024, in London, England.
And this year’s nominee list is nothing short of extraordinary, with the legendary duo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo once again taking center stage.
FIFPro: A Player-Driven International Football Award
FIFPro, often regarded as a trade union for international football players, is an organization that primarily advocates for the betterment of players worldwide.
Interestingly, what sets FIFPro’s World XI awards apart is that they are exclusively selected by the players themselves.
Moreover, with over 28,000 professional footballers participating in the voting process, the World XI significantly represents the collective voice of the players.
Stringent Eligibility Criteria for Nominees
To be considered for the esteemed FIFPro World XI award, players must meet stringent eligibility criteria.
These criteria ensure that only the best of the best are recognized for their outstanding performances on the field.
In addition, the nomination process takes into account a specific evaluation period, spanning from August 20, 2023, to December 19, 2022, which covers a crucial timeframe of the football season.
Therefore, players who excel during this period have a higher chance of being nominated for the prestigious award.
Peer Players Select the Starting Eleven
One of the unique aspects of the FIFPro World XI awards is that peer players have the responsibility of selecting the final starting eleven.
The starting lineup consists of one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three strikers.
Moreover, the player who receives the highest number of votes among the nine selected players will occupy the remaining slot in the starting lineup.
The Highly-Anticipated Nominee List
As the excitement builds for the awards night, let’s take a closer look at the shortlisted nominees for the FIFPro World XI.
Alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the list includes other football superstars such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and many more.
Their fellow professionals have chosen each nominee on the shortlist, highlighting the significance of peer acknowledgment in the football community.
The Battle for “The Best Men’s Player of the Year”
In a parallel development, the race for FIFA’s “The Best Men’s Player of the Year” has also captured the attention of fans worldwide.
The three-man shortlist for this prestigious award includes Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.
The FIFPro World XI awards will announce the final winner alongside their ceremony, adding to the excitement of the evening.
Goalkeepers: The Last Line of Defense
The FIFPro World XI shortlist features three exceptional goalkeepers who have showcased their skills and agility on the field.
Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez, and Ederson have all earned their place among the nominees.
Moreover, these guardians of the goal have displayed exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, making them vital assets to their respective teams.
Defenders: The Pillars of Strength
A solid defense is the foundation of any successful team, and the FIFPro World XI shortlist reflects the importance of exceptional defenders.
Among them, Virgil Van Dijk, Ruben Dias, Toni Rudiger, John Stones, and other famous defenders have made their mark in the football world.
Not only that, their defensive skills, tactical awareness, and ability to thwart opposing attacks have earned them a place among the elite.
Midfielders: The Architects of the Game
The midfielders nominated for the FIFPro World XI possess the vision, creativity, and technical skills to control the game’s tempo.
For instance, Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Luka Modric, Rodri, and others have consistently demonstrated their ability to dominate the midfield.
As a result, their passing range, ball control, and ability to dictate play make them indispensable assets to their teams.
Strikers: The Goal-Scoring Machines
The FIFPro World XI shortlist also includes some of the most lethal goal-scoring machines in the football world.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and several others have consistently found the back of the net with their clinical finishing and exceptional goal-scoring instincts.
These strikers have the ability to change the course of a game with their individual brilliance.
Celebrating Excellence in Football
The FIFPro World XI awards are a celebration of excellence in football, honoring the best players in their respective positions.
These awards not only recognize individual brilliance but also highlight the collective effort and teamwork required to achieve success on the field.
As the football community eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners, the FIFPro World XI awards continue to be a testament to the talent, dedication, and passion that drives the beautiful game.
Conclusion
The FIFPro World XI nominee list for 2023 has once again brought together the best footballers from around the world.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s inclusion in the shortlist serves as a testament to their enduring greatness.
Meanwhile, as fans eagerly await the awards ceremony, the football world is abuzz with excitement, anticipation, and appreciation for the incredible talent on display.
In addition, the FIFPro World XI awards continue to be a shining celebration of the sport and the remarkable individuals who make it truly special.
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