GOAL US writers discuss FIFPRO World 11 nominees, with Messi looking to extend his record number of appearances
The FIFPRO World 11 nominees are out, with the 2024 winners set to be revealed next week. Both the men's and women's side offer glittering shortlists, with as many big names left out as there are included.
But they also come with plenty of intrigue. After all, although 26 finalists have been named for each, only 11 can make the final team. That means sacrifices have to be made. On the men's side, the biggest question is around Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami and Argentina star has made the team a record 17 times in a row. But after spending a season in MLS – dominant at times, but also missing games after an injury in the Copa America final with Argentina – that run could come to an end.
There are also some pretty hefty omissions, with a handful of Premier League talents left off the voting lists.
As for the women, the usual suspects are here. But there's not much of a U.S. presence, with only Naomi Girma and Lindsey Horan among the nominees – with "Triple Espresso" attackers Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson not shortlisted.
And keep in mind, these are all peer-nominated players. A record 28,000 players from 70 countries have voted for the 2024 Men’s World 11 and Women’s World 11.
Of course, the great thing about awards is they engender debate. To that end, GOAL US writers break it all down in a special FIFPRO World 11 edition of… The Rondo.
Getty ImagesShould the Messi streak continue?
Tom Hindle: He should make every single World 11 until he retires, but football doesn't work that way. Messi made an absolute mockery of MLS this season, should end the year as league MVP, and also captained Argentina to a Copa America title. The issue is, there are players who made an equal impact in bigger leagues. Can he get in the side ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Erling Haaland or even Lamine Yamal? Tough to say. This might be it.
Jacob Schneider: From a worldwide perspective, no. It's time for a new wave of talent to make their presence known. The days of Ronaldo and Messi are still with us, but at the same time, it's no longer their spotlight. He's been brilliant for Miami, but at the same time, others deserve it now.
Ryan Tolmich: Not this time. Had he dominated in the Copa America, maybe, but Argentina's triumph was just as much about the togetherness of the team as it was about Messi's own brilliance. The fact is that he was injured a bit too much of this year to really have a case, particularly when there are so many incredible attackers fighting for spots in the team.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWho was overlooked on the Men's World 11 shortlist?
TH: There are a few that fans will feel pretty aggrieved about (and have every right to do so.) The puzzling one, though, is Mo Salah. He was the best attacking player not named Erling Haaland in the Premier League last season, with 28 goal contributions to his name in 32 games. Could he perhaps have grabbed a few more goals? Sure. Might he stand more of a chance if Liverpool had won the Prem? Yes. But not even getting a nomination is just silly. Also a word for the massive Trent Alexander Arnold erasure.
JS: It has to be either Salah or Bukayo Saka. Both had stupendous 2023-24 seasons at the club level, and should have deservedly been voted in as nominees.
RT: It could very well be recency bias a bit here, but Salah needed to be on this list. Even before his recent goal explosion, he was among the best in the world and, now, he might just be the very best. No offense to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but neither should be in over Salah.
Getty ImagesWho was overlooked on the Women's World 11 shortlist?
TH: It's pretty unforgivable not to include any of the USWNT's famous Triple Espresso but the omission of Smith, in particular, just seems a bit silly. She has scored 24 goals across her last 41 NWSL games, and at times kept the Thorns afloat last year. There's also the small matter of an Olympic gold medal to consider. Leaving out the other two is understandable, with Swanson coming off injury and Rodman's numbers not quite up to scratch. But Smith is a formidable forward, world-class attacking presence, and match-winner. What more does she have to do?
JS: Don't think there is another answer outside of Triple Espresso. All three should have at least received nominations after spearheading the USWNT's run to the gold in Paris. At the club level, Rodman even led the Spirit to NWSL Championship game in 2024, while Smith geared her side to the postseason.
RT: Take your pick of USWNT stars. Despite winning the gold, just two Americans were named to the nominee list. Horan and Girma more than deserve their nominations, but what about Triple Espresso, who were the real stars of this Olympic tournament? They'll get their chances in the years to come, but it felt like at least one of them should have been around the team this year.
Getty ImagesName three players who HAVE to make the Men's World 11
TH: Where to start? Let's go with Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, robbed of Ballon d'Or-ee Vinicius Jr, and Virgil Van Dijk. Everyone else can sort of figure it out.
JS: Dani Carvajal, Rodri and Vini Jr. Carvajal was absolutely breathtaking for Real Madrid and Spain in 2024, leading Los Blancos to a UCL title and Spain to a EUROS championship – where he claimed the trophy alongside Rodri. The Man City midfielder, meanwhile, was the most important part of City's treble-winning roster, while Vini was the runner-up for Ballon d'Or 2024 – and was Madrid's most important attacker in 2024.
RT: Rodri is a lock. He is the best midfielder in the world after all, and has that Euro success in his back pocket. The Real Madrid duo of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. have to be there, too, for their role in the club's Champions League triumph. Outside of those three, it feels like the race is pretty open elsewhere, largely because so many players had strong seasons in different competitions.