The 23-player shortlist for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11 features renowned footballers Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland as the main attractions.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, two of the greatest footballers of all time, have once again been nominated for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11. This prestigious shortlist is dominated by Manchester City stars, who have had a remarkable year, winning numerous trophies.

Eight players from Pep Guardiola’s squad have made the cut, showcasing the depth and talent of the team. Among them is Erling Haaland, the prolific striker who scored an impressive 44 goals across all competitions for his club in 2023. Haaland is joined by his teammates Ederson, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, and Bernardo Silva.

Unfortunately, there is no place on the shortlist for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who scored 32 goals in the last calendar year, or Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. However, Harry Kane, who joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham in the summer, has made the grade. Kane has found the back of the net 25 times for his new club and is one of four England internationals to be nominated, alongside Walker, Stones, and Jude Bellingham, who has been impressive since joining Real Madrid.

It is worth noting that Messi and Ronaldo have been nominated despite not playing in Europe for the latter half of 2023. Messi, now 36 years old, transferred to the MLS to join Inter Miami after his contract at Paris St-Germain expired. On the other hand, Ronaldo left Manchester United to join Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia in late December 2022. Nevertheless, their exceptional performances have earned them a spot on the shortlist. Messi has made the World 11 on 16 successive occasions since his debut in 2007, while Ronaldo has been selected 15 times.

The final XI will be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London on January 15. This event will also reveal the Women’s World 11, which includes several players from the England Lionesses side who reached the World Cup final but lost to Spain. Goalkeeper Mary Earps, along with Lauren James, Keira Walsh, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood, Ella Toone, and Lucy Bronze, have all been nominated for this prestigious recognition.