UEFA.com Team of the Year 2016: nominees announced
The 40 contenders for UEFA.com's 2016 ideal XI, as voted for by users of the governing body's website, were confirmed on Monday.
The 40 nominees have been announced for the UEFA.com Team of the Year 2016, which is to be picked by users of the European governing body's official website.
18 players from Real, Barcelona and Atleti
Real Madrid boast the most contenders with eight, while Barcelona and Atlético Madrid also contribute to LaLiga's dominance of the list with five each.
The candidates for the ideal line-up, who were chosen by UEFA.com staff writers based on their performances for club and country during 2016, feature four goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 12 midfielders and 12 forwards.
Voting open until 3 January
Football fans can vote for their XI on the UEFA website until Tuesday 3 January 2017, with the year's all-star team then revealed on Thursday 5 January.
UEFA.com Team of the Year 2016 nominees
Goalkeepers: Keylor, Oblak, Buffon and Rui Patricio.
Defenders: Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Godín, Juanfran, Piqué, Kimmich, Alderweireld, Boateng, Bonucci, Guerreiro and Koscielny.
Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Iniesta, Carrasco, Pogba, Ramsey, Kanté, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Krychowiak, Allen and Payet.
Forwards: Cristiano, Bale, Suárez, Messi, Neymar, Griezmann, Higuaín, Lewandowski, Aubameyang, Agüero, Ibrahimovic and Alexis.
