No Vinícius on FIFPro shortlist for Men’s World 11

FIFPro has announced its list of 26 nominees for the 2022 World 11 and the most notable absentee is Vinícius Júnior. The Real Madrid forward was instrumental in winning the club’s most recent titles and scored the Champions League final goal against Liverpool in Paris. The Brazilian is not, however, considered by his peers as one of the best forwards of last season. But there are places for Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The best XI of the year will be announced at the FIFA gala on 27 February in Paris. Despite the absence of Vinícius, Real Madrid have Thibaut Courtois, Luka Modric, Fede Valverde and Karim Benzema on the list. Casemiro has also been chosen as has defender Antonio Rüdiger.

Barcelona midfielders Gavi and Pedri have also been nominated. Robert Lewandowski is on the list, although mainly for what he has done with Bayern. Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are also in the running.

The nominees

GOALKEEPERS: Emi Martinez, Courtois and Alisson

DEFENDERS: Cancelo, Davies, Van Dijk, Gvardiol, Achraf, Theo Hernandez, Rüdiger, Thiago Silva

MIDFIELDERS: Bellingham, Casemiro, De Bruyne, Enzo, Gavi, Modric, Pedri, Valverde

FORWARDS: Benzema, Haaland, Lewandowski, Mbappé, Messi, Neymar, Cristiano