World-Class Talent: FIFA Men’s World XI 2024

The FIFA Men’s World XI is one of football’s most prestigious titles, honoring the top performers of the season. Each year, the brightest stars of the game are selected from all corners of the globe to form the ultimate dream team. This award recognizes players who have redefined the game, delivering consistent performances that left an indelible mark on the sport. The 2024 lineup is no exception, featuring players who have showcased their skill, delivered extraordinary moments, and led their teams to success. 

Each year, FIFPRO, the global organization representing professional footballers, works with around 70 player unions. Together, they distribute unique voting links to players at professional football clubs worldwide. This approach ensures that the selection reflects the players’ choices as they vote for their peers within the sport. Players vote based on key criteria: skill, achievements, and overall impact on the game. The final World XI includes the goalkeeper with the highest number of votes, the top three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, along with the outfield player with the next highest number of votes who hasn’t already been selected. Let’s dive into the team that represents the very best in football this year.

Goalkeeper

Ederson - Manchester City, Brazil

Known for his exceptional reflexes and precise distribution, Ederson has been instrumental in City's dominance. In the 2023–2024 Premier League season, Ederson made 33 appearances for Manchester City. In those appearances, Ederson achieved 10 clean sheets and conceded 27 goals. He recorded 57 saves, averaging just a little under two per game.

Defenders

Dani Carvajal - Real Madrid, Spain

Dani Carvajal has been a pivotal figure for Real Madrid during the 2023–2024 La Liga season, consistently delivering top-tier performances. His relentless runs down the right flank, combined with solid defensive positioning, have been instrumental in both offensive and defensive plays. In La Liga, Carvajal made 28 appearances, contributing four goals and three assists while helping the team secure ten clean sheets. His ability to balance defensive duties with offensive support makes him one of the best full-backs in the world.

Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool, Netherlands

Virgil van Dijk, a key figure in Liverpool’s defense, continues to anchor his team with composure and leadership. In the 2023–2024 Premier League season, he made 36 appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists. He also contributed to nine clean sheets for his team. His ability to neutralize top attackers and organize the backline solidified his place among the world’s best defenders.

Antonio Rüdiger - Real Madrid, Germany

Antonio Rüdiger has been a formidable presence in Real Madrid's defense during the 2023–2024 season. In La Liga, he made 33 appearances, contributing one goal. Beyond the numbers, Rüdiger’s physicality and tactical awareness have been pivotal in maintaining the team's defensive stability. He has consistently proven his ability to shut down some of the best strikers in the world. Whether facing agile forwards or physical midfielders, Rüdiger’s performance remains consistently high.

Midfielders

Jude Bellingham - Real Madrid, England

Jude Bellingham has had a sensational debut season with Real Madrid. His composure, intelligence, and ability to find the back of the net are world-class. In the 2023–2024 La Liga season, Bellingham made 28 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists. His impressive performances were instrumental in leading Real Madrid to their 36th league title, earning him the La Liga Player of the Season award.

Kevin De Bruyne - Manchester City, Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne continues to prove why he’s considered one of the best playmakers in the world. De Bruyne’s vision, pinpoint passing, and ability to break through defensive lines are unmatched. In the 2023–2024 Premier League season, De Bruyne made 18 appearances, scoring four goals and providing 10 assists. His contributions were instrumental in Manchester City securing the Premier League title.

Toni Kroos - Real Madrid, Germany

Toni Kroos remains a model of consistency and excellence in midfield. The German maestro’s passing accuracy, control under pressure, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches have been critical for Real Madrid. In the 2023–2024 La Liga season, Kroos made 33 appearances, scoring one goal and providing eight assists. His exceptional passing ability is highlighted by an average of 100 passes per game, with a completion rate of 94.63%. 

Rodri - Manchester City, Spain

Rodri has been the heartbeat of Manchester City’s midfield, excelling as a defensive anchor and contributing to the attack when needed. His ability to break up opposition play and transition quickly has made him irreplaceable to Pep Guardiola’s system. In the 2023–2024 Premier League season, Rodri made 34 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists. His defensive contributions were equally impressive, with a high number of interceptions and tackles per game. In recognition of his outstanding performances during the 2023–2024 season, Rodri was awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2024. The Ballon d’Or is football’s most prestigious individual award, given annually to the best player in the world for their performances over the past season.

Forwards

Erling Haaland - Manchester City, Norway

Erling Haaland's 2023–2024 season was nothing short of historic. The Norwegian striker shattered scoring records and became the focal point of Manchester City's winning campaign. In the Premier League, Haaland made 31 appearances, netting 27 goals and providing five assists. Haaland’s ability to consistently find the back of the net, combined with his physicality and instinctive positioning, has solidified his status as a generational goal-scoring talent. 

Kylian Mbappé - Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France

Kylian Mbappé continues to shine as one of the most dynamic forwards in the game. With incredible pace, exceptional dribbling, and clinical finishing, Mbappé’s performances stood out on every stage. In the 2023–2024 Ligue One season with Paris Saint-Germain, also known as PSG, Mbappé made 29 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists. His outstanding contributions earned him the Ligue One Player of the Year award for the fifth consecutive time.

Vinícius Júnior - Real Madrid, Brazil

Vinícius Júnior has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting wingers in football. In the 2023–2024 season, his explosive speed, flair, and ability to create and finish chances made him unreplaceable for Real Madrid. In La Liga, he made 26 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists. Individually, Vinícius Júnior was honored with the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award for 2023–2024.