Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has today revealed the 55-man shortlist for the 14th edition of the annual FIFPro XI members after 25,000 journalists and football legends across 65countries voted. The list comprises of 5 Goalkeepers, 20 Defenders, 15 Midfielders and 15 Forwards that will make up the FIFA Gala XI which will be nominated via a voting system.

FACTS

There were few absentees which includes Gareth Bale, Mesut Ozil, Manuel Neuer, Alexis Sanchez, Jerome Boateng, Javier Mascherano, Thiago Alcantara, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Luiz, David Alaba, Jan Oblak, Pepe Kepler, Antonio Valencia and Marco Veratti.

Spain recorded a massive nominee of 9 players, France - 8 while Brazil and Croatia a close call of 6 and 5 respectively. Meanwhile every Real Madrid starting XI players in the UCL were nominated for the FIFA/FIFPro World XI; Barcelona also has her starting XI nominated. Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool with 5 nominees each.

La Liga recorded a total of 25 players (most), English Premier League - 18 while French Ligue 1 and German Bundesliga racked up a total of 5 with the Italian Serie A producing just 4 players.

Newbies like Mohammed Salah, Benjamin Pavard, Sadio Mane, Yerry Mina, Kyle Walker, Van Dijk, Joshua Kimmich, Dejan Lovren, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Kieran Trippier and Sime Vrsaljko also made the cut.

However, Ronaldo and Buffon makes a record breaking appearance on the list having been nominated for the FIFPro XI since 2004/2000.

The full list here:
GOALKEEPERS
Gianluigi Buffon – Italy, Juventus/Paris Saint-Germain
Thibaut Courtois – Belgium, Chelsea/Real Madrid CF
See more at: https://koksnation..com/2018/09/2018-fifafifpro-world-xi-nominees.html