No Lionel Messi and no Cristiano Ronaldo.
The all-time soccer greats did not make the men’s world team of the year organised by global players’ union FIFPRO on Monday.
The 37-year-old Messi, who plays for MLS side Inter Miami, and the 39-year-old Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, were the only players not with European clubs voted onto a 26- man shortlist by FIFPRO last week.
This year’s team of the year featured six players from record 15-time Champions League winner, Real Madrid, and four from Premier League heavyweight, Manchester City, with Liverpool’s standout centre half Virgil van Dijk the other player selected.
The World XI was voted for by professional players from 70 countries.
City’s Ederson is in goal, with Madrid duo Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger partnering Van Dijk in defense.
A stellar midfield saw Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos (Madrid) picked alongside playmaker Kevin De Bruyne and Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri, from City.
Prolific City striker, Erling Haaland, is teamed up with Kylian Mbappé and his Madrid clubmate Vinicius Jr. in a star-studded attack.
It is the first time since 2006 that Messi has not been selected. Argentina’s World Cup winner and record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the record after being voted into the team 17 times. Ronaldo has been selected 15 times but last appeared in 2021.
FIFPRO has invited the world’s professional footballers to choose their men’s team since 2005 and the women’s team since 2015. It is the only global football award decided exclusively by the players. -AP