IFFHS Reveals 2024 Team of the Year

The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has named its 2024 Team of the Year, featuring a prominent lineup dominated by Real Madrid players like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, who both contributed significantly to the team's success, including victories in the Champions League and Intercontinental Cup. Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez was selected as the goalkeeper, while the defense includes Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Ruben Dias, and Alphonso Davies. Notably absent from the list are stars Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, with Mbappe missing the selection for the first time since 2020 due to underwhelming performances earlier in the year. Messi, despite impressive individual statistics at Inter Miami and a Copa America win, was also omitted, while Ronaldo's exclusion marks his third consecutive year out of the IFFHS Best XI. The team is structured in a 4-3-3 formation, reflecting the elite talent present in the sport today. The list has sparked controversy, particularly regarding the exclusions of several fan-favorite players.