FIFPRO Announces Shortlists for 2024 World 11

The finalists for the 2024 FIFPRO Men's and Women's World 11 have been announced, featuring 26 nominees in each category, including renowned players like Rodri, Vinícius Júnior, Aitana Bonmatí, and Marta. Voting was conducted among professional soccer players from 70 countries, with the final 11 players set to be revealed on December 9, 2024. The selection process involves players choosing the best goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, culminating in an ultimate lineup determined by votes. Additionally, Barbra Banda's recent recognition by the BBC has sparked controversy related to gender-eligibility issues, with support from notable figures like Emma Hayes for Banda's talent amidst scrutiny. The FIFPRO awards, first introduced in 2005 for men and in 2015 for women, are unique as they are exclusively decided by players from the professional sphere. This year's nominations reflect a blend of established stars and emerging talents across the global football landscape.