After the unveiling of the five goalkeepers and 20 defenders who made the shortlist, the 15 midfielders to be added to it are now also known. The shortlist will be completed by the 15 forwards to be announced and published on FIFA.com on 1 December.
The FIFA FIFPro World XI is decided by the players, for the players. It involves votes from tens of thousands professional footballers worldwide. They select one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
FIFPro and its national affiliates are responsible for gathering votes from professional footballers worldwide. It is the only global award that truly represents the views of those who play the beautiful game. For more information on the voting procedure can be found on the FIFPro website.
The midfielder shortlist is:
Xabi Alonso (Spain / FC Bayern München); Angel Di Maria (Argentina / Manchester United FC); Cesc Fabregas (Spain / Chelsea FC); Eden Hazard (Belgium / Chelsea FC); Xavi Hernandez (Spain / FC Barcelona); Andres Iniesta (Spain / FC Barcelona); Toni Kroos (Germany / Real Madrid CF); Luka Modric (Croatia / Real Madrid CF); Mesut Oezil (Germany / Arsenal FC); Andrea Pirlo (Italy / Juventus FC); Paul Pogba (France / Juventus FC); James Rodriguez (Colombia / Real Madrid CF); Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany / FC Bayern München); Yaya Toure (Côte d’Ivoire / Manchester City FC); Arturo Vidal (Chile / Juventus FC).
