Kylian Mbappe has been included in the 2024 Men's World XI along with five English Premier League players, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah the notable absentees.
Mbappe – who has struggled for his usual form in 2024 – and Vinicius Junior are two of six players to have played for Real Madrid in the calendar year involved and headline the forward line, alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland.
Haaland is joined by club teammates Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson and Ballon d'Or winner Rodri in the line-up, which is voted for by players, while Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also makes the team.
Missing from the XI for the first time since 2006, however, is Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Messi. Messi, football's most decorated player, had made 17 straight World XIs but is excluded from 2024's edition. Former rival Ronaldo, who was in the team for 16 years before 2023, also misses out, as does Salah despite his goalscoring form with Liverpool.
Messi and Al Nassr's Ronaldo were the only nominees to play their football outside of Europe.
England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is included along with teammates past and present Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, and Toni Kroos, who retired after playing for Germany in Euro 2024 in the summer.
Men’s World XI
Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City, Brazil)
Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid, Spain), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid, Germany)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City, Belgium), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid, Germany), Rodri (Manchester City, Spain)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid, France), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid, Brazil)
Women’s World XI
Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain, England)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (FC Barcelona/Chelsea, England), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain), Alex Greenwood (City, England)
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona, Spain), Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)
Forwards: Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia), Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia),Lauren James (Chelsea, England), Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil)
