Kylian Mbappé has earned a spot in the 2024 Men’s World XI, joining five Premier League players. Despite a challenging year, Mbappé leads the forward line alongside Vinícius Júnior, who is also part of a Real Madrid-heavy lineup. Erling Haaland, another key figure, joins Manchester City teammates Kevin De Bruyne, Éderson, and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk completes the defensive squad.
Notably absent from the lineup for the first time since 2006 is Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentina and Inter Miami player. Messi, who had been part of the World XI for 17 consecutive years, did not make the cut in 2024. Similarly, former rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who had featured in the team for 16 years, is also missing, as is Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, despite his strong form.
Jude Bellingham, the standout England and Real Madrid midfielder, is included, alongside his clubmates Antonio Rüdiger, Dani Carvajal, and Toni Kroos, who retired after Germany’s participation in Euro 2024. The team is selected by players, marking a notable shift in this year’s choices, with several high-profile names missing out for the first time in years.
