On December 1, FIFA announced the 15 forwards shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014, which will complete the final shortlist comprised of 55 players.
FIFPro is the worldwide players' union and previously showcased the 55-man roster, consisting of five goalkeepers, 15 midfielders and 20 defenders. The 15 forwards were the last men added to finish the setup.
In a report by FIFA.com, the selection for the FIFA FIFPro World XI is decided by their peers. Votes from over 60,000 professional soccer players worldwide will be taken to select the 55 players. Ultimately, footballers will choose only one goalkeeper, three midfielders, four defenders and three forwards. FIFPro and its national partners have the task of gathering all votes from professional players from around the world. It is the only award that truly shows the views of people who actually play the game of soccer.
The final 11 will be announced during the awards ceremony for the FIFA Ballon d'Or which will happen at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland on January 12, 2015. The FIFA Ballon d'Or Best Player of 2014 and FIFA Women's World Player of the Year 2014 awards will also be presented at the big event. Other awards that will be handed out include the FIFA World Coach of the Year for men and women football, the FIFA Puskas Award for Best Goal of the Year, the FIFA Fair Play Award, and the FIFA Presidential Award. The ceremony will be featured on television, based on the same report by FIFA.com.
In another report by FIFA.com, the nominees for the FIFA Ballon d'Or for men's football are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Manuel Neuer. For women's football, the nominees are Nadine Kessler, Marta and Abby Wambach.
According to FCBarcelona.com, the forward shortlist includes:
1. Sergio Aguero (Argentina / Manchester City FC)
2. Gareth Bale (Wales / Real Madrid CF)
3. Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid CF)
4. Diego Costa (Spain / Chelsea FC)
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Real Madrid CF)
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden / Paris Saint-Germain FC)
7. Robert Lewandowski (Poland / FC Bayern München)
8. Lionel Messi (Argentina / FC Barcelona)
9. Thomas Muller (Germany / FC Bayern München)
10. Neymar (Brazil / FC Barcelona)
11. Marco Reus (Germany / Borussia Dortmund)
12. Arjen Robben (Netherlands / FC Bayern München)
13. Franck Ribery (France / FC Bayern München)
14. Wayne Rooney (England / Manchester United FC)
15. Luis Suarez (Uruguay / FC Barcelona)
Meanwhile, the contenders for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men's Football are Carlo Ancelotti, Joachim Loew, and Diego Simeone. For Women's Football, Ralf Kellermann, Maren Meinert, and Norio Sasaki are the nominees.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
