On Wednesday, the shortlist for the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO World 11 was unveiled, featuring 23 players.

Notable among the nominated forwards were football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, along with Karim Benzema, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior.

The final XI, to be officially disclosed at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in London on January 15, will consist of a minimum of three and a maximum of four forwards.

Lionel Messi boasts an impressive record, having been part of the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 for 16 consecutive years.

In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had previously secured a spot in the dream team for 15 straight seasons, missed out in 2022.

Professional players worldwide vote for the FIFA FIFPRO World 11, with over 25,000 votes cast annually through an online process. Each player nominates three individuals for each position, including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

This prestigious award recognizes performances and achievements between December 19, 2022, and August 20, 2023.

2023 FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Shortlist

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Ederson (Manchester City), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).

Defenders: Ruben Dias (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund/Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/Barcelona), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Rodri (Manchester City), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid/Al-Ittihad), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham/Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain/Inter Miami), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid).

The shortlist for the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 was also revealed on Wednesday.

The women’s award is based on performances and achievements between August 1, 2022 and August 20, 2023.

Nine of the 23 nominees are currently playing in England’s WSL.

Meanwhile, five members of the Spain team that won the 2023 Women’s World Cup have been shortlisted.

2023 FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Shortlist

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham United), Mary Earps (Manchester United), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Amanda Ilestedt (Paris Saint-Germain/Arsenal), Ashley Lawrence (Paris St-Germain/Chelsea), Maria Leon (Barcelona), Irene Paredes (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Claudia Pina (Barcelona), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona).

Forwards: Jennifer Hermoso (Pachuca/Tigres), Lauren James (Chelsea), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona), Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg), Alessia Russo (Manchester United/Arsenal).