More than 20,000 professional players in FIFA’s annual FIFPro World XI vote nominated the definitive team of 2014 in Zurich on Monday night during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer.
Manuel Neuer: FC Bayern's Manuel Neuer enjoyed a sensational year in 2014 which ended with a World Cup winners medal and he was rightly shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or award.
Philipp Lahm: Germany’s inspirational World Cup-winning captain also appears for the second successive year in the right-back berth, making the most of the his famed versatility and composure we have seen from him all 2014.
Thiago Silva: The Brazilian captained PSG to their second successive league triumph and first ever double in 2014. His importance in defense was highlighted when he was absent for Brazil’s semi-final thrashing against Germany.
David Luiz: Undoubtedly former Chelsea defender Luiz represented the surprise inclusion in the XI, with a backlash swiftly following on social media. The Brazilian enjoyed a good tournament until Germany’s thrashing in the semi-finals.
Sergio Ramos: The Spaniard formed a key part of the Real Madrid team which won an array of trophies in the last calendar year and scored a sensational stoppage-time equaliser in the Champions League.
Toni Kroos: The 25-year-old German midfielder cemented his place as an international star in 2014, winning several match-winning World Cup performances, a league and cup double with Bayern.
Andres Iniesta: The Barcelona star made the world XI for the sixth successive year and was the Catalan’s continued source of inspiration alongside Lionel Messi.
Angel di Maria: The new Manchester United playmaker represents the only Premier League player in the XI and his selection comes on the back of a 2014 in which he played in a World Cup final and won the Champions League with Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Real Madrid forward scored a staggering 69 goals in 59 matches during 2013 and helped Portugal secure their place in next year's World Cup finals as well as winning the Ballon d’Or.
Arjen Robben: Surprisingly the first time the Dutchman has been voted into the illustrious world XI but scored 21 goals in 2014, playing an integral role in terrorizing defences for Netherlands and Bayern.
Lionel Messi: The four-time World Player of the Year may not have won the overall accolade this time round, but the Argentine genius remains right at the forefront of world football with 58 goals in 66 games last season.
22:06 13/01/2015
More than 20,000 professional players in FIFA’s annual FIFPro World XI vote nominated the definitive team of 2014 in Zurich on Monday night during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer.