Two footballers ignored in FIFPRO world 11 named among best players on the planet

Two footballers who were ignored in FIFPRO's world 11 have just been named among the best players on the planet.

At the end of 2024, more than 28,000 professional footballers were asked to name their team of the year for FIFPRO's world XI.

Ederson, Virgil van Dijk, Rodri and Erling Haaland were the Premier League players included, alongside England and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.

A recent survey conducted by German publication kicker, gave 216 footballers from the 18 Bundesliga clubs the chance to vote for the best players in the world.

And Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz was named as the most impressive outfield player in the Bundesliga, receiving 28.2% of the vote.

But FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal was the overwhelming winner of the award for the best attacking player in European football this season.

The 17-year-old, who has scored 18 goals and notched up 25 assists for the domestic treble winners, received more than half of the vote at 53.7%.

But neither Yamal, or Wirtz were included in FIFPRO's world 11 just six months ago.

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe was preferred on the right wing, whilst a midfield pairing of Rodri and Toni Kroos meant there was no room for Wirtz.

It is another example of how quickly opinions can shift in football.

Lars Baron via Getty Images

What is happening to Wirtz?

The 22-year-old German has been the subject of interest from Liverpool as Arne Slot's side look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

The Athletic's David Ornstein reported on Friday that Liverpool had submitted a €130 million bid for the attacking midfielder.

Wirtz scored 16 goals and registered 15 assists in all competitions this season, as Bayer Leverkusen finished a distant second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

Liverpool are seeking to bolster their attacking options as they target a record-breaking 21st league title.

Flor Tan Jun

How good is Yamal?

He became the youngest player ever to play for Barcelona when he made his debut in 2023, aged 15.

But it was the teenager's stunning goal against France in the semi-finals of the 2024 European Championships which caught the world's attention.

It won goal of the tournament, as Yamal was awarded young player of the tournament, whilst his country won the tournament.

Yamal carried his impressive form into this season with FC Barcelona, as his side won a domestic treble.

It earned the winger a new contract, earning 'just shy' of €40 million [£33.5 million] a year before tax, with a release clause of €1 billion, according to Spanish reports.