28 November 2014
Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal have all been shortlisted for a place in the FIFA FIFPro World XI, making Juventus and Real Madrid the two sides with the most midfielders in the running for a spot in the prestigious starting line-up.
This follows Monday’s news of Gigi Buffon’s nomination as best goalkeeper for the tenth consecutive year, having previously scooped the accolade outright in 2006 and 2007.
The eventual starting XI is compiled by the votes of thousands of professional footballers across the globe, tasked with picking one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three attackers.
The forwards on the shortlist will be announced on Monday 1 December, with the eventual starting XI to be revealed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Zurich on Monday 12 January 2015.
