FIFA Best World XI: Ronaldo, Messi Headline Squad as Salah Misses Out

• The FIFPRO Men's World11 was unveiled at The Best FIFA Awards ceremony on Monday evening in Zurich, Switzerland
• Despite five Premier League stars making the team, there was no place for Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah
• The squad had four strikers included, with Lewandowski, Ronaldo, Messi, and Haaland all making the cut

Mohamed Salah was controversially excluded from the FIFA Best World XI despite making the shortlist for the player of the year named on Monday, January 17, in Zurich.

The team was headlined by four strikers, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski, and Erling Haaland all being included.

Despite being crowned the FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year, Edouard Mendy was not named in goal, with Italy shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma named in the XI instead.

In defence, David Alaba, Juve's Bonucci, and Ruben Dias of Man City were included, with Kevin De Bruyne, Jorginho, and N'Golo Kante given midfield spots.

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"It’s always nice to be recognised as a player and also to have some of my team-mates in there," Manchester City playmaker De Bruyne said after his inclusion in the squad.

"It means that we did well as individuals, but also as a team because they helped me to become the best player that I can be.

"I’m a creative football player who tries to create scoring chances, openings to get my team opportunities to score so that’s what I’m best at in football," he added.

Ronaldo wins prestigious FIFA award

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man United marksman Cristiano Ronaldo has won the FIFA Special Award after a record-breaking 2021.

Ronaldo picked the special award after a stunning run of form that saw him break the men's international goalscoring record.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner currently has 115 international goals in his name for Portugal, six ahead of the previous record-holder, Ali Daei.

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In his acceptance speech, Ronaldo thanked his teammates and everyone who has been behind him to help him in hitting the milestone.

"First of all I have to say thank you to my teammates, especially the national team during the last 20 years," he said.