FIFPRO Men’s World 11: Ranking the Five Greatest Lineups Ever

FIFPRO Men’s World 11 selections have become the benchmark for recognizing football’s elite talent, assembling dream teams that ignite countless debates among fans worldwide. With the 21st edition on the horizon, let’s revisit and rank the five best FIFPRO Men’s World 11 squads ever, featuring legends like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Suarez in unforgettable combinations.

The Essence of the FIFPRO Men’s World 11

The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is an annual accolade determined by thousands of professional players globally, choosing the best footballers in each position. Since the first lineup in 2005, these teams have brought together icons from different generations, sparking discussions about football greatness and hypothetical matchups. As anticipation builds for the 2025 announcement, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the most remarkable squads ever assembled.

2020: Attack Takes Center Stage

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Brazil)
Defenders: Alphonso Davies (Canada), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Thiago (Spain), Joshua Kimmich (Germany)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The 2020 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 was an offensive juggernaut. With Ronaldo, Messi, and Lewandowski leading the line, few defenses could withstand this trio’s relentless firepower. The midfield boasted creativity and work rate, while Alexander-Arnold and Davies offered attacking width from the back. However, some might argue that the team favored attack over defensive balance, making for thrilling but potentially vulnerable football.

2011: The Era of Spanish Dominance

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Spain)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Spain), Gerard Pique (Spain), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia), Dani Alves (Brazil)
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Xabi Alonso (Spain)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Wayne Rooney (England), Lionel Messi (Argentina)

If control and chemistry are the hallmarks of greatness, 2011’s lineup defines it. The midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta, and Alonso, fresh off Spain’s golden run, orchestrated play with unmatched synergy. Ronaldo, Messi, and Rooney formed a dynamic front three, while Casillas anchored a defense brimming with class and resilience. This team perfectly captured Spain’s footballing supremacy during the era.

2007: Defensive Steel Meets Attacking Flair

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
Defenders: Carles Puyol (Spain), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy), John Terry (England), Alessandro Nesta (Italy)
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (England), Kaka (Brazil), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Forwards: Ronaldinho (Brazil), Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire), Lionel Messi (Argentina)

In 2007, the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 blended defensive titans with electrifying attackers. Buffon’s command in goal, combined with a backline of Puyol, Cannavaro, Terry, and Nesta, provided an impervious shield. Midfielders Gerrard and Kaka added dynamism and flair, while a front trio of Ronaldinho, Drogba, and Messi guaranteed attacking creativity. This lineup embodied both grit and artistry.

2005: The Blueprint for Balance

Goalkeeper: Dida (Brazil)
Defenders: Paolo Maldini (Italy), Alessandro Nesta (Italy), John Terry (England), Cafu (Brazil)
Midfielders: Frank Lampard (England), Claude Makelele (France), Zinedine Zidane (France)
Forwards: Ronaldinho (Brazil), Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)

The inaugural FIFPRO Men’s World 11 set the standard for well-rounded squads. With a near-perfect defense, a disciplined midfield anchored by Makelele, and attacking genius in Ronaldinho, Shevchenko, and Eto’o, this lineup achieved a rare equilibrium between solidity and flair. Zidane’s presence elevated the team to legendary status, making it a benchmark for balance in subsequent years.

2016: The Ultimate FIFPRO Men’s World 11

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Defenders: Marcelo (Brazil), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Gerard Pique (Spain), Dani Alves (Brazil)
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta (Spain), Toni Kroos (Germany), Luka Modric (Croatia)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Finding a weakness in the 2016 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is nearly impossible. Messi, Ronaldo, and Suarez were all at the peak of their powers, forming arguably the greatest attacking trio ever. The midfield of Iniesta, Kroos, and Modric combined experience, vision, and control. At the back, the synergy of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s finest defenders protected Neuer, one of the game’s most reliable keepers. This lineup epitomizes footballing excellence and remains the gold standard.

Why FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Squads Spark Endless Debate

Each FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is a snapshot of footballing history, capturing the peak of player achievement each year. Whether prioritizing balance, attacking flair, or defensive might, these teams fuel debates that keep the passion for football alive. Fans can only imagine the spectacle if these dream lineups were to face each other on the pitch.

Opinion: The Magic of FIFPRO Men’s World 11

Looking back at these FIFPRO Men’s World 11 squads, it’s clear they serve as more than just awards—they’re a celebration of football’s evolution and the artistry of its greatest stars. The 2016 team stands out with its balance, but each lineup brings its own unique magic. For fans eager to dive deeper into football’s biggest stories, visit our homepage for more news and analysis.