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

FIFPRO Men’s World 11 teams have consistently represented the pinnacle of football talent, assembling the best players from across the globe into legendary squads. As we approach the 21st edition of this prestigious award in 2025, it’s the perfect time to revisit the five most iconic FIFPRO Men’s World 11 lineups ever and analyze what made each so remarkable.

The Magic of FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Selections

The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is more than a ceremonial collection of stars—it’s a snapshot of footballing excellence, as voted by thousands of professional players worldwide. Since its inception in 2005, the anticipation each year revolves around which legends will make the cut and the mouthwatering hypothetical combinations they could form on the pitch.

Debating which era’s lineup is superior is part of football’s enduring appeal. These debates spark passion and nostalgia, especially as fans imagine generational icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho playing side by side.

FIFPRO Men’s World 11: 2020 – A Modern Attacking Force

The 2020 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 was a showcase of explosive firepower and technical brilliance:

• 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)

With Ronaldo, Messi, and Lewandowski leading the line, this team would be a nightmare for any defense. With attacking fullbacks like Alexander-Arnold and Davies, and a midfield blend of creativity and defensive stability, this lineup’s only question mark might be its balance when out of possession. Still, for pure entertainment and attacking spectacle, it’s hard to beat.

FIFPRO Men’s World 11: 2011 – Spanish Dominance and Unrivaled Control

2011’s team is a testament to Spain’s footballing supremacy during their golden era:

• 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)

The heart of this lineup is the legendary Spanish midfield trio of Iniesta, Xavi, and Alonso, ensuring immaculate ball control. Combined with attacking icons like Messi, Ronaldo, and Rooney—and anchored by a defensively solid backline—this team would dominate possession and dictate play against any opponent.

FIFPRO Men’s World 11: 2007 – Defensive Titans Meet Attacking Flair

The 2007 selection featured a perfect blend of robust defense and dazzling offense:

• 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)

Defensive legends like Cannavaro, Puyol, Terry, and Nesta provided an almost impenetrable barrier, while the attack, featuring Ronaldinho, Drogba, and Messi, had the flair and power to trouble any defense. With Gerrard and Kaka supplying the creative drive, this lineup balanced excitement with discipline.

FIFPRO Men’s World 11: 2005 – The Blueprint for Balance

The inaugural FIFPRO Men’s World 11 set a high standard for team 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)

This lineup was built on an unshakeable defense and a midfield trio that combined grit, creativity, and tactical intelligence. The attacking trio of Ronaldinho, Eto’o, and Shevchenko provided the cutting edge. If you’re looking for the most balanced team to actually play a match, this could be your pick.

FIFPRO Men’s World 11: 2016 – An Attack for the Ages

Arguably the strongest lineup ever, the 2016 team was a fusion of world-class talent and prime performances:

• 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)

With Messi, Ronaldo, and Suarez all at their peak, this attack is nearly unstoppable. The midfield engine of Iniesta, Kroos, and Modric guarantees control and creativity, while a defense stacked with La Liga greats and Neuer in goal leaves virtually no weaknesses.

Why FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Lineups Matter

These FIFPRO Men’s World 11 lineups are more than just annual awards—they are historical snapshots, capturing the game’s greatest talents and the eras that defined football. Each squad tells a story of tactical evolution, individual excellence, and global consensus on who stood above the rest in world football.

Personal Opinion: Dream Teams Spark Debate and Inspiration

Looking back at the best FIFPRO Men’s World 11 teams, one thing stands out: the enduring power of football’s collective imagination. These dream lineups not only inspire debates among fans, but also encapsulate the evolution of the sport. Whether your preference is Spanish control, Italian defense, or South American flair, the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 lets us dream about what could have been. For those seeking more analysis and the latest updates, visit for more news.