Fans have reacted online to FIFPro’s list of nominees for the World XI for 2023, with voting for the honors scheduled to begin soon. The list of 23 players has been released in celebration of their performances and accomplishments during the previous year.

This year, almost 28,000 professional footballers voted for the World XI players under the aegis of FIFPro. Several requirements must be completed in order for the players to be eligible, as this is the only award in international football that is decided entirely by the players.

Most of the expected names are on the 23-man shortlist, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The presence of the renowned duet has sparked a lot of discussion and responses on social media site X.

One follower tweeted:

“Snuck in Ronaldo like we wouldn’t notice “

Another person wrote:

“What is Messi doing there?”

There were also reactions from supporters who felt deserving players were left off the 23-man shortlist for the award. With only 23 names required for the list, a lot of notable players were completely overlooked.

More X reactions are available below;

The FIFPro World XI honorees will be announced on January 15, 2024, in London, at the gala for FIFA’s The Best awards. The players’ performances will be evaluated over an eight-month period beginning December 19, 2022, and ending August 20, 2023.

One goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards will be chosen by their teammates for the starting lineup. Outside of the nine players already chosen, the final slot in the XI will be filled by the outfielder with the most votes.