On Thursday night, some of the world’s finest players were rewarded for their great performances and achievements throughout the year, as the international governing body of football held the FIFA Football Awards 2020 ceremony. Although Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo finished second in the Men’s best player award right behind Robert Lewandowski, and one place above his eternal rival Leo Messi, all three strikers were included in the FIFPro World XI formation.
The ceremony was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was hosted by Milan Legend Ruud Gullit and English journalis Reshmin Chowdhury, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino was present in Munich to personally hand the Best Men’s award to Lewandowski who wins the prize for the first time after an incredible 2019-2020 season which saw him score 55 goals in all competitions.
The Polish striker was not the only Bayern Munich player to be named in the FIFPro World XI formation, as he was joined by Manuel Neuer who took home the Best Goalkeeper award, as well as Joshua Kimmich and their former teammate Thiago Alcantara who joined Liverpool in the summer.
Speaking of the Reds, the Premier League champions dominated the defense, as Virgil Van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold were all named among the prestigious lineup, with Sergio Ramos – who lifted Real Madrid on his shoulders in a late charge for La Liga title – completing the backline.
OFFICIAL : Cristiano Ronaldo included in FIFA FIFPRO World XI at #TheBestAwards#Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/PVImjdiTWw
— Cristiano universe (@Crisfansuniv1) December 17, 2020
Although Manchester City didn’t enjoy a great season, Kevin De Bruyne‘s excellence was still recognized in midfield. And finally, Lewandowski, Ronaldo and Messi were naturally being chosen as the attacking trio of the FIFPro World XI, after finishing in the Top 3 spots of the Best men’s awards.
PSG duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappé might feel a little bit upset by the inclusion, after leading their side to its first ever Champions League final, and the same goes for Liverpool’s Sadio Mané who finished 4th in the overall best player rankings, but still couldn’t pip the likes of Messi and Ronaldo for a spot in the FIFPro World XI.
The FIFPro Men’s World XI ? pic.twitter.com/ZEs9ZOKpV6
— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 17, 2020