FIFA Best XI Controversy: An Alternative World XI
No Harry Kane or Raphinha? Six Paris St-Germain players? A Scott McTominay-less midfield? Any selection for Team of the Year often ignites debate.
On Tuesday in Qatar, FIFA held The Best Awards, announcing the Men's XI based on performances from August 11, 2024, to August 2, 2025.
The FIFA team was selected through votes from international captains, coaches, and media representatives from various nations, but ultimately, only 11 players can be chosen.
Fans frequently advocate for their favorite players, leading to inevitable disappointment for some who are left out.
In response, BBC Sport has compiled an alternative World XI featuring players who did not make the original selection.
We have employed the same 4-4-2 formation as FIFA's Best XI, intentionally excluding additional PSG players due to their dominance in the official lineup.
While our choices may provoke further debate, we invite you to share your thoughts on who should have been included in the comments section below.
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool & Brazil)
Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper, Alisson, reaffirmed his value as the Reds secured their 20th league title, marking his second with the club. At 33, he remains one of the premier shot-stoppers globally, achieving 10 clean sheets in 28 Premier League matches last season. Alisson delivered an outstanding individual performance in the Champions League, particularly during the first leg against eventual winners PSG.
Right Back: Jules Kounde (Barcelona & France)
Jules Kounde has solidified his position as Barcelona's right-back, making 53 appearances for the La Liga and Copa del Rey champions last season. The 27-year-old played a pivotal role in Barcelona's journey to the Champions League semi-finals, where they suffered a narrow defeat to Inter Milan. He also contributed significantly to the French national team, helping secure World Cup qualification.
Centre Half: Gabriel (Arsenal & Brazil)
Since joining Arsenal from Lille in 2020, Gabriel has emerged as one of the Premier League's top defenders. Initially overshadowed by the talent of his teammate William Saliba, Gabriel's importance to Mikel Arteta's squad has grown, and he is now also a goal threat. He made 42 appearances last season, keeping 14 clean sheets as Arsenal finished second in the Premier League and reached the Champions League semi-finals.
Centre Half: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan & Italy)
Alessandro Bastoni has become a linchpin in the Inter Milan defense, contributing to the team's first Champions League final appearance since 2010. He started in nearly all of their European matches, achieving eight clean sheets. The 27-year-old Italian also played in 33 of Inter's 38 Serie A matches as they narrowly missed the title, finishing just one point behind Napoli.
Left Back: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea & Spain)
Once criticized by Chelsea fans, Marc Cucurella has transformed into a fan favorite for his skill and determination at left-back. After missing out on Champions League football, Cucurella played a crucial role in Chelsea's push for a top-four finish last season. He was instrumental in the team's UEFA Conference League triumph in May and appeared 54 times, scoring seven goals and providing four assists.
Right Wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)
What more can be said about Mohamed Salah? The Egyptian winger had an exceptional season as Liverpool clinched the Premier League title by a 10-point margin. The 33-year-old tallied 34 goals and 23 assists in 54 matches across all competitions, earning accolades such as PFA Player of the Year, Football Writers' Player of the Year, and Premier League Player of the Year, along with the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker Award.
Centre Midfield: Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)
Declan Rice has made a remarkable impact since his transfer to Arsenal from West Ham for £100 million in 2023. The 26-year-old is a key figure in the England midfield as they prepare for the World Cup and is also a staple in the Gunners' lineup. Rice played 52 matches for Arsenal last season, scoring nine goals and assisting ten, including two spectacular free-kicks in a Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
Centre Midfield: Scott McTominay (Napoli & Scotland)
Scott McTominay's transformation into a standout midfielder came as a surprise after his departure from Manchester United to Napoli in 2024. The 29-year-old made 34 Serie A appearances for Napoli last season, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists as the club clinched the Scudetto on the final day. He has also emerged as a pivotal player for Scotland, aiding in their World Cup qualification after a 28-year absence.
Left Wing: Raphinha (Barcelona & Brazil)
Raphinha of Barcelona expressed his disappointment on social media after being overlooked for the World XI, sharing his impressive statistics. The Brazilian winger has been instrumental in Barcelona's success, contributing to their La Liga and Copa del Rey victories while narrowly missing out in the Champions League semi-finals. He made 57 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 26 assists.
Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
Harry Kane's omission from the FIFA Best XI is perhaps the most notable. Since transferring from Tottenham to Bayern Munich in 2023, he has elevated his game, securing his first major trophy last season. The England captain appeared 51 times for Bayern, scoring an impressive 41 goals. Kane's contributions extend beyond scoring, as he often drops deep to utilize his passing skills, resulting in 14 assists. He has also increased his England goal tally to 78, helping the team secure World Cup qualification.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona & Poland)
Leaving Manchester City's Erling Haaland out of a World XI is always a tough decision, but based on last season's performances, Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski earns the spot. At 37, the Polish striker remains one of the world's most formidable forwards, leading Barcelona during their double-winning season with 42 goals in 52 appearances, including 11 in the Champions League.