Who Would Make the Ultimate Alternative World XI?

FIFA's Best XI selection has sparked debate, leaving out notable players such as Harry Kane and Raphinha while including six from Paris Saint-Germain. The choices reflect performances between 11 August 2024 and 2 August 2025, voted on by international captains, coaches, and media. As fans react to omissions, BBC Sport has created an alternative World XI, featuring outstanding players not selected in the official line-up.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The FIFA Best Awards ceremony held in Qatar recently announced its Men's XI, with a spotlight on six players from PSG, reflecting their dominance in European football. Fans and pundits alike have expressed their opinions on the exclusions of prominent players, and alternative selections are being put forth. This discourse highlights the subjectivity of football accolades, where passionate support for individual athletes fuels ongoing debates.

Key takeaways

Harry Kane and Raphinha were notably omitted from FIFA's Best XI.
Six players from Paris Saint-Germain were included, underscoring their success.
BBC Sport has compiled an alternative World XI featuring players not selected.

Timeline: how we got here

The FIFA Best Awards for the period from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025 saw significant performances across Europe. Notable milestones include:

11 August 2024: Start of the evaluation period for the FIFA Best Awards.
May 2025: Conclusion of major European leagues and tournaments.
2 August 2025: Official announcement of FIFA Best XI at the awards ceremony in Qatar.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of FIFA's Best XI has ignited discussions regarding player performances, particularly regarding those who missed out. BBC Sport's alternative XI showcases other deserving talents, highlighting the subjective nature of awards.

What was already established

FIFA's selection process, based on votes from international captains, coaches, and media, has long been a topic of debate. The prominence of PSG players in the official XI reflects their strong performances, but many fans believe other players were equally deserving.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Football fans in the UK are heavily engaged in discussions around player selection and awards, influencing merchandise sales and viewership for matches. The visibility of certain players can also drive interest in specific clubs and leagues.

Businesses and jobs

The debate surrounding player selections can impact sponsorship and advertising as brands look to associate themselves with popular athletes. Clubs may also feel the pressure to perform better to secure individual accolades for their players.

Policy and regulation

As fan engagement grows, there may be calls for a more transparent selection process for football awards. This could influence how future awards are administered, potentially leading to changes in voting protocols.

Numbers that matter

6: The number of PSG players included in FIFA's Best XI.
34: Goals scored by Mohamed Salah last season.
100: The transfer fee for Declan Rice's move to Arsenal, in millions (£).
41: Goals scored by Harry Kane in the previous season at Bayern Munich.
57: Appearances made by Raphinha for Barcelona last season.

Definitions and jargon buster

FIFA Best XI: An annual selection of the top football players globally, determined by votes from various stakeholders in the sport.
PSG: Paris Saint-Germain, a professional football club based in Paris, France, known for its significant investment and success in football.
Scudetto: The championship title awarded to the winner of the Italian Serie A league.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans will continue to discuss and debate the FIFA Best XI selections, with increased media coverage and analysis likely in the coming weeks. Clubs will also focus on upcoming fixtures and player performances.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the football season progresses, player performances will be closely monitored, especially those who were omitted from the FIFA Best XI. This could impact player marketability and club strategies.

Signals to watch

Performance of players in domestic and international competitions.
Fan engagement levels and social media discussions surrounding player selections.
Potential shifts in transfer market dynamics as clubs react to individual performances.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on player performances and their impact on team success.
Engage in discussions about player selections and their merits.
Support your local club and players, regardless of awards.

Don’t

Dismiss the achievements of players who may not have been selected.
Get caught up in negative discussions about player worth.
Overlook the importance of teamwork in football success.

Checklist

Review player statistics regularly to stay informed.
Attend matches to support your favourite teams and players.
Participate in fan forums and discussions to voice your opinions.
Follow updates on player transfers and performances.
Engage with official club channels for the latest news.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While discussions around player selections are valid, they can sometimes lead to divisive opinions among fans. The subjective nature of awards means that not all deserving players will be recognised. Furthermore, future selections could be influenced by changes in performance, club dynamics, and international competitions.

Bottom line

The FIFA Best XI selections have sparked significant debate among football fans, particularly regarding notable omissions like Harry Kane and Raphinha. As discussions continue, focus remains on player performances throughout the season and their potential impact on future awards and accolades.

FAQs

Why was Harry Kane omitted from FIFA's Best XI?

Harry Kane's exclusion from FIFA's Best XI has raised eyebrows due to his impressive goal-scoring record, especially after his move to Bayern Munich.

How does FIFA select the Best XI?

The FIFA Best XI is determined through votes from international captains, coaches, and selected media members, focusing on performances within a specific timeframe.

What can fans do to engage with football discussions?

Fans can participate in discussions on social media, attend matches to support their teams, and engage in local fan forums to share their opinions on player selections.