Spain and Real Madrid Dominate FIFA’s Best XI as Teen Sensation Yamal Shines
Real Madrid leads the way with five players in FIFA’s Best XI, while Spain boasts the highest national representation, featuring three players, including teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Since stepping into professional football, Yamal has been on a meteoric rise. The young winger has added another feather to his cap by earning a spot in FIFA’s Best XI.
The team was unveiled during the ‘The Best FIFA Football Awards’ ceremony on Tuesday night, recognizing performances between August 21, 2023, and August 10, 2024.
Spain emerged as the dominant national side, represented by Yamal, Dani Carvajal, and Rodri.
As a club, Real Madrid reigned supreme, contributing five players to the Best XI. Alongside Carvajal, the other Real Madrid stars include Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos—who retired at the end of last season—and Vinícius Júnior.
Argentina’s Copa América-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez claimed the goalkeeping spot and secured the Best Goalkeeper award for the second time since 2022.
Completing the list are Manchester City’s Premier League-winning duo Rúben Dias and Erling Haaland, as well as Arsenal’s defensive stalwart William Saliba.
FIFA Best XI:
- Goalkeeper:
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina)
- Defenders:
- Rúben Dias (Manchester City/Portugal)
- Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain)
- Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/Germany)
- William Saliba (Arsenal/France)
- Midfielders:
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
- Rodri (Manchester City/Spain)
- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany)
- Forwards:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid/Brazil)
