Shortlist of five goalkeepers announced for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014
FIFA has announced the five goalkeepers shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014 as a part of the 55-man shortlist which will be revealed on 1 December 2014. Reportedly over 20,000 professional footballers from all over the world will cast their votes for the final team which includes one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
The rest of the names will be announced in the upcoming days.
The shortlist was announced on FIFA’s official wesbite where a statement read, “FIFPro and its national affiliates are responsible for gathering votes from professional footballers worldwide. It is the only global award that truly represents the views of those who play the beautiful game.”
The goalkeeper shortlist: (home country, club):
Manuel Neuer (Germany / FC Bayern Munich)
The German is held as the favourite for this award, thanks to his extra-ordinary performances for both Germany and Bayern Munich. He was also last year’s FIFA FIFPro World XI goalkeeper.
Claudio Bravo (Chile / FC Barcelona)
This is the Chillean’s first nomination.
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Chelsea FC)
The Chelsea goalkeeper was pivotal for Atletico de Madrid in their La Liga winning campaign.
Iker Casillas (Spain / Real Madrid CF)
The Real Madrid veteran was the the FIFPro World XI goalkeeper for five straight five years.
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy / Juventus FC)
The Italian keeper was the FIFPro World XI goalkeeper in 2006 and 2007.