Manchester City players Ruben Dias and Kevin de Bruyne have been named in the 2021 FIFA FIFPro Men’s World XI.
The team was voted for by professional footballers across the globe and they recognised the achievements of two players who helped City lift the Premier League and Carabao Cup last season and reach their first ever UEFA Champions League final.
This was De Bruyne’s second consecutive appearance in the World XI after he helped City lift their third Premier League title in four seasons, won the Carabao Cup four times in a row and finally helped City reach their first UEFA Champions League final.
The 30-year-old Belgian was also named PFA Players’ Player of the Year for a second year in a row and named in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.
And despite only signing for the club in 2020, Ruben Dias has quickly become recognised as one the best defenders in world football as he was named in the team for the first time.
The Portuguese defender said: “To be voted for by my fellow professionals from around the globe is one of the greatest honours to date.
“It was a remarkable year for the team in 2021 and I am proud to have been able to play a part in the success that we had.
“I think my performances have been strong, but I am determined to work even harder and be better in 2022 to continue to fight for trophies for both club and country.”
De Bruyne added: “Being named in this world XI and voted for by other professionals for a second consecutive year is very humbling.
“When you are recognised by other top players who compete against you, it is a very proud moment.
“To play at the highest level, you have to work incredibly hard, be consistent and I feel like I have been able to do that.
“The challenge now is to maintain that consistency and try to make it another memorable year by helping both my team and country win trophies.”
2021 Men’s FIFPRO World 11 by Position and Alphabetical Order
Goalkeeper:
Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan/Paris Saint-Germain, Italy)
Defenders:
David Alaba (FC Bayern Munich/Real Madrid, Austria)
Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus FC, Italy)
Ruben Dias (Manchester City FC, Portugal)
Midfielders:
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City FC, Belgium)
Jorginho (Chelsea FC, Italy)
N’Golo Kante (Chelsea FC, France)
Forwards:
Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund, Norway)
Robert Lewandowski (FC Bayern Munich, Poland)
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona/Paris Saint-Germain, Argentina)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus FC/Manchester United FC, Portugal)