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Messi will be there next year, but some of his current teammates might not!On Monday night, the world’s best XI (as voted for by fellow professionals) was revealed at the annual Ballon d’Or event. In truth, nobody could have any complaints about the players named in the star-studded side, and many of those selected have become very familiar faces over the past few years.This year’s Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, will almost certainly be named in next year’s FIFPro XI for a 10th straight season. However, the 2016 team could look rather different as at least half of his current mythical teammates could be in for a real battle as they look to retain their individual places.Here are five that could miss out this time next year.
#5 Andres Iniesta: Barcelona & Spain
No midfielder has appeared in the FIFPro XI more times than the irresistible Andres Iniesta, and the Barcelona playmaker has been a joy to behold throughout the Blaugranas most glittering era. However, in 2016, his place in the worlds Team of the Year could be in serious jeopardy.
Despite breaking onto the scene in 2002, Iniesta is still only 31. However, there are a number of factors that could go against him in 2016. Firstly, the fact anything less than a repeat of last seasons treble could be considered a disappointment for Barcelona could become a negative influence.
Meanwhile, the fact Iniesta is now somewhat in the shadow of the clubs mercurial attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez could be another element that puts Iniestas place in next years team under threat. Then theres also the recent addition of Arda Turan that could see the club captains playtime falter slightly. After all, Luis Enrique will want to make the transition to a post-Iniesta era as smooth as possible.
By no means should Iniesta be ruled out as a potential star of next years team. Nevertheless, the insinuation that he could miss out for the first time since making his debut in 2009 in a very real possibility.
#4 Luka Modric: Real Madrid & Croatia
The midfield battle is going to be particularly tough in 2016. As such, there is a strong chance that only those with team honours to their name will have any chance of making an appearance. Given Real Madrids current predicament, that could have a damning impact on Luka Modrics hopes of retaining his position.
Alongside this years teammates of Andres Iniesta and Paul Pogba, the Croat is set to face stiff competition from the likes of Mesut Ozil, Arturo Vidal and Thomas Muller. Furthermore, the fact that his national side are unlikely to cause major damage at Euro2016 could be another thorn in the 30-year-olds side.
Should Real Madrid improve under new head coach Zinedine Zidane to lift the Champions League or La Liga, then the Croat could be in line for an appearance. Right now, though, it seems unlikely. Besides, the fact he is partial to an injury could disrupt his chances too.
Theres no question that Modric will be in the running and hell almost certainly make the shortlist. Whether hell be good enough to secure a final XI berth remains to be seen.
#3 Marcelo: Real Madrid & Brazil
Real Madrids Brazilian left-back was almost named by default in the 2015 Team of the Year. However, the Los Blancos star can expect much stiffer competition in 2016, and theres a very good chance that he could lose his place.
David Alaba will be a certain contender, assuming he returns to left-back once Bayerns injuries return. Meanwhile, Jordi Alba must be in for a shout of finally being rewarded on a personal level too.
The fact that there arent too many great left-backs in the world right now will give Marcelo a chance. Nonetheless, his position is certainly up for grabs. Alternatively, we could see the role vacate to make way for another defender like Philipp Lahm.
Either way, Marcelo will do well to retain the No.3 shirt.
#2 Thiago Silva: PSG & Brazil
For the past three years, PSG star Thiago Silva has found his name on the FIFPro XI in spite of the fact he plays in a one-team league. In 2016, though, his reign as one of the worlds best central defenders could be set to hit a brick wall.
Being a non-European wont be the deciding factor, but it does afford an advantage to some of Europes top defenders. If a centre-half from the Euro 2016 winning nation enjoys a strong year at club level, it would be hard to leave them out. In all likelihood, that potential inclusion would come at the expense of the Brazilian.
It doesnt help that the 31-year-old has been cast to the international wilderness following last summers Copa America, where he conceded a penalty in the quarter-final defeat to Paraguay. Perhaps more crucially, though, the fact Ligue 1 has been virtually wrapped up by PSG at such an early stage only further undermines the level of competition.
Should PSG cause a shock in the Champions League, then Silvas place fourth successive FIFPro XI selection would be virtually assured. Under any other circumstances, he could be fighting an uphill battle.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid & Portugal
You have to cast your minds way back to 2006 to find a FIFPro XI that didnt include both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi but, while only injury will stop the latter from appearing in the 2016 selection, the duopoly could come to an end as the Portuguese legends place could be in serious threat.
Reaching the landmark age of 30 in February last year has already seen doubters cast their suspicions regarding the longevity of Ronaldos time at the top. Although the Real Madrid star silenced those critics by ending 2015 as the worlds most prolific marksman, signs of a potential decline have started to surface.
Theres no doubt that the 21st centurys most frequent goalscorer will continue to find the net on a regular basis. Nevertheless, the answer as to whether hell be one of the top three attacking players on the planet is a little less certain. Meanwhile, if rumours regarding a potential move away from La Liga turn out to be true, his cause will come under even greater scrutiny.
With the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Gareth Bale, and Luis Suarez all joining the battle to be named alongside Neymar and Messi, Ronaldos time at the top could be heading towards its dying embers.
Prepare yourselves for the end of an era.
