15 forwards shortlisted for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014

FIFPro World XI awards ceremony in 2013

FIFPro, the worldwide players' union, and FIFA yesterday announced the 15 forwards shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014 as part of the final 55-player shortlist which was revealed yesterday afternoon in Zurich.

After the unveiling of the five goalkeepers, 20 defenders and 15 midfielders, who made the shortlist, the final list contained 15 forwards.

The FIFA FIFPro World XI is decided by the players, for the players. It involves votes from tens of thousands professional footballers worldwide. They select one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.

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 forwards shortlist

1. Sergio Aguero (Argentina and Manchester City)
2. Gareth Bale (Wales and Real Madrid)
3. Karim Benzema (France and Real Madrid)
4. Diego Costa (Spain and Chelsea)
5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal and Real Madrid)
6. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden and Paris St-Germain)
7. Robert Lewandowski (Poland and Bayern Munich)
8. Lionel Messi (Argentina and Barcelona)
9. Thomas Mueller (Germany and Bayern Munich)
10. Neymar (Brazil and Barcelona)
11. Marco Reus (Germany and Borussia Dortmund)
12. Arjen Robben (Netherlands and Bayern Munich)
13. Franck Ribery (France and Bayern München)
14. Wayne Rooney (England and Manchester United)
15. Luis Suarez (Uruguay and Barcelona)