FIFPro has revealed the next set of candidates for its team of the year by announcing the shortlist of 20 for the defenders category.
On Monday, the world players' union published the five goalkeepers who are contenders to make the XI -- a list which surprisingly included Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who spent most of last season as deputy to Diego Lopez.
However, every player who played for Real in the Champions League final win over Atletico Madrid has so far been shortlisted -- including Casillas, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo -- meaning the Spanish giants have the most representatives with five.
¡Felicitaciones! @DaniCarvajal92,@MarceloM12,@OfficialPepe,with your nomination for the @FIFAcom @FIFPro #WorldXI!1/2 pic.twitter.com/v0OqWTS3Jz
- FIFPro (@FIFPro) November 26, 2014
FIFPro will publish the 15 midfielders nominated on Friday, and the 15 strikers next Monday, to complete this year's FIFA FIFPro World XI.
The XI is voted for by thousands professional footballers across the globe, each selecting one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
The defender shortlist:
David Alaba (Austria / Bayern Munich)
Jordi Alba (Spain / Barcelona)
Dani Alves (Brazil / Barcelona)
Jerome Boateng (Germany / Bayern Munich)
Daniel Carvajal (Spain / Real Madrid)
David Luiz (Brazil / Paris St-Germain)
Filipe Luis (Brazil / Chelsea)
Diego Godin (Uruguay / Atlético Madrid)
Mats Hummels (Germany / Borussia Dortmund)
Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia / Chelsea)
Vincent Kompany (Belgium / Manchester City)
Philipp Lahm (Germany / Bayern Munich)
Marcelo (Brazil / Real Madrid)
Javier Mascherano (Argentina / Barcelona)
Pepe (Portugal / Real Madrid)
Gerard Pique (Spain / Barcelona)
Sergio Ramos (Spain / Real Madrid)
Thiago Silva (Brazil / Paris St-Germain)
Raphael Varane (France / Real Madrid)
Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina / Manchester City)