The announcement of the FIFPRO World XI for the 2024/25 season has set off a storm across social media, particularly among African football fans, following the exclusion of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen.
The prestigious lineup, which is voted for by professional footballers worldwide, recognized the best performers of the season, yet left out two of Africa’s most consistent stars.
Salah, who dominated the Premier League as both top scorer and creator, and Osimhen, who impressed for Galatasaray, were both overlooked.
Many fans and analysts have questioned how the Liverpool talisman and Galatasaray’s Nigerian striker failed to make the cut, especially given their individual brilliance and influence for club and country.
In contrast, Achraf Hakimi emerged as the only African to make the team. The Moroccan defender joins Virgil van Dijk and Nuno Mendes in the backline, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
The midfield features Jude Bellingham, Pedri, Vitinha, and Cole Palmer, while Kylian Mbappé headlines the attack in a team brimming with talent but lacking in African representation.
