Remember when the Premier League was known for defensive solidity? Or when Dida and Iker Casillas weren’t laughing stocks?
Amazingly, it’s not all that long ago – and the last few years of FIFPro World XIs show just how much has changed over a short space of time.
The organisation, which looks after the rights of professional footballers, has published its team of the year every season since 2004/05. Here are some highlights.
Only five members of the first World XI are still playing, and three have already gone into management
#WORLDXI HISTORY – The first ever @FIFPro #WorldXI announced in 2005! pic.twitter.com/xyYlXLmfho
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) January 11, 2016
In 2008/09 the Premier League was king, with six representatives (Evra, Gerrard, Ronaldo, Terry, Torres and Vidic)
#WORLDXI HISTORY – The @FIFAcom @FIFPro #WorldXI Class of 2009! pic.twitter.com/YbfQcSRmPT
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) January 11, 2016
And it might be surprising when you watch him now, but Wayne Rooney took his place among the world’s best as recently as 2011.
#WORLDXI HISTORY – The @FIFAcom @FIFPro #WorldXI Class of 2011! pic.twitter.com/fK42ACr4PH
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) January 11, 2016
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo jointly hold the record for most appearances in the XI, with this year marking the ninth time the pair have been included.
The 2014/15 team will be presented at the Ballon d’Or gala, and with Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar nominated for the big one we can at least predict the front three.
