The FIFPro World XI was announced at ‘The Best’ FIFA awards in London on Monday night, and the inclusion of one Barcelona player got people talking.
While the usual suspects all made it with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way, there was one debatable inclusion in the XI in particular.
There’s no denying that Andres Iniesta has deserved all the individual accolades and trophies that he’s won over the years, and he has rightly cemented his place as a Barcelona icon.
However, his form in more recent times hasn’t been particularly stand-out while he’s also suffered with injury problems, which makes his inclusion in the World XI slightly baffling.
It’s left many fans questioning how he’s made it too, as seen in the tweets below, with many believing that even if Iniesta retired, he’d still probably get in the team!
The Spanish legend made 37 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring just one goal and providing six assists. That’s roughly the voting period that was taken into consideration, and so it really is questionable as to how he’s secured a spot this year.
Although he signed a new contract earlier this month, it may well be the last time that he makes the cut as ultimately the likes of N’Golo Kante and Kevin De Bruyne arguably deserved the nod for their form and impact over the last 12 months or so.
Iniesta got into the FIFA pro 11 but Ngolo Kante didn't. Some people think racism doesn't exist
— Mowgli (@AlcoholicAlonso) October 23, 2017
Iniesta proving that the world XI is a popularity contest once again.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 23, 2017
Iniesta coul be injured for the whole year, but would still make the world XI. Mans still reaping the rewards of 2010 world cup ???????
— Rey (@FigoMadridismo) October 23, 2017
How Iniesta makes into this team is shocking.
— Black Baratheon (@Shimz_Afc) October 23, 2017
No one can deny that Iniesta in his prime was unreal but this guy can retire from football & still make the world XI lool
— ? (@HazardEdition) October 23, 2017
Iniesta sacrificed his unborn child to be given awards he’s unworthy of shame
— X (@_MosesV15) October 23, 2017
Iniesta shouldn't have been in World XI.I'll be first to admit that. But baffles me how people still pay this much attention to these awards
— Josip (@jperkovic93) October 23, 2017
When Iniesta retires, he will still be in the World XI.
— L (@LDawg28) October 23, 2017