Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker made it into the defensive category while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are among the midfield selections alongside forward Erling Haaland.
Ederson and Rodri were also nominated but didn’t eventually make the XI while our former captain Ilkay Gundogan was also a finalist thanks to his exploits in our Treble-winning campaign.
It’s no surprise that Pep Guardiola’s are so well represented in the illustrious team, given our triumphs across 2023.
We won our third Premier League title in succession, defeated neighbours United in the first all-Manchester FA Cup final, completed the Treble with a first UEFA Champions League triumph, beat Europa League winners Sevilla to lift the UEFA Super Cup and then defeated Urawa Reds and Fluminense on our way to FIFA Club World Cup glory.
That all ensured our possession of the ‘Big Five’ in a year like no other.
Dias, Stones and Walker played key roles in our success across 2023, with new captain Walker lifting the Super Cup and World Cup trophies in Piraeus and Jeddah respectively.
De Bruyne was a colossal force with both goals and assists while Bernardo, exquisite throughout the year, really came to the fore with a near-perfect performance in the Champions League semi-final second leg 4-0 win over Real Madrid, scoring two on a memorable night at the Etihad.
Haaland was simply sensational, winning a host of awards including Premier League Golden Boot, European Golden Shoe, Etihad Player of the Season, Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Young Player of the Season, FWA Men’s Footballer of the Year, Ballon d’or Men’s Gerd Muller Trophy, UEFA Men’s Player of the Season and BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year.
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said he was proud to have so many players named in the FIFA FIFPRO’s Men’s World 11.
“To win five trophies in 12 months is incredible and we are delighted to see so many of our players recognised for their incredible contribution,” he said.
“The whole squad were outstanding and the Club is very proud to have six players named in the Team of the Year.
“Everyone at the Club worked incredibly hard and they continue to have a determination to bring even more success.
“It’s a very special group of players and this is a deserved tribute to the hard work and desire that runs throughout the club.”
