The nominees for the FIFA 23 Team of the Year have been revealed and, as always, the list of shortlists has generated a number of talking points – the biggest of which is about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fans can now vote on who they think should be included in EA Sports’ best XI in the game through January 17th, with 100 of the top names in world football to choose their own dream team. The Team of the Year will be announced on January 19th, and those shortlisted will earn special FIFA 23 Ultimate Team items and in-game stat boosts.
The full list of 100 nominees is broken down by position with 30 forwards, 35 midfielders, 25 defenders and 10 goalkeepers for fans to vote on. After sifting through this year’s names, here’s a rundown of the most notable findings.
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Ronaldo leaves the elite
After facing the most difficult year of his playing career, in which he became holder of both benches Manchester United and PortugalRonaldo suffered the added ignominy of failing to earn a place in the 30 nominated forwards.
This is the first time that Ronaldo, who joined the Saudi club Al Nassr At the end of last month, following the expiration of his contract with Manchester United, he was left out of the shortlist since the Team of the Year was introduced to the EA Sports series for FIFA 09. Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos are the only players who made FIFA 09 TOTY and are still active.
Just to complicate matters further, the last time Ronaldo actually made the final cut was in FIFA 21. Last year he was kicked out of the front line XI by Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowskialthough he was later named “12th man” along with a separate list of honorable mentions.
City and Real dominate
city of manchester and Real Madrid can boast of having more players included in the 100-name list than any other club, with both clubs having eight of their names nominated.
Overall, the roster is drawn from seven different European leagues, with a total of 30 nominees coming from the Premier League, 21 from LaLiga, 20 from Serie A, 16 from the Bundesliga, nine from Ligue 1, three from Primeira Liga de Portugal and one of the Dutch Eredivisie.
Darwin among TOTY debutants
The FIFA 23 Team of the Year shortlist features some notable stars who are nominated for the first time.
Real Madrid wing Vinicius Juniorwho scored the winning goal in last season’s Champions League final, and martin odegaardPremier League leaders captain Arsenalare two of the players who have risen to the top of world football in the eyes of EA Sports.
Liverpool and Uruguay attacker Darwin Nunezwhose early months at Anfield were characterized by a few goals, some wild mistakes and action-packed but erratic displays, also makes his first appearance on the list, as does Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and seville full turn Marcos Acuna.
World Cup inclusions
A total of 16 nominees on the FIFA 23 Team of the Year shortlist are listed as “World Cup inclusions”, meaning they have secured their spot thanks to their impressive individual performances in the tournament.
Notable artists such as Argentinathe mischievous goalkeeper Emiliano Martinezconverted midfielder from France Antoine Griezmann, Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, Morocco duo Sofia Amrabat and Yassine Bounou, Japan super sub Ritsu Doan and Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes are all included thanks to his exploits in Qatar.
Despite Argentina beating France on penalties in that thrilling final last month to win the World Cup, Les Bleus have more than twice as many nominees (19) as new world champions (7).
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