Many Manchester City fans were left aghast last night, as midfielder Rodri was overlooked for the 2023 FIFPRO World 11.
Last night was the Best FIFA Football Awards, and it was a fantastic night on the whole for City.
Pep Guardiola was named The Best FIFA men’s coach, after guiding the club to an historic Treble, and goalkeeper Ederson was named The Best FIFA men’s goalkeeper.
The FIFPRO World 11 was also named, with six City players making it in.
They were Ruben Dias, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
Incredibly, there was no space for Rodri, who was an absolutely vital cog in the Treble-winning machine last season.
Rodri was Pep Guardiola’s most-used player last season, making 56 appearances across all competitions and playing 4476 minutes.
The irreplaceable Spaniard was regularly a standout performer for City, and was ultimately named the player of the tournament after the Champions League final, in which he scored the winning goal.
Rodri’s achievements in 2023 did not stop at club level. He then helped Spain to win the Nations League, and was named the Player of the Finals.
Remarkably, Rodri lifted more trophies in 2023 than he actually lost games (via Squawka).
Manchester City fans react as Rodri is snubbed for 2023 FIFPRO World 11
Rodri’s exclusion from the 2023 FIFPRO World 11 has gone down extremely badly with many City fans, with many feeling it is a complete injustice.
Rodri was the key component in a Treble-winning team, and was then crucial for his country.
To have been overlooked for a spot in this team is, frankly, a disgrace. The team is voted for exclusively by players, and it’s amazing that Rodri’s fellow peers have failed to recognise him when he probably deserved an inclusion more than anyone.
Here’s a selection of comments from some City fans on social media site X:
