Fifteen midfielders shortlisted for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2013

FIFPro, the worldwide players’ union, and FIFA today announced the 15 midfielders shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2013 (see list below) as part of the final 55-player shortlist to be revealed on 9 December 2013.

After the unveiling of the five goalkeepers and 20 defenders who made the shortlist, the 15 midfielders to be added to it are now also known. The shortlist will be completed by the 15 forwards to be announced and published on FIFA.com on 9 December.

The midfielder shortlist is

Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid CF); Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur FC/Real Madrid CF); Sergio Busquets (Spain, FC Barcelona); Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool FC); Andrés Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona); Isco (Spain, Málaga CF/ Real Madrid CF); Mesut Özil (Germany, Real Madrid CF/Arsenal FC); Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus); Marco Reus (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Franck Ribéry (France, FC Bayern München), Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München); Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, FC Bayern München); Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire, Manchester City FC); Arturo Vidal (Chile, Juventus); Xavi  (Spain; FC Barcelona).