The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) recently unveiled its Men’s World Team for 2023. Although the lineup is dominated by the stars of Manchester City, the absence of one name has shocked the entire soccer community. In a twist, Cristiano Ronaldo, despite a prolific goal-scoring year, finds himself excluded from the prestigious eleven.

The Portuguese maestro had just orchestrated a year of unparalleled dominance with his club and country. However, his snub has now given birth to speculations and doubts looming over the criteria of this world eleven.

The goal-scoring prowess of Cristiano Ronaldo not enough for IFFHS World’s best

A staggering 53 goals and 15 assists for club and country painted a picture of a Cristiano Ronaldo defying age and expectations. Yet the IFFHS jury deemed his exploits on the pitch unworthy of a place in the starting XI of the world’s best. The lineup released by IFFHS is led by the formidable trio of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane. Surprisingly, the men’s world team also features the inclusion of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, strengthening the doubts over Ronaldo’s snub.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dominates the eleven, with five players making their way into the IFFHS men’s world team for 2023. Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ruben Dias, and Ederson were selected as the stars for the world’s best. Bayern Munich duo Alphonso Davies and Kim Min Jae also got a nod in the eleven. Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham joins Lionel Messi in the midfield to complete the lineup.

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Some argue that Cristiano Ronaldo’s current stint in the Saudi Pro League may have played a role in his omission. Reasons cited the lower competitiveness of the league compared to the other premier soccer leagues. However, this reasoning appears puzzling, given Messi’s inclusion, who plies his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS).

IFFHS rankings stir Ronaldo’s discontent

This isn’t the first time Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at odds with IFFHS rankings. The Al-Nassr talisman recently faced another setback when he was surprisingly absent from the list of top 10 players of 2023.

Erling Haaland claimed the top spot, with Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi following him on the podium. Cristiano Ronaldo, who landed in the 11th position, couldn’t hide his bemusement at the snub. The Portuguese star responded with laughing emoji on Instagram, after the snub.

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Despite Ronaldo’s snub, he’ll be bound to fuel his determination to silence his doubters once again. With a track record of turning adversity into motivation, Ronaldo will be focused on letting his performance on the pitch do the talking. All eyes will be on the Portuguese when he returns to action once again.

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