Salah was one of the three nominees for FIFA’s Player of the Year award and won the 2018 Puskas award for his goal against Everton in the Premier League. Thibaut Courtois, FIFA’s Goalkeeper of the Year, also missed out to Manchester United and Spain’s David de Gea.
There are very many good footballers who missed out on the FIFA Team of the Year meaning the one’s who made it there must have have exceptional seasons. Here is a recap of the FIFA Team Of the Year and how they made it there..
David De Gea
The Manchester United shot stopper won his club’s player of the season last season keeping 18 clean sheets in the Premier League. he also represented Spain at the FIFA World Cup in Russia where he had a disastrous tournament. Nonetheless, De Gea made the awards due his amazing season with Manchester United.
Dani Alves
The former Barcelona right back guided Paris Saint Germain to a comfortable Ligue 1 Truimph in only his first season at the French club. He scored and assisted on his debut as PSG beat Monaco 2-1 to claim the 2017 Trophee des Champions which is the equivalent of the Community Shield in England. Even at 32 the classy right back is still a force to be reckoned with and will continue to be a key player for PSG.
Rafael Varane
The French defender had a trophy laden 2017/2018 at Real Madrid and for his Country France. He won the UEFA Champions League for a third consecutive season at the Spanish capital before playing all matches as France comfortably won the FIFA World Cup, without losing a single match. Varane was an obvious peak in the FIFA Team Of the Year.
Sergio Ramos
The Real Madrid centre back captained his club to their fourth Champions League title in five years before leading Spain to the knockout stages of the World Cup. A World class Centre back with excellent ball playing skills, Ramos also has a knack for scoring important goals and scored in Spain’s World Cup knockout round loss to hosts Russia.
Marcelo
Yet another Real Madrid defender, Brazil’s Marcelo has been the best left back in World football in the past five years. His ever classy and productive performances for club and country on the left flank make his inclusion a must have. The curly haired left back scored three goals as Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League.
Luka Modric
World Cup finalist, UEFA player of the Year, FIFA Player of the Year, FIFA Golden Ball Winner and a Champions league winner. Luka Modric’s achievements in the past one years have been exceptional. He is also the only player to win the FIFA Player of the years in the past ten years who is not Ronaldo or Messi. The Croatian maestro has fully earned his place.
Ngolo Kante
Every team needs a Kante. The French midfielder’s tireless running and constant winning of the ball are qualities that no other midfielder in World football offers at such a consistence basis as he does. Kante won the FA Cup with Chelsea last season and was a starter as France won the World cup.
Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s main man scored 12 goals as the London club won the FA Cup last season. Hazard also captained Belgium as they won bronze in the FIFA World Cup in Russia.Hazard is always a threat on the ball and has long been taunted as Real Madrid’s replacement to club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Lionel Messi
Five time FIFA Player of the Year, Lionel Messi won the Spanish La Liga title for Barcelona almost single handedly with 34 goals and 12 assists. Messi also scored in Argentina’s must win World Cup match against Nigeria to lead his team into the knockout stages of the World cup, though the lost to eventual winners France.
Kylian Mbappe
The French wonder-kid has endured a metaphoric rise to World Football over the past few years. Mbappe has won two Ligue 1 titles with Monaco and current club PSG and scored 4 goals as France won the World Cup in Russia.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Five time FIFA Player of the Year, Champions League top scorer and winner for the past three seasons, hattrick hero for Portugal in the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s record speaks for itself. The Juventus forward was also in contention to win the FIFA player of the Year for the a record sixth time but lost to former team mate Luka Modric.