Moroccan Trio Nominated for FIFA’s The Best 2024 XI
The Atlas Lions are roaring their way into contention for FIFA’s prestigious The Best awards! On Thursday evening, FIFA announced the nominees for The Best 2024 awards, and three Moroccan stars have been recognized for their outstanding performances, earning nominations for the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World11.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Achraf Hakimi, and forward Sofiane Rahimi are all in the running for a spot on the coveted dream team. This trio has shone brightly on the world stage throughout the year, making significant contributions to both club and country. Bounou’s shot-stopping prowess, Hakimi’s dynamic runs down the flank, and Rahimi’s attacking flair have captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. Their nominations are a testament to their hard work and dedication.
The public voting process is now open on the official FIFA website, giving football fans worldwide the opportunity to have their say in selecting the winners. This democratic approach allows fans to directly influence the composition of the World11, adding another layer of excitement to the awards. While fan votes contribute to the overall result, the final decisions for major awards like Best Men’s Player, Best Women’s Player, and Best Coach are also determined by votes from national team captains, coaches, and media representatives. The Best FIFA Fan Award, however, is decided entirely by the fans, while a panel of experts determines the FIFA Fair Play Award.
This year, FIFA has introduced a new twist to the voting process for the Men’s and Women’s World11. Fans can now choose from an expanded list of 77 players across all positions, allowing them to create their ideal starting lineup. This increased fan involvement further emphasizes the global nature of the awards and celebrates the collective passion of the football community.
The Moroccan trio’s nomination comes at a time of heightened interest in African football. Following the historic success of the Moroccan national team at the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals, the world has taken notice of the talent emerging from the region. These nominations further solidify Morocco’s position as a rising force in international football. [Link to relevant article about Morocco’s 2022 World Cup performance, e.g., a recap article or one discussing the impact of their success].
The competition for places in the World11 is fierce, with some of the biggest names in football vying for selection. [Mention a few prominent players nominated in the same categories as the Moroccan players, e.g., other goalkeepers, defenders, and forwards]. However, the Moroccan contingent has a strong case for inclusion, and their presence on the shortlist is a source of immense pride for the nation. [Link to an article about other nominees for The Best awards].
The final results will be revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, a glamorous event celebrating the pinnacle of achievement in the world of football. [If the date and location are available, include them here]. Whether or not Bounou, Hakimi, and Rahimi ultimately make the final XI, their nominations are a significant accomplishment and a sign of the exciting future that lies ahead for Moroccan football. The world will be watching to see if these Atlas Lions can roar their way into football history.
