2014 FIFA World XI: Manuel Neuer heads list of goalkeepers nominated
Bayern Munich and Germany colossus Manuel Neuer headlines the list of five goalkeepers in contention for a place on FIFA's 2014 World XI.
The World Cup winner, who has become known for his skills as an outfield player as much as he has for his shot-stopping ability, is widely expected to win the honor for a second consecutive year. He has even been touted by many as a potential threat to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or voting.
The FIFA World XI, often derided as a popularity contest more so than an award handed out on merit, is voted upon by 20,000 players worldwide, and will be revealed during the Ballon d'Or gala on January 12.
The full list of nominees is as follows:
- Manuel Neuer - Bayern Munich, Germany
- Thibaut Courtois - Chelsea, Belgium
- Gianluigi Buffon - Juventus, Italy
- Claudio Bravo - Barcelona, Chile
- Iker Casillas - Real Madrid, Spain
The shortlists for the other positions on the World XI have yet to be revealed.