3 biggest snubs from FIFPro World XI

The most heated debates during the annual FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala are normally reserved for the FIFPro World XI rather than the nominees for the most prestigious individual award.

This year was no different as the release of the lineup continued the trend of inspiring debate regarding which players were wrongfully left off the exclusive list of the world's best football players.

Although the latest edition of the team didn't trigger the fury that the 2014 squad caused when David Luiz somehow found himself included among the world's best defenders, the 2015 FIFPro World XI featured a trio of exclusions surely to draw the ire of football supporters.

Here's three of the biggest snubs from the FIFPro World XI:

1. Gianluigi Buffon - Juventus

Playing a critical role in Juventus' journey to the Champions League final apparently wasn't enough to see Gianluigi Buffon make the exclusive team for the first time since 2007.

The 37-year-old didn't even finish as the runner-up to Bayern Munich netminder Manuel Neuer, as he found himself in third place behind Manchester United's David De Gea.

The Italian international was instrumental in helping Juve win a fourth straight Serie A title and reach its first final since 2003 as he rolled back the clock and proved that he is still one of the top 'keepers in the world.

2. David Alaba - Bayern Munich

The most dynamic player in the world missed out on making his first FIFPro World XI yet again as David Alaba will have to wait another year before he's selected to line up alongside the world's best, where he belongs.

Injuries were likely the reason for his omission as Alaba struggled to stay fit and was limited to just 19 Bunesliga appearances. However, a sign of just how special and highly regarded Alaba is was shown in the final voting as he finished one spot outside of making the starting squad.

The Austrian international should be a regular fixture in future FIFPro World XI teams for years to come.

3. Luis Suarez - Barcelona

Luis Suarez just can't seem to find a way into the FIFPro World XI.

While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have occupied two-thirds of the forward places for the past eight seasons, Suarez's goal-scoring reputation at Liverpool and now Barcelona has failed to win the Uruguayan a spot in the team.

Instead, Suarez finds himself on the outside as his Barcelona teammate Neymar was named to his first FIFPro World XI.

Next year should be a different story if Suarez can maintain the superb form that's already seen him surpass last season's goal total in all competitions for both club and country.

The stars of world football convened in Zurich, Switzerland on Monday, each of them dressed to the nines for FIFA's annual Ballon d'Or gala, prepared for an evening that honours the very best the sport has to offer.

Of course, one superstar shone brightest - even if his choice of attire belied the exuberance of past outfits.

For the fifth time in his illustrious career, Lionel Messi was bestowed with football's greatest individual honour, capturing the FIFA Ballon d'Or ahead of fellow nominees Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The evening also saw a host of other awards handed out, highlighted by American midfielder Carli Lloyd capturing the Women's Player of the Year prize.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or gala:

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