The second edition of the FIFPRO World 11 was dominated by players from Italy and France, the two countries that faced each other in the 2006 World Cup final.
Besides Italy beating France on penalties and laying their hands on the trophy, La Squadra Azzurra also beat Les Bleus in the World 11: four Italian players were chosen against three French.
Italy's Juventus had four of its players elected for the World 11: Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta.
FIFPRO Board Members Louis Everard and Bobby Barnes present World 11 awards to Fabio Cannavaro and Thierry Henry respectively
Goalkeeper:
Gianluigi Buffon
Defenders:
Gianluca Zambrotta
John Terry
Fabio Cannavaro
Lilian Thuram
Midfielders:
Kaka
Zinedine Zidane
Andrea Pirlo
Forwards:
Ronaldinho
Thierry Henry
Samuel Eto'o
The List of 55
FIFPRO altered the List of 55 Most Voted Players’ composition. During the first election, the list consisted of 5 goalkeepers, 20 defenders, 20 midfielders and 10 forwards. FIFPRO changed it to 5 goalkeepers, 20 defenders, 15 midfielders and 15 forwards.Â
Not only in the World 11, but also on the 2005/2006 List of 55, the most represented country happened to be World Champion Italy with 10 of its players finding themselves nominated.
Also, a 19-year old forward from Argentina was included for the first time: Lionel Messi.
