FIFPro WORLD XI

MANUEL NEUER (BAYERN MUNICH & GERMANY)

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was an obvious choice having become the most reliable in the business. Neuer had a super year as a part of the Bayern team who swept the board with five trophies in 2013, including the Bundesliga title, the German Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA European Super Cup.

PHILIPP LAHM (BAYERN MUNICH & GERMANY)

Like his club-mate, Neuer, Lahm was another who did not have many rivals for his place at full-back. Defensively dependable, intelligent on the ball and agile in attack, the Germany international has every attribute required for a modern full-back. Lahm has even demonstrated his versatility at times in the past year when stepping into central midfield for the monstrous Bayern.

SERGIO RAMOS (REAL MADRID & SPAIN)

The Spanish legend may have fallen out with Jose Mourinho during 2013 but that still did not damage a fine personal year at Real. It is remarkable to think Ramos will still be only turning 28 in March. Having now become an ultimately reliable centre-back after playing as a full-back earlier in his career, the Real Madrid man epitomises the 21st Century footballer.

THIAGO SILVA (PSG & BRAZIL)

The Paris Saint Germain colossus is considered by many as the best centre-back in the world having taken his big-money move to France's capital in his stride. His calmness and composure mean he enjoyed a fine 2013 with PSG. In the 2012/13 season, Thiago Silva averaged 2.9 interceptions per game and 6.3 clearances. He also helped 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil to the Confederations Cup.

DANI ALVES (BARCELONA & BRAZIL)

Barcelona's full-back is seen as a major factor in his club-mate, Lionel Messi, becoming the sensational player he is today. With typically Brazilian style, Alves attacks at every opportunity and provides the width for his team when Messi cuts inside. Alves was a key man in Barcelona winning the 2013 La Liga title and, like Thiago Silva, also helped Brazil win the Confederations Cup in the same year.

ANDRES INIESTA (BARCELONA & SPAIN)

The second of the four Barcelona players included in the Team of the Year and there is again little argument. That not winning the Champions League was considered an off year for Barcelona personifies the achievements of a club who have been driven forward by the awe-inspiring, deft playmaking and attacking of Iniesta.

XAVI (BARCELONA & SPAIN)

The definitive pass master would be in pretty much anyone's team. Barcelona's Xavi may again have not enjoyed the highs of previous years but he is still a master of his art. At 599, the Spaniard has played the most successful passes in this season's Champions League and, like Iniesta, Alves and Messi, helped his club to the Primera Liga title in the last campaign.

FRANCK RIBERY (BAYERN MUNICH & FRANCE)

Up against Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi for the Ballon d'Or award, Bayern's Ribery was an obvious inclusion. Any Bayern player would have been deserving of a place after their stunning calendar year in 2013 but Ribery was arguably the pick of the bunch. As a speedy, attacking threat of goals and assists down the flanks, the Frenchman is feared around the world.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (REAL MADRID & PORTUGAL)

Like his Real Madrid colleagues, he may have failed to win a trophy in 2013 but Portugal international Ronaldo's stats combined for club and country make for incredible reading. Ronaldo scored seven hat-tricks, 69 goals in 59 appearances, and went on 252 dribbles while also becoming the first player in Real's history to score more than 30 goals in three successive seasons. At the same time, Ronaldo almost singlehandedly beat Sweden in the World Cup play-offs.

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (PSG & SWEDEN)

There will always be a debate about Ibrahimovic's standing in world football; some love the Paris Saint Germain star while others are still to be convinced. However, the Swedish striker revelled in another year full of goals galore, spectacular strikes and winning games for club and country to mean he more than merits a place in the world's best XI.

LIONEL MESSI (BARCELONA & ARGENTINA)

The end of Messi's 2013 may have been damaged by injury but he still scored a phenomenal 42 goals in 45 games for Barcelona and Argentina. He remains a force of nature on the ball with a combination of killer technique, lethal finishing and phenomenal skill. The debate about Messi being the best player of all time will continue forever.