Twenty defenders shortlisted for FIFA FIFPro World XI 2012

The worldwide players' union FIFPro and FIFA announced on thursday the 20 defenders shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2012, part of the 55-player final shortlist to be revealed at a press conference in São Paulo on 29 November 2012.



Three days after the unveiling of the five-goalkeeper shortlist, the 20 defenders are now known and will be followed by the 15 midfielders and 15 forwards due to be announced and published on FIFA.com on 26 and 29 November respectively.



The defender shortlist is:



Jordi Alba (Spain, Barcelona); Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur); Giorgio Chiellini (Italy, Juventus); Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea); Dani Alves (Brazil, Barcelona); David Luiz (Brazil, Chelsea); Patrice Evra (France, Manchester United); Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United); Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia, Chelsea); Vincent Kompany (Belgium, Manchester City); Philipp Lahm (Germany, Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid); Javier Mascherano (Argentina, Barcelona); Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid); Gerard Piqué (Spain, Barcelona); Carles Puyol (Spain, Barcelona); Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid); John Terry (England, Chelsea); Thiago Silva (Brazil, Paris St-Germain).



The goalkeeper shortlist is:



Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus); Iker Casillas (Spain, Real Madrid); Petr Cech (Czech Republic, Chelsea); Joe Hart (England, Manchester City); Manuel Neuer (Germany, Bayern Munich).