The worldwide players' union FIFPro and FIFA have announced the 20 defenders shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2012. These are part of the 55-player final shortlist to be revealed at a press conference in São Paulo on 29 November 2012.
The five-goalkeeper shortlist was made known a few days ago, and the 15 midfielders and 15 forwards will be announced and published on FIFA.com on 26 and 29 November respectively.
The defender shortlist is: (home country, club)
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).
