And former City players Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh have been included in the women’s squad.
Celebrating the finest footballers across the globe in both the men’s and women’s games, the FIFPRO World 11s are voted for each year by professional footballers around the world.
De Bruyne, 31, appears for the third season in a row, underlining his consistent quality and reputation as one of the finest midfielders in world football.
The Belgian enjoyed the finest goalscoring season of his career to date in 2021/22, finishing third in the Ballon D’Or rankings last October.
And it’s the second-successive season Haaland has been named in the side after appearing in last year’s when he was a Borussia Dortmund player.
Since moving to City in the summer, Haaland has scored 33 goals in all competitions, with his Premier League tally of 27 a new single-season record for the Club with 13 games still left to play.
For Cancelo, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, it’s a debut appearance, recognition of his virtuoso attacking displays for City and Portugal during 2022.
Bronze and Walsh helped City to Conti Cup success and led England to Euro 2022 glory, before both joining Barcelona in the summer.
Reflecting on his latest achievement, De Bruyne said: “Any time your fellow professionals vote to recognise your ability, it means so much. To be in this World XI for the third year in a row really is fantastic and truly humbling.
“I work hard every single day to ensure I am consistent; I want to perform at my highest level as often as possible. If other players recognise that it means I am doing something right.
“I want to thank everyone who voted for me – but also the management, staff and players here at City because, without them, I could not do what I do.”
“I am really happy to be named in the latest World XI,” Haaland said.
“I’m grateful to be recognised as one of the best.
“Nothing beats being voted for by other players. When your peers recognise your quality, it means so much.
“I just want to keep doing well and hopefully end this season with some trophies for Manchester City.”
Everyone at Manchester City is delighted for Kevin, Erling and Joao on their deserved inclusions!
Fifpro men’s world XI
Thibaut Courtois
Achraf Hakimi
Virgil van Dijk
Joao Cancelo
Kevin De Bruyne
Luka Modric
Casemiro
Lionel Messi
Karim Benzema
Kylian Mbappe
Full list of winners
The Best men’s player: Lionel Messi
The Best women’s player: Alexia Putellas
The Best men’s goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
The Best women’s goalkeeper: Mary Earps
The Best men’s coach: Lionel Scaloni
The Best women’s coach: Sarina Wiegman
The Best Puskas award: Marcin Oleksy
The Best fan award: Argentina fans
The Best fair play award: Luka Lochoshvili
