FIFPro, the worldwide players’ union, and FIFA have announced the 20 defenders shortlisted for the FIFA FIFPro World XI 2014 as part of the final 55-man shortlist to be revealed on 1 December 2014.

Two days after the unveiling of the five goalkeepers who made the 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 28 November and 1 December respectively.

The FIFA FIFPro World XI is decided by the players, for the players. It involves votes from tens of thousands professional footballers worldwide. They select one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.

FIFPro and its national affiliates are responsible for gathering votes from professional footballers worldwide. It is the only global award that truly represents the views of those who play the beautiful game.

Shortlisted defenders
David Alaba (Austria / FC Bayern München)
Jordi Alba (Spain / FC Barcelona)
Dani Alves (Brazil / FC Barcelona)
Jerome Boateng (Germany / FC Bayern München)
Daniel Carvajal (Spain / Real Madrid CF)
David Luiz (Brazil / Paris St-Germain FC)
Filipe Luis (Brazil / Chelsea FC)
Diego Godin (Uruguay / Atlético Madrid)
Mats Hummels (Germany / Borussia Dortmund)
Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia / Chelsea FC)
Vincent Kompany (Belgium / Manchester City FC)
Philipp Lahm (Germany / FC Bayern München)
Marcelo (Brazil / Real Madrid CF)
Javier Mascherano (Argentina / FC Barcelona)
Pepe (Portugal / Real Madrid CF)
Gerard Pique (Spain / FC Barcelona)
Sergio Ramos (Spain / Real Madrid CF)
Thiago Silva (Brazil / Paris St-Germain FC)
Raphael Varane (France / Real Madrid CF)
Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina / Manchester City FC)