EA FC 24: A Changing of the Guard in Team of the Year Selections
In a clear shift of power and a nod to the future, EA FC recently announced the Team of the Year (TOTY) nominees for both men and women. This year, we witness a significant milestone as a full women's TOTY appears alongside the men's, signifying a changing of the guard in the world of football. Additionally, this is the first year EA FC has adopted that name after its split with FIFA.
While the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the TOTY list comes as no surprise, it raises questions about the future of Lionel Messi. The ever-enchanting Lionel Messi may soon follow suit, leaving us to believe that we are on the brink of bidding farewell to an era of football legends. We also note the absence of many players who have long defined the women's game, like Megan Rapinoe and several members of the once-dominant US Women's National Team.
The fan votes for the TOTY reflect the winds of change blowing through the football world. Manchester City dominates the nominations, with players representing the heart of this TOTY lineup. Rúben Dias and Kevin De Bruyne make a comeback to the TOTY XI, joined by their teammate Rodri in the midfield. Liverpool's Alisson edges out Ederson in the goalkeeper position. Notably, Erling Haaland secures his place in the TOTY with his remarkable goal scoring record for Manchester City.
In a twist of fate that encapsulates the year 2024, we find Lionel Messi tagged alongside Inter Miami—a testament to MLS's success in attracting star players to the United States. Lionel Messi becomes the first MLS player to be included in the TOTY, underscoring the league's growing legitimacy. Moreover, Messi's recognition adds weight to the significance of the Leagues Cup, a competition sometimes met with skepticism. His extraordinary achievements in Miami and the subsequent awards highlight the impact of the Leagues Cup on player recognition and team success.
The EA FC 24 Men's TOTY XI consists of Alisson (Liverpool) as the goalkeeper, with a defensive lineup featuring Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), and Theo Hernández (AC Milan). In the midfield, we have Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), and Rodri (Manchester City). Upfront, the attacking trio comprises Kylian Mbappé (PSG), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).
Turning our attention to the women's category, FC Barcelona dominates the nominations, exemplifying their European triumphs throughout the past year. Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, and Caroline Graham Hansen represent the Spanish club. They are joined by Norwegian player Caroline Graham Hansen, forming a formidable lineup. The US Women's National Team, once a force to be reckoned with, now sees Sophia Smith as the lone representative. As veteran players like Megan Rapinoe phase out of their starting roles, it will be up to players like Smith to reestablish the team's dominance on the global stage.
The EA FC 24 Women's TOTY showcases a talented roster with Mary Earps (Manchester United) as the goalkeeper. The defensive line includes Ona Batlle (FC Barcelona), Wendie Renard (Lyon), Millie Bright (Chelsea), and Sakina Karchaoui (PSG). Aitana Bonmati (FC Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona), and Lena Oberdorf (VfL Wolfsburg) form the midfield. Upfront, we have Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), and Sam Kerr (Chelsea).
As the football landscape evolves, we bid farewell to the stalwarts of the game and welcome a new generation of talent. The EA FC 24 TOTY selections serve as a reminder of the ongoing shifts and transitions within the sport. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the rise of these stars and the impact they will have on the beautiful game in the years to come.
