LOS ANGELES - David Beckham has become the first Major League Soccer player to be shortlisted for FIFPro's World Best XI Player Awards.
The worldwide players' union have announced a 55-man shortlist for their third annual awards ahead of the announcement of the winners on October 5.
Members were invited to vote for a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
The Barclays Premier League boasted the most nominees with Spain and Italy also dominant.
Champions League winners AC Milan topped the list of clubs with nine players shortlisted, followed by Manchester United (eight) and Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid (seven).
Nine Englishmen are among the 55 compared to Italy's 11 and Brazil's seven.
