There is arguably no more controversial annual award than the FIFA FIFPro Men's World11.

Sure, the Ballon d'Or is the accolade that receives the most attention, but going as far as selecting the best in the world for each position is an argument just waiting to happen.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi featuring every year might have everyone in agreement, yet other positions can become a battleground of debate between fan-bases.

And there was most certainly drama before FIFA unveiled their final selection for 2019 after the Spanish newspaper Marca reported a high number of Real Madrid inclusions.

That's despite coming second to Barcelona in La Liga, crashing out of the Champions League against Ajax and seeing both Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari sacked.

FIFA World XI finally confirmed

As a result, there was great anticipation as to whether the early rumours were true or whether teams Liverpool - we're looking at you, Andrew Robertson - would breathe a sight of relief.

The trophies were handed out to the players alongside the male and female awards for players and coaches as well as the highly-prized Puskas award for the best goal of the year.

The final team was confirmed as the following during the ceremony in Milan:

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

Defence: Marcelo, Matthijs de Ligt, Sergio Ramos and Virgil van Dijk

Midfield: Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Frenkie de Jong and Eden Hazard

Attack: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe

Numerous talking points

Were Messi and Ronaldo ever going to be absent? Of course not and despite ploughing further and further into their thirties, the pair are looking just as brilliant as they did 10 years ago.

There can also be few qualms with Mbappe who, despite still being just 20 years old(!!), is becoming a regular fixture at the biggest award ceremonies.

Between the sticks, it's Alisson who gets the nod after winning the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool as well as the Copa America with Brazil. 

And yes... Marca were correct about Real players. Modric might have entered the awards as the raining 'The Best' winner, but was his 2018/19 really good enough to make the XI cut?

Most controversially of all, however, is the inclusion of Marcelo ahead of Robertson, who enjoyed a better season both as an individual and with his club more generally.