It was a night of celebration for Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea on Monday, as the Spaniard was named in the FIFA FIFPro World XI.
The 27-year-old received the prestigious award in London at the Best FIFA Football Awards, the organisation’s annual prize-giving to celebrate the previous season.
The FIFPro World XI recognises the best team from 2017/18 and is picked by around 25,000 professionals across 65 countries.
De Gea beat off fierce competition from Gianluigi Buffon, Thibaut Courtois, Keylor Navas and Marc-Andre ter Stegen to be selected in the side.
The United stopper enjoyed another superb campaign in 2017/18 and his 18 Premier League clean sheets ensured he won Golden Glove award for the first time in his career.
He also won the club’s Player of the Year Award in May, becoming the first Red to lift the Sir Matt Busby award on four separate occasions.
De Gea was one of three Premier League players selected in the XI, along with Chelsea duo N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard.
The side was heavily populated by Champions League winners Real Madrid, who boasted Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Luka Modric, and former striker Cristiano Ronaldo in the esteemed XI. Dani Alves, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi were also selected.
United stars Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku were also shortlisted but unfortunately did not make the final team.
2018 FIFA FIFPro World XI:
Goalkeeper: David De Gea
Defence: Dani Alves, Raphael Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo
Midfield: Luka Modric, N'Golo Kante, Eden Hazard
Attack: Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo