The in-form Welshman is joined on the 15-strong shortlist by Real Madrid colleagues Isco and Xabi Alonso, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona also have three representatives each

Gareth Bale and Franck Ribery are among the midfielders nominated for the Fifa Fifpro World XI for 2013.

Bale, who has been nominated for his performances for both Real Madrid and former club Tottenham Hotspur, is one of three current Blancos players on the 15-strong shortlist, alongside ex-Malaga ace Isco and playmaker Xabi Alonso.

However, Mesut Ozil, who left the Liga outfit to join Arsenal during the summer, is also in contention for the three available midfield berths.

Reigning European champions Bayern Munich also have three representatives in Ballon d’Or contender Ribery, Dutch winger Arjen Robben and Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Unsurprisingly, all three members of Barcelona’s holy trinity of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets are nominated.

Juventus duo Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal have also been nominated but there is no room for Bianconeri starlet Paul Pogba.

Elsewhere, there is recognition for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for his enduring excellence, as well as Borussia Dortmund speedster Marco Reus and Manchester City colossus Yaya Toure.

The Fifpro World XI will be announced at Fifa’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Zurich on January 13.

Fifpro World XI Shortlist of Midfielders:

Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid); Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur/Real Madrid); Sergio Busquets (Spain, Barcelona); Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool); Andres Iniesta (Spain, Barcelona); Isco (Spain, Malaga/Real Madrid); Mesut Ozil (Germany, Real Madrid/Arsenal); Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus); Marco Reus (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Franck Ribery (France, Bayern Munchen), Arjen Robben (Netherlands, Bayern Munich); Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, Bayern Munich); Yaya Toure (Cote d’Ivoire, Manchester City); Arturo Vidal (Chile, Juventus); Xavi (Spain, Barcelona).