FIFPRO Men’s World 11 2026 Shortlist Revealed: Messi, Ronaldo and Yamal Among 26 Nominees

FIFPRO has announced the 26 finalists for the 2026 Men’s World 11, a list that includes some of the biggest names in world football. The shortlist was decided by votes from 19,806 professional footballers across 73 countries, and it covers performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026.

The World 11 is unusual among major football awards because it is decided exclusively by players. Only players who made at least 30 official appearances in the eligibility period could be nominated.

The Full Shortlist of FIFPRO Men’s World 11

How the Team Is Picked

The final World 11 will include the goalkeeper with the most votes, the three highest-ranked defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. An additional outfield player with the next-highest vote total takes the eleventh place, so the final team can include a player who did not finish in the top three of his position.

With 26 nominees competing for 11 places, the selection will be closely contested, particularly in the defensive and forward lines.

Notable Names on the List

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both feature among the forwards, with each having continued to play at a high level for Inter Miami and Al Nassr respectively. Both also scored multiple goals at the 2026 World Cup, according to reports.

Barcelona have three nominees: Lamine Yamal in attack, and Pedri and Pau Cubarsí in midfield and defence. Yamal, who played in the forwards group, is among the younger players to be recognised on the list.

Real Madrid’s representatives include Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, while Courtois is the Madrid goalkeeper on the shortlist. Paris Saint-Germain is also well represented, with Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha on the list.

Arsenal are represented by David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba and Declan Rice, reflecting the strength of their squad in the 2025-26 season.

Players Who Could Make a Difference

The strongest competition is likely to come in the forward line, where Haaland, Kane, Kvaratskhelia, Mbappé, Messi, Olise, Ronaldo and Yamal all have strong claims. Each has been a central figure for his club or country in the eligibility period.

In defence, Van Dijk, Saliba and Hakimi are among the names with a strong record over the period, making the three defender places hard to predict.

The Key Dates

What to Watch For

Attention will now turn to the final announcement on 9 November, when the eleven players chosen by the vote will be revealed. The result will show how players themselves rate the performances of their peers across the season and the World Cup.

Because the award is voted for by players rather than journalists or coaches, the outcome is seen as a direct reflection of the view within the professional game.

Read More: Glenn Maxwell Announces Retirement From International Cricket After 14-Year Career
Also Read: Jose Mourinho’s Mind Games: How One El Clasico Night Rattled Barcelona’s Belief
You Can Also Read: Jose Mourinho Thrives When Football Turns Messy, and Real Madrid Are Reaping the Rewards
You Must Also Read: Mourinho’s Midfield Squeeze: How Real Madrid Outfoxed Flick’s Barcelona in El Clasico

FAQs