2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11: Messi, Ronaldo among 26 finalists

The 26 finalists for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 have been announced, with football stars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lamine Yamal among the nominees.

A total of 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries participated in the voting process to select the best team of the year.

The FIFPRO World 11 is the only global football award determined exclusively by the votes of professional footballers.

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The final 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 will be unveiled on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 17:00 CET through FIFPRO’s digital platforms.

How Are the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Players Selected?

The 26 finalists were selected based on votes received from fellow professional footballers for their performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026, inclusive.

To qualify for consideration, players must have featured in at least 30 official matches during the assessment period.

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The final World 11 will comprise the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards who receive the highest votes in their respective positions.

The remaining position will be awarded to the outfield player with the next-highest number of votes, regardless of position.

Full List of 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Finalists

FIFPRO World 11 2026 shortlists

The 26 shortlisted players are divided into four categories: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

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Goalkeepers

1. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)

2. Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Chelsea, Argentina)

3. David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)

Defenders

1. Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, Spain)

2. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid, Spain)

3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)

4. Gabriel (Arsenal, Brazil)

5. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)

6. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

7. William Saliba (Arsenal, France)

8. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France)

Midfielders

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)

2. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal)

3. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea/Manchester City, Argentina)

4. Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)

5. Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)

6. Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain)

7. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)

Forwards

1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)

2. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)

3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia)

4. Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)

5. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)

6. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)

8. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

When Will the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Be Announced?

The winners of the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 will be announced on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 17:00 CET.

The announcement will be published across FIFPRO’s official digital platforms, bringing an end to the selection process in which thousands of professional footballers voted for the players they believe delivered outstanding performances during the eligibility period.

With several of the world's biggest football stars among the 26 finalists, attention will now turn to the final 11 players who will earn a place in the prestigious team of the year.