The global football players' union FIFPRO has announced the 26-man shortlist for the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11. The shortlist was decided by 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries who voted for the best performers of the year. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, and Lamine Yamal are among the players shortlisted for the prestigious selection.
The inclusion of Messi and Ronaldo is another recognition of the two football legends, who continue to feature among the players shortlisted for the prestigious selection despite being at different stages of their careers. The attacking category also includes Bayern Munich striker Kane, Real Madrid forward Mbappe, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Michael Olise of Bayern Munich, and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
Spain has several representatives across the shortlist, including goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Pau Cubarsí and Marc Cucurella, and midfielders Pedri and Rodri. Arsenal also has three players nominated: Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba, and Declan Rice. The 26 nominees are divided into four positions, with three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders, and eight forwards making the final list.
The shortlist features players from various countries and clubs. Some of the notable players include Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez, and David Raya as goalkeepers; Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel Magalhães, and Achraf Hakimi as defenders; Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, and Enzo Fernández as midfielders; and Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappe as forwards.
The final 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 will be announced on Monday, November 9, through FIFPRO's digital platforms. The announcement will be based on the votes of 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries. This selection is considered one of the most prestigious in the football world, recognizing the best performers of the year.
FIFPRO's Men's World 11 selection process involves professional footballers voting for their top picks. The union represents the interests of professional footballers worldwide, promoting their rights and welfare. The selection process aims to recognize the outstanding contributions of players to their teams and the sport as a whole.
The 26-man shortlist for the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 features a mix of experienced players and young talent. Lamine Yamal, a young player from Barcelona, has been shortlisted alongside football legends like Messi and Ronaldo. The final selection will be announced on November 9, and fans worldwide will be eagerly waiting to see who will make it to the FIFPRO Men's World 11.
Key points
- Over 19,000 professional footballers cast votes to select the year's top performers.
- The final 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 will be announced on November 9.
- The shortlist features 26 players from various countries and clubs.
