The FIFPRO World XI nominees for 2026 have been announced, with a total of 26 players shortlisted for the prestigious award. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the forwards nominated, marking a significant recognition of their skills and contributions to the sport. The nominees were chosen through a voting process by professional footballers worldwide, giving the selection a unique weight compared to other individual honors.
Ronaldo's nomination is particularly notable, given his absence from Ballon d'Or shortlists since 2022. Despite this, his peers continue to acknowledge his achievements, and he is now closing in on 1,000 career goals, having recently reached 985. Messi, who has spent the latest campaign with Inter Miami, features alongside Ronaldo in a forward line that also includes Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal.
The FIFPRO World XI nominees are spread across four positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The goalkeepers nominated are Emiliano Martínez, Thibaut Courtois, and David Raya. The defenders include Pau Cubarsí, Marc Cucurella, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, William Saliba, and Dayot Upamecano.
The midfielders nominated for the FIFPRO World XI include Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernández, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodri, and Vitinha. The forwards, in addition to Ronaldo and Messi, are Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Lamine Yamal. The breadth of the list reflects a strong 2025/26 season across Europe's major competitions.
One notable exclusion from the nominations is Fabián Ruiz, who played a significant role in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph and Spain's World Cup victory. He finished 10th in the 2026 Ballon d'Or rankings but did not make the FIFPRO shortlist. The final team, alongside the women's equivalent, is set to be announced on Monday, November 9.
The FIFPRO World XI is an award that recognizes the best players in the world, as voted for by professional footballers. The selection process gives the award a distinct weight compared to other individual honors decided by journalists, fans, club officials, or coaches. The ceremony to announce the final teams will take place in November.
Cristiano Ronaldo was recently voted the greatest Ballon d’Or winner of all time in a fan poll, finishing ahead of Lionel Messi. He celebrated the recognition on Instagram, expressing gratitude to supporters worldwide for their continued backing. The FIFPRO World XI nominees will be whittled down to the eventual XI, which will be confirmed during the ceremony.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are among the 26 nominees for the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World XI.
- The nominees were chosen through a voting process by professional footballers worldwide.
- The final FIFPRO World XI team will be announced on Monday, November 9.
