Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé are among 26 players shortlisted for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11.
The shortlist was announced by the global players’ union, FIFPRO, following a vote by 19,806 professional male footballers from 73 countries.
The annual award is unique because the final team is selected exclusively by professional footballers, giving players the opportunity to recognise colleagues they believe delivered outstanding performances during the season.
Other notable names on the list include Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha.
Full list of 26 nominees
FIFPRO has divided the nominees into four playing positions:
Goalkeepers
- Thibaut Courtois – Belgium
- Emiliano Martínez – Argentina
- David Raya – Spain
Defenders
- Pau Cubarsí – Spain
- Marc Cucurella – Spain
- Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands
- Gabriel Magalhães – Brazil
- Achraf Hakimi – Morocco
- Nuno Mendes – Portugal
- William Saliba – France
- Dayot Upamecano – France
Midfielders
- Jude Bellingham – England
- Bruno Fernandes – Portugal
- Enzo Fernández – Argentina
- Pedri – Spain
- Declan Rice – England
- Rodri – Spain
- Vitinha – Portugal
Forwards
- Erling Haaland – Norway
- Harry Kane – England
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia
- Kylian Mbappé – France
- Lionel Messi – Argentina
- Michael Olise – France
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal
- Lamine Yamal – Spain
When will the final World 11 be announced?
The 11 players who receive the highest votes in their respective positions will make the final team.
The selection will comprise one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The remaining position will go to the outfield player with the next highest number of votes.
According to FIFPRO, the final 2026 Men’s World 11 will be unveiled on Monday, November 9, through its digital platforms.
The shortlist recognises players for their performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. Eligible players must have featured in at least 30 official matches during that period.
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