Players’ World 11 vote puts Messi and Ronaldo in contention for 2026 team

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among 26 players shortlisted for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11.

A total of 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries voted for the team, which is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players.

The nominees were selected for their performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026, inclusive. To qualify, players had to have made at least 30 competitive appearances during that period.

The 11 players who receive the most votes in their respective positions will be named in the team, which will be announced on Monday, 9 November, across FIFPRO’s digital platforms.

The line-up will include one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The final place will go to an outfield player who does not secure a position in one of those categories but receives the highest number of votes among the remaining nominees.

The shortlisted goalkeepers are Thibaut Courtois of Real Madrid and Belgium, Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa/Chelsea and Argentina, and David Raya of Arsenal and Spain.

The defenders are Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona and Spain; Marc Cucurella of Chelsea/Real Madrid and Spain; Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and the Netherlands; Gabriel of Arsenal and Brazil; Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco; Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal; William Saliba of Arsenal and France; and Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich and France.

The midfield nominees are Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and England; Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Portugal; Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea/Manchester City and Argentina; Pedri of Barcelona and Spain; Declan Rice of Arsenal and England; Rodri of Manchester City/Barcelona and Spain; and Vitinha of Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal.

The eight forwards on the shortlist are Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Norway; Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and England; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain and Georgia; Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid and France; Messi of Inter Miami and Argentina; Michael Olise of Bayern Munich and France; Ronaldo of Al-Nassr and Portugal; and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona and Spain.

The final team will therefore be determined by the votes of players rather than a panel, following recognition of the candidates’ performances across the specified period.