Achraf Hakimi becomes first African player to earn three FIFPRO World 11 selections

Achraf Hakimi has become the first African player to be named in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 three times after securing his place in the 2026 team announced on Monday, November 9.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender was included in the latest edition of the annual team, adding another individual honour to his growing list of achievements. His latest selection takes him ahead of former Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o, who featured in the team twice, in 2005 and 2006.

Hakimi previously earned a place in the prestigious side in 2022 and 2025, making this his third appearance and second consecutive selection.

The Moroccan international’s achievement also puts him ahead of former Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba, who was named in the team in 2007.

The FIFPRO World 11 is an annual team selected through votes cast by professional footballers around the world. Unlike other football awards, the selection process gives players the opportunity to recognise those they believe have performed at the highest level.

For the 2026 edition, a total of 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries took part in the voting process.

Players’ performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026, were considered when determining the nominees. To qualify for selection, footballers were required to have made at least 30 appearances in official competitions during the assessment period.

Each voter was asked to select three players in every position, covering goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.

The final team was determined by the number of votes received. The goalkeeper with the most votes was selected, alongside the three leading defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The remaining position went to the outfield player with the highest number of votes among those not already selected.

Hakimi secured his place in defence alongside Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí and Paris Saint-Germain teammate Nuno Mendes.

He was also joined in the midfield by another PSG player, Vitinha, while the attacking positions featured Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland.

The latest recognition further strengthens Hakimi’s place among Africa’s most celebrated footballers, with his three appearances making him the continent’s most selected player in the history of the FIFPRO Men’s World 11.