Achraf Hakimi the only African shortlisted for 2026 FIFPRO World 11

Achraf Hakimi is the only African player among the 26 nominees for the 2026 FIFPRO World 11, after a season in which he helped Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1.

The Morocco captain and Paris Saint-Germain right-back was included in the shortlist announced by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) on Monday, 2 November 2026. The selection is based entirely on votes from professional footballers.

Hakimi’s nomination recognises his performances and consistency during the 2025/26 season, both for his club and for Morocco. He also helped the national team win a continental title and reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The 26 players were selected after 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries took part in the voting. Performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026, including the World Cup, were considered.

Hakimi faces competition from several of the biggest names in world football, including Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 26 nominees

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Chelsea, Argentina), David Raya (Arsenal, Spain).

Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid, Spain), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Gabriel (Arsenal, Brazil), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal), William Saliba (Arsenal, France), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/Manchester City, Argentina), Pedri (Barcelona, Spain), Declan Rice (Arsenal, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal).

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, Portugal), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain).

The FIFPRO World 11 is decided by the players themselves, with no jury or public vote involved. The final team will include the goalkeeper with the most votes, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The remaining place will go to the highest-voted outfield player not selected in those positions.

The final World 11 will be announced on 9 November 2026 at a ceremony attended by prominent figures from international football.

For Hakimi, the nomination is another significant recognition of his standing among the game’s leading players.