Football icons, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, have been listed among the finalists for the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, keeping their legendary rivalry alive despite missing out on this year’s Ballon d’Or nominations.
The 26-man shortlist, decided by votes from more than 20,000 professional footballers worldwide, features many of Europe’s finest talents, including reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, runner-up Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
Remarkably, Messi and Ronaldo are the only players on the list currently playing outside Europe.
Messi earned his spot after an outstanding season with Inter Miami, guiding the MLS side to the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and capturing the league’s MVP award.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, continued his prolific form for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia and led Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League, defeating reigning European champions Spain.
The evaluation period for the 2025 FIFPRO World 11 runs from July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025.
While both veterans remain global icons, competition for the forward positions is fierce, with Erling Haaland, Raphinha, Mbappé, Salah, Dembélé, and Yamal also in contention.
Given recent trends, both face an uphill battle, Messi missed out on the 2024 World 11 for the first time in 17 years, while Ronaldo last featured in 2021.
Nonetheless, their continued inclusion among the sport’s elite highlights their enduring brilliance and influence.
The official 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 will be announced on Monday, November 3.
