Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal have been nominated for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, with the final teams set to be announced on November 9.
The annual award recognises the best footballers in the world based on votes from their fellow professional players, making it distinct from the Ballon d’Or, which is determined by journalists.
A total of 19,806 players from 73 countries participated in the voting for the men’s nominees, while 26 players each have been shortlisted for the men’s and women’s categories.
FIFPRO describes the award as “the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers.”
The men’s shortlist features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and eight forwards.
Notable nominees include Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Mbappe, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is particularly notable, as the Al Nassr forward has not been nominated for the Ballon d’Or since 2022.
His selection comes despite ongoing debate over his goal tally in the Saudi Pro League.
Meanwhile, Fabián Ruiz, who won the Champions League and World Cup and finished 10th in the Ballon d’Or rankings, was omitted from the nominees.
The women’s shortlist also features several prominent names, including Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro and Ewa Pajor, alongside Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Chelsea’s Lucy Bronze.
The final FIFPRO Men’s and Women’s World XI teams will be unveiled on Monday, November 9, following the votes of professional footballers worldwide.
