Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane are among the 26 finalists for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, the global players’ union announced on Monday.
The shortlist, selected exclusively by professional footballers, will be reduced to an 11-player team to be revealed on November 9.
Nearly 20,000 male players from more than 70 countries voted for the award, which recognises performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. Players needed to have appeared in at least 30 matches to be eligible.
The finalists include several of the game’s biggest stars. Among the forwards are Kane (Bayern Munich), Messi (Inter Miami), Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain) and Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).
Goalkeepers on the list are Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Emiliano Martínez and David Raya (Arsenal). Defenders include Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), William Saliba (Arsenal) and others. Midfield nominees feature Rodri, Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Pedri (Barcelona), Declan Rice (Arsenal) and Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain).
The FIFPRO World 11 is the only major global team of the year chosen solely by players. One goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards will be selected, with an additional place going to the outfield player who received the most votes outside those positional quotas.
