By Kunle Solaja.

Achraf Hakimi, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are among 26 players shortlisted for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, following a global vote involving nearly 20,000 professional footballers from 73 countries.

FIFPRO, the global players’ union, announced the finalists as the race intensifies for a place in the prestigious team of the year, which is uniquely decided by professional footballers rather than journalists, coaches or fans.

A total of 19,806 players participated in the voting, selecting colleagues whose performances between August 4, 2025 and July 19, 2026 earned their admiration.

The final World 11 will be unveiled on Monday, November 9, at 17:00 Central European Time through FIFPRO’s digital platforms.

To qualify for consideration, players must have featured in at least 30 official matches during the assessment period. The final selection will comprise the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards who receive the highest votes in their respective positions. The remaining place will go to the outfield player with the next highest overall vote.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Aston Villa/Chelsea’s Emiliano Martinez and Arsenal’s David Raya are the three nominees for the goalkeeping position.

The defensive category features some of Europe’s most prominent names, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal’s Gabriel and William Saliba, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi, Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and Paris Saint-Germain teammates Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.

The midfield shortlist is equally competitive, with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Barcelona’s Pedri, Manchester City’s Rodri, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and PSG’s Vitinha among the contenders.

The forward category brings together an extraordinary collection of attacking talent, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise are also among the eight forwards shortlisted, alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The presence of several generations of football stars makes this year’s selection particularly interesting, with established icons such as Messi and Ronaldo competing for recognition alongside emerging talents including Yamal and Cubarsi.

Hakimi’s nomination also provides African football with representation among the continent’s most prominent global football stars.

The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 has become one of the most respected individual recognitions in football because it reflects the verdict of players who understand the demands of competing at the highest level.

With 26 finalists competing for 11 places, attention now turns to Monday’s announcement to discover which players have earned the greatest recognition from their peers.

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