The release of the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 has brought together eleven of the most exceptional footballers globally, honoring their stellar displays throughout the 2025/26 football season.
The team was officially unveiled on Monday, November 9, through FIFPRO’s digital platforms, following a global voting process involving 19,806 professional male footballers from 73 countries.
Spain emerged as the most represented nation, with four players making the prestigious selection. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí, Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal secured places in the star-studded lineup.
Paris Saint-Germain contributed two defenders, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, who join Cubarsí in the backline. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham and PSG’s Vitinha complete the midfield alongside Rodri.
The attacking department boasts an impressive collection of global superstars, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Yamal named among the selected forwards.
According to FIFPRO, eligibility for the award was determined by players’ performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. To qualify, footballers were required to have made at least 30 official appearances during the assessment period.
Introduced in 2005, the FIFPRO World 11 holds a unique place in football, remaining the only global award in which the winners are voted for exclusively by professional players.
What You Should Know
The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is a prestigious annual football team composed of the best players globally, decided exclusively by votes from thousands of professional footballers rather than journalists or coaches.
- Positive Impact: It highlights the sheer dedication and brilliant achievements of world-class athletes, inspiring young football talents globally and boosting the profiles of the represented clubs and nations.
- Potential Concerns: Because the selection is heavily driven by global popularity and massive fan bases, some fans and analysts frequently debate whether lesser-known players who performed exceptionally well are overlooked.
