FIFPRO has revealed the nominees for its 2025-26 World XI, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo nominated once again almost two decades after they were first recognized by their peers, joining Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé in the running.
The award is decided by a vote among FIFPRO's membership, described as "the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers," in contrast to the Ballon d'Or, which is chosen by journalists. According to FIFPRO, 19,806 players from 73 countries cast votes for the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward of the season, with the organization noting its membership totals more than 26,000 licensed professionals. The 26 male and female players who received the most votes have now been revealed as nominees across the two rosters, with the final XI to be unveiled on Monday, November 9.
The nominee list closely mirrors the 30-man Ballon d'Or shortlist that recently concluded with Harry Kane as the winner, though there are notable differences. Ronaldo's presence stands out: he has not been nominated for the Ballon d'Or since 2022 and is currently in a dispute over his goal tally in the Saudi Pro League, yet he still secured a nomination in a vote decided by fellow players. By contrast, Fabián Ruiz, who won the Champions League and World Cup and finished 10th in Ballon d'Or voting, did not receive a nomination.
FIFPRO Men's World XI 2026 Nominees
Goalkeepers
- Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Chelsea)
- Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
- David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders
- Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
- Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid)
- Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
- Gabriel (Arsenal)
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
- William Saliba (Arsenal)
- Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea/Manchester City)
- Pedri (Barcelona)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
FIFPRO Women's World XI 2026 Nominees
There are also differences between the women's Ballon d'Or shortlist and FIFPRO's list of nominees. Barcelona dominated both after winning every available trophy while losing just one game, though there was also room for experienced players such as Lucy Bronze, who was nominated despite appearing in barely more than half of Chelsea's league fixtures.
Goalkeepers
- Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
- Cata Coll (Barcelona)
- Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Defenders
- Ona Batlle (Arsenal)
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
- Ellie Carpenter (Chelsea)
- Emily Fox (Arsenal)
- Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
- Mapi León (Barcelona/London City Lionesses)
- Katie McCabe (Arsenal/Chelsea)
- Irene Paredes (Barcelona)
Midfielders
- Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona)
- Ghizlane Chebbak (Al Hilal)
- Patri Guijarro (Barcelona)
- Anaële Le Moguedec (Paris FC)
- Vicky López (Barcelona)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses)
- Ella Toone (Manchester United)
