Messi gone but not forgotten in FIFPRO annual world team poll
—- Lionel Messi, despite his international retirement, has returned to the newly-announced FIFPRO men’s world 11 for the first time since 2023. This extends his record to 18 appearances. First selected in 2007, the Argentinian has earned the admiration of successive generations of professional footballers.
Lamine Yamal, who also featured in last year’s team, becomes the first player to earn two World 11 selections before turning 20. He joins fellow 2026 World Cup winners David Raya, Pau Cubarsi and Rodri in taking Spain’s record tally of Men’s World 11 appearances to 53.
Votes were cast by votes from 19,806 men’s footballers from 73 countries.
Since 2005, FIFPRO has invited professional footballers around the world to select the World 11. It remains the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players, recognising the performers who have impressed their peers most.
Men4x5
2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Defenders
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
How did the voting work?
Professional footballers cast their votes through a secure digital platform shared by FIFPRO and its affiliated player unions.
For the Men’s World 11, players were judged on performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026, inclusive. To be eligible, they must have appeared in at least 30 official matches during that period.
Each voter selected the three footballers they believed performed best in each position: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.
The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes in their respective positions earned a place in the World 11. The final spot went to the remaining outfield player with the highest number of votes.
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