Messi, Ronaldo, Kane Lead 2026 FIFPRO World XI Nominees

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Harry Kane are the standout names on a 26-man shortlist for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, following a global voting process that involved 19,806 professional footballers. This shortlist includes prominent players such as France captain Kylian Mbappe, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, England midfielder Jude Bellingham, and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

Other notable nominees are Barcelona midfielders Rodri and Pedri, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. Arsenal defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, along with Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi and Paris Saint-Germain defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, also received nominations.

The FIFPRO Men’s World XI is unique as it is determined solely by professional footballers, distinguishing it from other major football awards. The final selection will celebrate exceptional players across different positions, reflecting the opinions of their peers in the football community.