FIFPRO Announces 2026 World XI Nominees Including Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Rodri are the leading nominees for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, as announced by the global professional footballers’ union, FIFPRO, on November 2. The men's shortlist includes three former Ballon d'Or winners: Ronaldo, Messi, and Rodri, alongside England captain Kane.

Other notable nominees include Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, and Virgil van Dijk. In the women's category, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Ada Hegerberg, all former Ballon d'Or winners, are highlighted.

The voting process for the FIFPRO World XI is unique as it is conducted entirely by professional footballers, with 19,806 male players and 6,511 female footballers participating. The nominees are categorized into four positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, with the final teams to be selected from these shortlisted players.

The announcement follows the previous year's FIFPRO Men’s World XI selection, which garnered votes from over 26,000 professional footballers across 68 countries.