FIFPRO has unveiled the 26-man and 26-woman shortlists for the 2026 FIFPRO World 11, with some of football’s biggest names featuring among the nominees.
A total of 52 players (both men and women) have been shortlisted following a worldwide vote involving 26,317 professional footballers from 75 countries, making the World 11 one of the few major football honours determined exclusively by players.
The men’s shortlist features an impressive collection of established stars making the final cut a battle of the bests.
The women’s nominations are equally competitive, with Barcelona Femeni enjoying a strong presence across the different positions, underlining the Spanish club’s influence on the women’s game.
The finalists were selected based on their performances between August 4, 2025 and July 19, 2026 for the men’s category, and August 4, 2025 and August 16, 2026 for the women’s category. Players were required to have featured in at least 30 official matches for the men’s shortlist and 20 for the women’s.
FIFPRO, the international players’ union, represents professional footballers worldwide and advocates for their employment rights, welfare, working conditions and interests in the governance of football. It also works with national players’ unions to give professional footballers a collective voice on issues affecting their careers and the sport.
Unlike awards determined by journalists, coaches or supporters, the FIFPRO World 11 gives professional footballers the opportunity to recognise the players they believe have delivered outstanding performances during the assessment period.
Kane, Messi, Ronaldo Lead Star-Studded Men’s Shortlist
The men’s nominations contain a wealth of talent across all four positional categories, with the forward selection attracting particular attention.
Three forwards will make the final World 11 from a star-studded list featuring Harry Kane, the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner, alongside former Ballon d’Or recipients Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe also featuring.
Bayern Munich striker Kane, as well as Inter Miami’s Messi, Al-Nassr’s Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s Mbappe, is joined by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kane’s club teammate Michael Olise and Barcelona youngster Yamal.
The goalkeeping category features Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Chelsea) and Arsenal’s David Raya.
There is also considerable competition in defence, where Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid/Chelsea), Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal duo of Gabriel and William Saliba, Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) have been shortlisted.
The midfield nominations include Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernandez (Manchester City/Chelsea), Barcelona’s Pedri, Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Rodri (Barcelona/Manchester City) and PSG’s Vitinha.
Barcelona Femeni Dominate Women’s Nominations
Barcelona Femeni have a strong representation in the women’s shortlist, with several members of their squad featuring across the defensive, midfield and attacking categories.
The Spanish champions are represented by goalkeeper Catalina Coll, defenders Ona Batlle, Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes, midfielders Aitana Bonmati, Patri Guijarro, Women’s Young Player of the Year, Vicky Lopez and Alexia Putellas, as well as forwards Ewa Pajor and Claudia Pina.
The women’s goalkeeper nominations are completed by Gotham’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Chelsea shots topper Hannah Hampton.
The defensive category also features Lucy Bronze and Ellie Carpenter (both Chelsea), Arsenal duo Emily Fox and Katie McCabe, and Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood.
In midfield, Morocco international Ghizlane Chebbak, who represents Al-Hilal, Paris FC’s Anaele Le Moguedec and Manchester United’s Ella Toone complete the seven-player selection alongside Barcelona’s four nominees.
The forward category features Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Aggie Beever-Jones ( Chelsea ), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), OL Lyonnes’ Ada Hegerberg, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo,both of Arsenal alongside Barcelona’s Pajor and Pina.
The 26-player women’s shortlist brings together some of the most influential performers in the women’s game, with Barcelona’s representation particularly notable.
World 11 Winners to Be Announced November 9
The final World 11 selections will follow a positional voting system designed to produce a balanced team.
The goalkeeper with the highest number of votes will take the goalkeeping position, while the three most-voted defenders, three midfielders and three forwards will complete the respective positions.
The remaining spot will go to the outfield player with the highest number of votes who has not already been selected, meaning the final team could feature an additional defender, midfielder or forward.
FIFPRO will announce the 2026 men’s and women’s World 11 on Monday, November 9, from 14:00 CET through its digital platforms.
Selection Rests With Professional Players
Established in 2005, the World 11 has become a significant recognition in professional football because it places the decision directly in the hands of the players rather than journalists, coaches or supporters.
FIFPRO currently represents more than 70,000 footballers through its network of national players’ associations, working to protect their rights, welfare and interests within the football industry. The organisation was founded in 1965 and has since developed into the global representative body for professional footballers. FIFPRO+2
The November 9 announcement will reveal which of the 52 finalists have earned the recognition of their fellow professionals and secured places in the prestigious 2026 FIFPRO World 11.
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