The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 shortlist has been revealed, and once again the spotlight goes back to two names that have defined an era. These players were voted by 19,806 professional footballers across 73 countries, the 26-man roster for 2026 places Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo side by side among the forwards, a familiar pairing that refuses to fade even as younger stars have come forward. Messi is still playing for Inter Miami and continues to put up excellent performances.
On the other hand, Ronaldo has been playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The duo remains a relentless goal threat and their presence on this list has sparked debate about longevity and standards. It also shows how the players themselves still measure greatness against the twin benchmarks these two set over the past two decades. The rest of the list has Goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez and David Raya forming a strong trio.
FIFPRO Men’s World 11 2026 final XI set to be announced on 9th November
The defensive group mixes established players such as Virgil van Dijk with rising talents like Pau Cubarsi and Gabriel Magalhaes, alongside full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. In midfield, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Declan Rice, Pedri, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernandez and Vitinha represent both power and technical control. When it comes to the forward, the list includes Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia complete a forward line that blends clinical finishers with creative wide players.
The presence of Messi and Ronaldo on this shortlist, selected purely by fellow professionals rather than journalists or fans, carries a different weight. It suggests that even in their fag end of the career, the pair still produce moments that force the next generation to take notice. The final XI will be revealed on 9th November and whether the duo makes it there is yet to be seen. The competition is fierce, and the game has moved on. Haaland’s consistency, Mbappe’s explosive form and Yamal’s emerging brilliance offer great alternatives.
