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Football superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Harry Kane have been included in the list of nominees for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, alongside some of the biggest names in world football.
The shortlist also features France captain Kylian Mbappé, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Kane’s inclusion comes shortly after his historic 2026 Ballon d’Or triumph, making him the first English player to win the prestigious award since Michael Owen in 2001.
The nominees were selected based on their performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. To qualify, players must have recorded at least 30 appearances in domestic top-flight competitions or senior international football during the assessment period.
Unlike several other individual football awards, the FIFPRO World XI is determined exclusively through votes cast by professional footballers, who select outstanding performers across different positions.
The final team will consist of 11 players, with the 2026 winners scheduled to be announced on Monday, November 9.
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES
Goalkeepers
1. Thibaut Courtois
2.Emiliano Martinez
3. David Raya
Defenders
1. Pau Cubarsi
2. Marc Cucurella
3. Virgil van Dijk
4. Gabriel
5. Achraf Hakimi
6. Nuno Mendes
7. William Saliba
8. Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders
1. Jude Bellingham
2. Bruno Fernandes
3. Enzo Fernandez
4. Pedri
5. Declan Rice
6. Rodri
7. Vitinha
Forwards
1. Erling Haaland
2. Harry Kane
3. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
4. Kylian Mbappé
5. Lionel Messi
6. Michael Olise
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
8. Lamine Yamal
The FIFPRO World XI, established in 2005, remains the only global football team-of-the-year award decided exclusively by professional players.According to FIFPRO, the 2026 edition attracted votes from 26,317 professional footballers across 75 countries.
