Messi and Ronaldo Back on the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Shortlist, Joining a New Generation of Elite Nominees
Two Legends Return to the FIFPRO World 11 Shortlist
For the 2026 edition of the FIFPRO Men’s World 11, professional players from around the globe have placed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo back onto the 26‑man shortlist. The Argentine forward, now with Inter Miami, and the Portuguese striker, representing Al Nassr, were each voted in by a pool of 19,806 players from 73 nations, underscoring the continued respect they enjoy among their peers.
A Record‑Breaking History
Messi’s presence on the list adds to an unparalleled record. He has been selected for the FIFPRO World 11 a total of 17 times, having appeared every year from 2007 through 2023 without missing a single edition. Ronaldo follows closely with 15 selections, a streak that began in 2007 and ran uninterrupted until 2021, before a brief pause after his move to Saudi Arabia.
Why the FIFPRO World 11 Matters
Unlike many media‑driven awards, the FIFPRO World 11 is decided solely by the votes of professional footballers. The 2026 shortlist therefore reflects the collective opinion of those who compete on the pitch every week, making the nominations a unique barometer of peer recognition.
The Complete 2026 Shortlist
Alongside Messi and Ronaldo, the shortlist features a blend of established stars and emerging talents. Below is the full 26‑player roster, grouped by position for easier reading:
- Goalkeepers
- Thibaut Courtois – Belgium – Real Madrid
- Emiliano Martínez – Argentina – Aston Villa
- David Raya – Spain – Arsenal
- Defenders
- Pau Cubarsi – Spain – Barcelona
- Marc Cucurella – Spain – Chelsea
- Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands – Liverpool
- Achraf Hakimi – Morocco – Paris Saint‑Germain
- Nuno Mendes – Portugal – Paris Saint‑Germain
- William Saliba – France – Arsenal
- Dayot Upamecano – France – Bayern Munich
- Lamine Yamal – Spain – Barcelona
- Midfielders
- Jude Bellingham – England – Real Madrid
- Bruno Fernandes – Portugal – Manchester United
- Enzo Fernández – Argentina – Chelsea
- Pedri – Spain – Barcelona
- Declan Rice – England – Arsenal
- Rodri – Spain – Manchester City
- Vitinha – Portugal – Paris Saint‑Germain
- Michael Olise – France – Bayern Munich
- Forwards
- Erling Haaland – Norway – Manchester City
- Harry Kane – England – Bayern Munich
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Georgia – Napoli
- Kylian Mbappé – France – Real Madrid
- Veteran Icons
- Lionel Messi – Argentina – Inter Miami
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal – Al Nassr
What the Nomination Means for the Two Superstars
Messi’s return to the shortlist comes after a three‑year absence; his last appearance was in 2023. For Ronaldo, the 2026 nomination marks a comeback after his previous inclusion in 2021. Both players are now competing outside Europe’s traditional power leagues—Messi in Major League Soccer and Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League—yet their peers still consider them among the very best.
The Emerging Generation
The list also highlights the rise of a new wave of talent. Young midfielders such as Jude Bellingham and Pedri, as well as attackers like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, sit alongside seasoned campaigners. This juxtaposition illustrates how the FIFPRO World 11 continues to evolve, blending the achievements of long‑standing legends with the impact of the next generation.
Looking Ahead
The final World 11 will be announced later in the year, after the voting period closes. Fans can anticipate a compelling debate about whether the veteran duo will once again break into the ultimate eleven, or if the newer names will dominate the final lineup. Regardless of the outcome, the 2026 shortlist confirms that Messi and Ronaldo remain touchstones of modern football, commanding admiration from the very players who share the field with them.
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