🚨 BREAKING: FIFPRO World XI nominees revealed as Messi and Kane make shortlist

🚨 BREAKING: FIFPRO World XI nominees revealed as Messi and Kane make shortlist Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane are among the 26 nominees for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, with the shortlist decided by professional footballers from around the world. A total of 19,806 players took part in the voting process, with the final team recognising the best performers across the eligible period. The shortlist includes several of the biggest names in the game, including Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal. Barcelona midfielder Rodri, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk are also among the nominees. The defensive candidates include Arsenal duo Gabriel and William Saliba, Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsi and Paris Saint-Germain full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. The midfield shortlist features Pedri, Declan Rice, Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, while Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Spain’s David Raya are also nominated. The FIFPRO World XI is unique among major individual football awards because it is voted for exclusively by professional players, who select the team based on the performances of their peers.