Messi has been named in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for a record 18th time, in a team picked entirely by professional footballers.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward returns to the team for the first time since 2023. He made it every year from 2007 to 2023, the longest run in the award’s history.
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Messi leads the line alongside Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal, who became the first player to earn two selections before turning 20. Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Vitinha make up the midfield. Achraf Hakimi, Pau Cubarsí and Nuno Mendes form a back three in front of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
World champions Spain have four players in the side. Raya, Cubarsí and Rodri all won the World Cup in July, and Yamal makes it four. Paris Saint-Germain have the most of any club, with Hakimi, Mendes and Vitinha all selected.
The 2026 FIFPRO Men’s #World11 ✨
Decided exclusively by 19,806 professional men’s footballers worldwide.
By the players, for the players 🏆 https://t.co/MnHEMHxtf1
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) November 9, 2026
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Hakimi is the only African player in the men’s team, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda made the women’s World 11 for a third time. That’s the most of any African woman.
The biggest name missing is Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich striker won the Ballon d’Or last month and was on the 26-man shortlist, but missed out on a place, as did Cristiano Ronaldo.
The men’s team was voted for by 19,806 professional players, and covered performances from August 2025 to July 2026.
Photo: Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
