FIFPRO's 2026 Men's World 11 shortlist was reported on Monday, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé among the nominees. The list also included three players with Chelsea connections according to The Pride of London: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and Emiliano Martinez.
Voting and announcement details
More than 26,000 members of FIFPRO vote on the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward of the 2025–26 season. As many as 19,806 players from 73 countries cast their vote for the three best goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards. The 26 male and female players with the most votes were revealed to form the two rosters under consideration. The final XI will be unveiled on Monday, Nov. 9.
Players named and omitted
Messi and Ronaldo were nominated for the FIFPRO World XI. Yamal and Mbappé were also in the running for the FIFPRO World XI. Ronaldo was nominated despite not being nominated for the Ballon d’Or since 2022. Fabián Ruiz did not get nominated.
Chelsea connections on the list
The Pride of London said Chelsea have three direct links to the nominations: Cucurella, Fernandez and Martinez. Cucurella, Fernandez and Martinez all featured on the list.
Other names in contention
The Pride of London said Cucurella faces a defensive shortlist featuring Virgil van Dijk, Achraf Hakimi and William Saliba. The Pride of London said Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Pedri and Bruno Fernandes were also nominated in midfield.
