Ronaldo, Messi nominated for FIFPro men’s world XI

Football fans worldwide now have the names of the 26 players shortlisted for the 2025 FIFPro Men’s World XI, as the global players’ union officially revealed the list

In a statement obtained from FIFPro X handle on Monday, the annual award honours the very best footballers on the planet, as voted by their fellow professionals.

With participation from players across every continent, the FIFPro World XI remains one of the most prestigious and respected accolades in the sport.

Here is the list of the 26 players nominated for the World XI

Goalkeepers:

• Alisson Becker (Liverpool),
• Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid),
• Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders:

• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool),
• Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona),
• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool),
• Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain),
• Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain),
• Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain),
• William Saliba (Arsenal).

Midfielders:

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid),
• Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City),
• Luka Modric (Real Madrid),
• Joao Neves (Benfica),
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea),
• Pedri (Barcelona),
• Federico Valverde (Real Madrid),
• Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards:

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr),
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami),
• Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain),
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City),
• Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid),
• Raphinha (Barcelona),
• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool),
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

The final FIFPro World XI will be officially revealed on Monday, November 3, 2025, during the FIFA awards ceremony.

Fans and analysts are already debating which stars will make the final cut, with many expecting a close contest among football’s biggest names.

The inclusion of youngsters like Cubarsi, Yamal, and Neves also highlights a generational shift in global football, where emerging players are standing shoulder to shoulder with legends such as Messi and Ronaldo.

This year’s lineup promises to reflect not just talent but also the evolution of modern football, a perfect blend of experience, creativity, and youthful brilliance.