Argentina’s 39-year-old legend, Lionel Messi, and Portugal’s 42-year-old star, Cristiano Ronaldo, have again made the 26-man shortlist for the men’s FIFPRO World XI, released on Monday.
Messi made the list just months after guiding Argentina to a loss in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Spain, who had earlier dumped Ronaldo’s Portugal out of the tournament in the round of 16.
Ronaldo won his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, while Messi won the MLS title with Inter Miami.
Both players are closing in on their 1000th career goals. While Ronaldo has scored 985, Messi has 937.
According to the award body, 19,806 footballers in 73 countries voted for the FIFPRO World XI shortlist, while 6,511 professional women’s footballers worldwide voted for the women’s footballers worldwide.
The players with the most votes in their respective positions made up the FIFPRO XI.
Full list of men’s 2026 FIFPRO World XI nominees
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez, David Raya.
Defenders: Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel Magalhaes, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernández, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodrigo Hernández, Vitinha.
Attackers: Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal.
Full list of women’s 2026 FIFPRO World XI nominees
Goalkeepers: Ann-Katrin Berger, Catalina Coll, Hannah Hampton.
Defenders: Ona Batlle, Lucy Bronze, Ellie Carpenter, Emily Fox, Alex Greenwood, Mapi Leon, Katie McCabe, Irene Paredes.
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí, Ghizlane Chebbak, Patri Guijarro, Anaele Le Moguedec, Vicky Lopez, Alexia Putellas, Ella Toone.
Attackers: Barbra Banda, Aggie Beever-Jones, Athenea, Ada Hegerberg, Chloe Kelly, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, Alessia Russo.
