Lionel Messi has been included in the FIFPro World XI for a record-extending 18th time.
The former Argentina forward led his country to the World Cup final this summer only for the defending champions to lose to Spain after extra-time.
Messi has been named in the XI every year since 2007 with the exception of 2024 and 2025.
The Inter Miami man, 39, is named in a side that is somewhat top-heavy with a front four that also includes Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal. There was no place for the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane.
The midfield three is Jude Bellingham, Vitinha and Spain’s World Cup-winning captain Rodri.
Arsenal’s David Raya is in goal, behind a back three of Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Pau Cubarsí, who was today named the 2026 winner of the Golden Boy award.
Who votes for the FIFPro World XI?
All professional footballers are given the chance to name their best three players in each position – goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack. Every year, around 25,000 players cast their votes.
The men’s XI is based on performances from August 4, 2025 to July 19, 2026 to incorporate the 2025/26 league seasons and the World Cup.
The players with the most votes make it into the XI.
How did the voting break down?
Raya was the outstanding candidate among the goalkeepers having helped Arsenal to the Premier League crown with a series of brilliant performances. He received 51.9% of the votes for the goalkeeping position.
Hakimi (40.9%), Cubarsi (26.8%) and Mendes (25.5%) just edged out Arsenal duo Gabriel (22.4%) and William Saliba (20.9%) among the defenders.
Rodri was the midfielder that received the most votes (33.4%), ahead of Bellingham (31.3%) and Vitinha (28.2%).
Kane was not included after coming fifth among forwards with 27.6%. He trailed Erling Haaland (28.4%), Messi (29.5%), Yamal (37.4%) and Mbappe (46%).
The FIFAPro World XI is:
David Raya (Arsenal and Spain)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG and Morocco)
Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona and Spain)
Nuno Mendes (PSG and Portugal)
Rodri (Barcelona and Spain)
Vitinha (PSG and Portugal)
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid and England)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid and France)
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