Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo nominated for FIFPro XI after Ballon d’Or snub
Messi and Ronaldo recognised by fellow pros
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were today shortlisted for inclusion in the FIFPro Men’s World 11 – but there was no place for Vinicius Jr.
Neither Messi nor Ronaldo made the 30-man list of nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or – the second year in succession that happened – but they have been given more love by their fellow professional players.
Argentina star Messi, 38, enjoyed a prolific year with club side Inter Miami, and helped his country cruise to World Cup qualification as they look to defend the crown they won in Qatar three years ago.
Forty-year-old Ronaldo maintained his phenomenal goal record with Al-Nassr as well as playing a key role as Portugal won the Nations League, scoring in the final against European champions Spain.
Paris Saint-Germain dominated the 26-man list with seven players included from the team that won the Champions League, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma who has since joined Manchester City, and Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele.
Vinicius Jr was the notable omission, although it should not come as a big surprise. The Brazil winger’s form has dropped off since he was overlooked for the 2024 Ballon d’Or that was won by City midfielder Rodri.
The full shortlist for the 2025 FIFPro Men’s World XI is:
Table of Contents
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City)
Alisson (Liverpool)
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (PSG)
Marquinhos (PSG)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Luka Modric (AC Milan)
Joao Neves (PSG)
Pedri (Barcelona)
Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Vitinha (PSG)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli)
Forwards
Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
Erling Haaland (Man City)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Raphinha (Barcelona)
The award is voted for by over 26,000 footballers from 68 countries. The final XI will be announced on November 3. Votes are based on performances between July 15, 2024 to August 3, 2025 inclusive.
The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards who have received the most votes will be selected for the World 11. The final spot will be assigned to the remaining outfield player with the next highest number of votes.