FIFPRO World 11: Messi returns to world team
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tribune Online
Lionel Messi returns to the FIFPRO World 11 for the first time since 2023, taking his record number of selections to 18. The 11-player team was chosen by 19,806 professional male footballers from 73 countries, according to Tribune Online.
Lionel Messi returns to the FIFPRO World 11 for the first time since 2023 and takes his record number of selections in the world team of professional players to 18. The 2026 team was unveiled on Monday after a vote involving 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries, reports Tribune Online.
Messi, captain of Inter Miami and Argentina, features in attack alongside Erling Haaland, Manchester City forward, Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid forward, and Lamine Yamal, FC Barcelona winger. Yamal becomes the first player to be selected twice for the FIFPRO World 11 before the age of 20.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, Pau Cubarsí of FC Barcelona and Nuno Mendes of Paris Saint-Germain complete the selection alongside midfielders Vitinha, Rodri and Jude Bellingham. Harry Kane, Bayern Munich forward and winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or, was not selected despite being among the 26 finalists, becoming the first holder of the trophy to miss out on the FIFPRO World 11 since its creation in 2005, according to Tribune Online.
Players were assessed on their performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026 and had to have played at least 30 official matches during that period.
