Cristiano Ronaldo Included in Fifpro World XI Shortlist Alongside Rivals Messi and Yamal

Cristiano Ronaldo is in contention for Fifpro's annual World XI, a selection that comes just weeks after he was notably absent from the Ballon d'Or shortlist. The veteran striker did not feature in the final 30 for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, an award decided by journalists and won by England's Harry Kane at a ceremony in London last month. However, the Al Nassr forward, aged 41, has secured a spot on the 26-man roster announced by Fifpro on Tuesday.

Each year, the global players' union invites its members to cast their votes for the World XI. Fifpro reported that 26,317 professional footballers from 75 countries participated in the 2026 voting process. The final World XI lineup is scheduled to be revealed on Monday, November 9.

Last week, Ronaldo extended his career goal tally to 985 with a hat-trick against Al Kholood, and he is anticipated to reach the 1,000-goal milestone later this season. Joining Ronaldo on the shortlist are his long-standing rival Lionel Messi and the emerging Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal. Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane is also among the contenders for a forward position.

Lionel Messi, who has been selected for the Fifpro World XI a record 17 times in his career, commented, “It’s not easy to be in this team year after year. Being in this team alongside so many top players gives me great satisfaction.”

In addition to the men's award, Fifpro also unveiled a 26-player shortlist for the women's World XI, prominently featuring three-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas. The Arab world is represented by Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi on the men's team and Ghizlane Chebbak on the women's shortlist.

2026 Fifpro Men's World XI Finalists:

• Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Chelsea, Argentina), David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
• Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid, Spain), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Gabriel (Arsenal, Brazil), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal), William Saliba (Arsenal, France), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France)
• Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/Manchester City, Argentina), Pedri (Barcelona, Spain), Declan Rice (Arsenal, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
• Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr, Portugal), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

2026 Fifpro Women's World 11 Finalists:

• Goalkeepers: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham, Germany), Catalina Coll (Barcelona, Spain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
• Defenders: Ona Batlle (Barcelona/Arsenal, Spain), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Ellie Carpenter (Chelsea, Australia), Emily Fox (Arsenal, USA), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Katie McCabe (Arsenal/Chelsea, Republic of Ireland), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)
• Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Ghizlane Chebbak (Al Hilal/Free Agent, Morocco), Patri Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain), Anaele Le Moguedec (Paris FC, France), Vicky Lopez (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England)
• Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea, England), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid, Spain), Ada Hegerberg (OL Lyonnes, Norway), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, England), Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)