Football fans around the world now know the names of the 26 players shortlisted for the 2025 FIFPro Men’s World XI, as the global players’ union officially released the list on Monday.
The annual award celebrates the very best footballers on the planet, as voted by their fellow professionals.
Players from every continent participated in the voting process, making the FIFPro World XI one of the most respected recognitions in football.
This year’s shortlist features a blend of established superstars and exciting young talents who have shone for both club and country. Notable names include Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, both of Real Madrid, Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Pedri of Barcelona, and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool.
Full Shortlist:
Goalkeepers:
Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain).
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), William Saliba (Arsenal).
Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Joao Neves (Benfica), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Pedri (Barcelona), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain).
Forwards:
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Raphinha (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
The final FIFPro World XI will be officially revealed on Monday, November 3, 2025, during the FIFA awards ceremony.
Fans and analysts are already debating which stars will make the final cut, with many expecting a close contest among football’s biggest names.
The inclusion of youngsters like Cubarsi, Yamal, and Neves also highlights a generational shift in global football, where emerging players are standing shoulder to shoulder with legends such as Messi and Ronaldo.
This year’s lineup promises to reflect not just talent, but also the evolution of modern football a perfect blend of experience, creativity, and youthful brilliance.
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