FIFPro names its team of the year: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland and Lamine Yamal in the same line-up

The 2026 FIFPro World 11, decided by the votes of footballers themselves, has been announced. The poll, in which around 20,000 professional footballers from all over the world took part, produced a star-studded side that stands out for its attacking strength. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal come together in the same 11, while Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo missed out this time. The combined market value of the players selected came to €1.31bn.

A total of 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries cast their votes, assessing performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026. In the side announced, Arsenal's Spanish goalkeeper David Raya is in goal, while the back line is made up of the trio of Achraf Hakimi, Pau Cubarsí and Nuno Mendes. Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Vitinha take the midfield places, with the attack entrusted to Messi, Mbappé, Haaland and Lamine Yamal.

Messi selected for the 18th time, Yamal makes history

Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, was named in the World 11 for the 18th time in his career, extending his unmatched run in the history of the award. First included in 2007, the 39-year-old Argentinian star has a market value of €15m, the lowest of any player selected.

Barcelona's 19-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, was voted into the World 11 for the second year in a row. The Spanish player became the first in history to be included in the side twice before turning 20. With a market value of €220m, Yamal is, together with Erling Haaland, one of the two most valuable players in the team of the year.