Five takeaways from the 2026 FIFPRO World 11

• Lionel Messi extends his record to 18 World 11 appearances as Lucy Bronze sets a new women’s milestone
• Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi feature among the players recognised by their fellow professionals
• More than 26,000 footballers from 75 countries voted for the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players

A record-breaking return, a new milestone and recognition for football’s next generation: the 2026 FIFPRO World 11 brings together players at very different stages of their careers, united by the recognition of their peers.

Following votes from 26,317 professional footballers across 75 countries, FIFPRO looks at five main takeaways from this year’s Men’s and Women’s World 11.

1) Messi extends his remarkable record

Lionel Messi returns to the World 11 for the first time since 2023, extending his record to 18 appearances.

First selected in 2007, the Argentinian has earned the admiration of successive generations of professional footballers. His latest appearance adds another chapter to that story, with his fellow players once again voting him among the game’s outstanding performers.

In an award decided exclusively by professional footballers, Messi’s record reflects the extraordinary longevity of the recognition he has received from his peers.

2) Bronze sets a new benchmark

Lucy Bronze’s ninth Women’s World 11 appearance sets a new record, extending her lead over France defender Wendie Renard, who has seven selections.

In an award decided entirely by fellow professionals, Bronze’s nine consecutive selections reflects sustained recognition from those who understand the demands of the game best.

Bronze’s latest appearance also contributes to England’s position as the most represented nation in Women’s World 11 history, with 33 selections since the team was introduced in 2015.

3) Yamal and Cubarsi underline a new generation’s arrival

Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were both born in 2007, the year Messi first appeared in the World 11. Now, the two teenagers share a place in the team with him.

At just 19 Yamal is the first teenager to earn two World 11 selections, while Cubarsi makes his debut. 

For the Barcelona pair, recognition from fellow professionals marks another milestone in their young careers and underlines the impression they have already made on the players around them.

4) England and Spain shape the Women’s World 11

Ten of the 11 players in this year’s Women’s World 11 represent England or Spain, underlining the recognition players from both countries have earned from their peers.

Alongside Bronze, England’s representatives include Hannah Hampton, Alex Greenwood, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo. Spain’s contingent features Mapi Leon, Irene Paredes, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas and debutant Claudia Pina.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda is the only player from outside those two nations. Her third appearance extends her record as the African woman with the most Women’s World 11 selections.

5) Recognition from fellow players remains at the heart of the award

Behind every World 11 selection is a vote from another professional footballer. 

This year, 26,317 players from 75 countries took part, selecting the performers who impressed them most. David Raya received 10,278 votes, making him the most selected player in the 2026 Men’s World 11 with a 52 percent share, while Bonmati had the most votes in the women’s ballot with 3,083 and a 47 percent share.