Meet the three new faces in the 2026 FIFPRO World 11

• David Raya, Pau Cubarsi and Claudia Pina earn their first World 11 selections
• From decisive saves to World Cup success and prolific goalscoring, all three enjoyed outstanding campaigns
• More than 26,000 professional footballers from 75 countries voted for their teams of the year

For David Raya, Pau Cubarsi and Claudia Pina, the 2026 FIFPRO World 11 brings a new distinction: a place among the world’s best, chosen by their fellow professionals.

The three debutants join some of the award’s most familiar names after memorable campaigns for club and country. FIFPRO looks at the performances behind their first selections.

David Raya: Safe hands in a historic season

Arsenal’s first Premier League title since 2004 was built on strong foundations, with goalkeeper David Raya providing a formidable last line of defence.

The Spanish stopper kept 19 clean sheets in 37 league appearances to claim his third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove. His ability to deliver when the stakes were highest was captured by a crucial close-range save in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at West Ham during the title run-in.

That consistency provides a compelling backdrop to his selection by fellow players. Raya becomes just the 10th goalkeeper to earn a place in the Men’s World 11 since the award began in 2005.

Pau Cubarsi: The teenager who rose to the biggest occasion

At just 19, Cubarsi finished his first World Cup as a world champion and the tournament’s best young player.

The Barcelona defender played every minute of Spain’s triumphant campaign, forming a centre-back partnership with Aymeric Laporte in a team that conceded just once throughout the tournament. His summer ended with a 1-0 final victory over Argentina on 19 July on the final day of the men’s World 11 voting period.

Trusted throughout the biggest tournament in international football, Cubarsi now adds recognition from his peers to a remarkable breakthrough on the world stage.

Claudia Pina: Goals that made the difference

Pina’s first Women’s World 11 selection follows a campaign in which she repeatedly turned opportunities into goals.

The Barcelona forward finished as Liga F’s leading scorer with 21 goals in 27 appearances, adding five assists as her club won all four trophies they contested. Her league return more than doubled her tally from the previous season.

Pina also delivered for Spain, scoring twice in the decisive 3-0 victory over Germany in the Women’s Nations League final in December 2025. Alongside another UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph with Barcelona, those decisive contributions helped earn her a first World 11 selection from her peers.