Over 26,000 players vote for best teams in Fifpro World XI shortlist

Fifpro has unveiled the shortlists for the World XI, inviting fans and players alike to select their best teams. A total of 26 finalists have been announced for both the men's and women's categories, chosen by over 26,000 professional footballers from around the globe. The final teams will consist of the 11 players who garnered the most votes in their respective positions, creating a highly anticipated selection process.

Among the men's nominees, England is represented by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice. The women's shortlist features seven English players, including Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Ella Toone, Aggie Beever-Jones, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo. This diverse representation highlights the growing prominence of English talent in both men's and women's football.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo lead the men's shortlist with the most appearances, having been voted into the team 18 and 16 times, respectively. Lucy Bronze stands out in the women's category, having been selected for the team eight times since the award's inception in 2016. This remarkable achievement underscores her consistent performance at the highest level of women's football.

Fans are encouraged to engage in the selection process, as they can choose their preferred players for the final team. The male nominees are recognised for their performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026, while the female nominees are acknowledged for their displays from August 4, 2026, to August 16, 2026. This timeline ensures that the selections reflect the most recent contributions of these athletes.

via Sky Sports