Official announcement of FIFPRO 2026 team.. Hakimi represents the Black Continent and Messi pulls away with his record

Achraf Hakimi is Africa's sole ambassador in the 2026 FIFPRO World 11

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Official announcement of FIFPRO 2026 team.. Hakimi represents the Black Continent and Messi pulls away with his record

FIFPRO officially unveiled its 2026 Men's World 11 on Monday 9 November with Morocco international Achraf Hakimi earning a place in the prestigious lineup for the second consecutive year.

The Paris Saint Germain defender is the only player representing an African national team in the final selection following a vote involving 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries.

Lionel Messi also made a historic return, extending his all time record to 18 World 11 appearances while Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal achieved another remarkable milestone.

Official FIFPRO Men's World 11 for 2026

The complete lineup as announced by FIFPRO, is:

Goalkeeper

David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)

Defenders

Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, Spain)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint Germain, Morocco)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint Germain, Portugal)

Midfielders

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain)
Vitinha (Paris Saint Germain, Portugal)

Forwards

Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

The selection features four forwards, with the additional outfield position allocated according to the voting results.

The 2026 FIFPRO Men’s #World11 ✨ Decided exclusively by 19,806 professional men’s footballers worldwide. By the players, for the players 🏆 https://t.co/MnHEMHxtf1
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) November 9, 2026

Hakimi preserves Africa's presence among the world's elite

Hakimi's inclusion marks another significant individual achievement for the Atlas Lions star.

The 27 year old was also selected in the 2025 FIFPRO World 11, making this his second consecutive appearance.

As Foot Africa highlighted following the announcement of the 2026 shortlist, Hakimi was Africa's only representative among the 26 finalists.

Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mane had all missed out on the nominations.

His latest selection therefore ensures that African football retains a place in the men's World 11, despite the absence of several of the continent's biggest attacking stars.

Messi returns as Yamal sets another record

Beyond Hakimi's achievement, the 2026 selection produced two remarkable historical milestones.

Messi returned to the World 11 for the first time since 2023, extending his record to 18 appearances since his first selection in 2007.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal became the first footballer ever to earn two FIFPRO World 11 selections before turning 20.

There were also notable omissions, including 2026 Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom had featured among the 26 finalists.

Unlike the Ballon d'Or, the FIFPRO World 11 is determined exclusively by fellow professional footballers.

The 2026 voting assessed performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026.

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Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.