The global football stage is once again set for a clash of eras as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both been named among the 26-man shortlist for the 2025 FIFPro Men’s World XI. The list, unveiled on Monday by the world players’ union FIFPro, celebrates the top performers of the year as voted by professional footballers across every continent.

While the presence of all-time greats like Messi (Inter Miami) and Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) reinforces their enduring influence, this year’s nominations also mark a clear generational shift. Rising stars such as Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), and João Neves (Benfica) stand shoulder to shoulder with football’s most decorated names, reflecting a sport in transition, one that blends legendary experience with youthful brilliance.

The shortlist includes global heavyweights from top clubs:

Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes (all Paris Saint-Germain), William Saliba (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), João Neves (Benfica), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Pedri (Barcelona), Federico Valverde (Real Madrid), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Raphinha (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

The final World XI will be unveiled on November 3, 2025, during the FIFA Awards Ceremony.

As anticipation builds, analysts predict fierce competition among modern icons like Mbappé, Haaland, and Bellingham, while fans continue to celebrate the remarkable longevity of Messi and Ronaldo, two players who have defined football’s last two decades and continue to command global admiration.

This year’s shortlist not only showcases individual brilliance but also captures the evolution of the modern game, a dynamic fusion of creativity, consistency, and next-generation talent.