FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025: Magic Ronaldo and Messi are still the best players

The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 shortlist, announced on October 20, 2025, by FIFPRO and the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), celebrates the elite performers from July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo defying age to feature alongside Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona’s wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The 26-man list, voted by 28,000 professional players worldwide, highlights longevity, innovation, and youth, as Messi (Inter Miami) and Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) chase their 18th and 16th selections, respectively.

FIFPRO World XI Nominees 2025: Messi & Ronaldo Lead Shortlist with Dembélé and Yamal

The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 is defined by Messi and Ronaldo’s enduring excellence. Messi, 38, earned his nomination with a record-breaking MLS season, winning the 2025 Golden Boot with 29 goals in 28 games for Inter Miami, including 10 multi-goal outings—the league record. His 14 assists and 1.03 goals-per-game average, second only to Carlos Vela’s 1.10 in 2019, propelled Inter Miami to the Eastern Conference lead with 68 points. Internationally, Messi’s two assists in a 6-0 friendly over Puerto Rico on October 15, 2025, broke Neymar’s national team assists record (60 vs. 59), adding to his 114 Argentina goals. The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 recognition marks his 18th selection, the most ever.

Ronaldo, 40, secured his 16th nomination with 35 goals in 41 Al-Nassr matches in 2024-25, clinching the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot. His 2025-26 start—5 goals in 8 games—includes a brace in Portugal’s 2-2 draw with Hungary on October 14, 2025, breaking Carlos Ruiz’s World Cup qualifier record (41 goals). Ronaldo’s 948 career goals, 141 international, lead Messi’s 880 and 114. The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 honors Ronaldo’s longevity, with fans posting, “CR7 and Messi at 40 and 38? Unmatched!”

Dembélé and Yamal: Ballon d’Or Brilliance and Youthful Flair

The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 features Ousmane Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or-winning form for PSG, where the 28-year-old scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists in 2024-25, leading to their Champions League triumph. His 2025-26 start—6 goals in 7 Ligue 1 games—earned a nomination, with 12/10 rating for his dribbling (85% success rate). Dembélé’s versatility, blending speed and creativity, makes him PSG’s talisman.

Barcelona’s 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, the youngest FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 candidate, dazzled with 15 goals and 12 assists in La Liga 2024-25, including a hat-trick against Real Sociedad. His 2025-26 form—4 goals in 8 games—has Barcelona second, with Yamal’s 1.2 xG per 90 minutes and 90% pass accuracy (52/58) earning a 9/10 in the October 5 El Clásico. Yamal’s nomination, alongside mentor Pedri, symbolizes Barcelona’s youth resurgence.

Goalkeeper & Defense Nominees

The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 goalkeepers include Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois (8/10 in El Clásico) and PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10 for 12 clean sheets). Defenders feature Real Madrid’s Éder Militão (8/10, assisted Bellingham’s winner) and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí (6/10, 92% pass accuracy).

Midfield and Attack Stars

The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 midfield boasts Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (8/10, goal and assist in Clásico) and PSG’s Vitinha (8/10, 89% pass accuracy). Attackers include Mbappé (7/10, 10 La Liga goals) and Barcelona’s Rashford (8/10, volley in Clásico).

Conclusion: Legends and New Stars Shine

The FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 shortlist celebrates Messi and Ronaldo’s ageless brilliance alongside Dembélé’s Ballon d’Or and Yamal’s youth. As the final XI is voted on November 15, 2025, the nominees embody football’s evolution. Who makes the cut? Share your thoughts on the FIFPRO World XI nominees 2025 below!

🤫 pic.twitter.com/AbYCtqZD70

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cr7Fran4ever) October 26, 2025

FAQs: FIFPRO World XI Nominees 2025

Who are the top nominees for 2025?
Messi, Ronaldo, Dembélé, and Yamal lead the 26-man shortlist.
When is the 2025 FIFPRO World XI announced?
November 15, 2025.
How many times has Messi been nominated?
17 previous selections, the most ever.
What period does the 2025 list cover?
July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025.
How is the list voted?
By 28,000 professional players worldwide.