Raphinha – Foto: Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com
FIFPro announced on Monday (27) the 26 finalists for the 2025 Men’s World 11 award, which selects the world’s best players based on votes from over 20,000 professional athletes. Three Brazilians made the list: Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos, and Barcelona forward Raphinha. The absence of Real Madrid star Vini Jr, a standout in recent seasons, was surprising. The voting covers performances from July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025, with a minimum requirement of 30 official matches.
Finalists include names like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, alongside young talents like Lamine Yamal. The final 11 will be revealed on November 3, 2025, at 2 p.m. (CET) on FIFPro’s digital platforms.
- Voting criteria: Minimum of 30 official matches in the period.
- Participation: Over 20,000 players from 60 countries voted.
- Event date: Final announcement on November 3, 2025.
The 26-player shortlist for the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 – as voted by players worldwide.
The team will be revealed on 03.11.2025. pic.twitter.com/bnu1umSCKw
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) October 27, 2025
Brazilian standouts
Alisson competes among goalkeepers with Thibaut Courtois and Gianluigi Donnarumma. His consistency at Liverpool makes him a strong contender.
Marquinhos, PSG’s captain, is one of 10 defenders listed, alongside names like Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba.
Competitive attack
Raphinha, from Barcelona, shines among forwards, facing stars like Mbappé, Haaland, and Messi. His consistent season, with goals and assists, secured his nomination.
Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal is another highlight, reinforcing the club’s presence on the list.
Star-studded midfield
The midfield features Jude Bellingham, Kevin De Bruyne, and Luka Modric, among others.
The list reflects a diversity of talents from different leagues and styles.
Names like Pedri and Federico Valverde also appear, blending experience with youth.
Award tradition
The Men’s World 11, organized by FIFPro for 60 years, is one of football’s most prestigious awards. Its player-only voting adds credibility.
FIFPro represents athletes from over 60 countries, highlighting its global relevance.
In 2025, the ceremony will mark the start of a new cycle for the organization.
The final list will consist of the 11 most-voted players in each position.
Vini Jr’s absence
Vini Jr’s absence sparked debate among fans and analysts. Despite his prominence at Real Madrid, the forward did not secure enough votes.
Competitive landscape
The 2025 list underscores the strength of clubs like Barcelona, PSG, and Liverpool. The inclusion of young players like Yamal and João Neves signals a shift in football.
The balance between veterans like Messi and Ronaldo and emerging talents highlights the selection’s quality.
The voting reflects performances in club and international competitions during the evaluated period.
Anticipation is high for the final announcement, with fierce competition across all positions.
Global significance
The award celebrates excellence in football, with voting involving players worldwide. This year, FIFPro reinforces its mission to recognize on-field performance.
