FIFPro, the global union for professional football players, has announced the 26-man final nomination list for the 2025 Men’s World 11 and Real Madrid have a strong representation in the group.
The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is an all-star team made up of the world’s leading footballers – voted by the players, for the players.
Footballers choose the three players who, in their opinion, were the most outstanding in each of the said positions – goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
One goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes in their position make it into the World XI. The 11th spot is assigned to the outfield player with the next highest number of votes.
Real Madrid have six representatives
With the 26-man nominations list being unveiled today, Real Madrid have as many as five current players on the final shortlist, along with a club legend who departed last summer.
Five active players – Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Kylian Mbappe feature on the list along with Luka Modric, who left for AC Milan last summer.
Real Madrid did not have the most successful last season, managing only two trophies in the form of the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
But Mbappe ended the season as the La Liga top scorer and the European Golden Boot while Courtois once again one of the best goalkeepers in the world, proving himself clutch for the team.
Courtesy: X/FIFPro
As for Trent, he enjoyed great success with Liverpool before arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, where he has had a stop-start campaign due to injuries.
Real Madrid’s arch-rivals Barcelona have four nominees in the FIFPro World 11 shortlist, with Pau Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri making the cut.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, also makes the cut, as does his eternal rival Lionel Messi.
PSG have a strong representation, given their European treble triumph last season, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele leading the way.