Nine players who have represented Arsenal during the last year are in contention for a place in the FIFPRO World 11, with four men and five women on the shortlists.
David Raya, Gabriel, William Saliba and Declan Rice feature on the 26-man shortlist for the men’s team. Their inclusion follows recognition at the recent Ballon d’Or awards, where Raya finished runner-up to compatriot Unai Simon in the goalkeeper category and the three outfield players ranked among the top 30.
On the women’s side, Emily Fox, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and new signing Ona Batlle are shortlisted, as well as summer departure Katie McCabe.
The awards are decided by fellow professionals, with 26,317 players from 75 countries taking part in this year’s vote. The winning teams will be revealed on Monday 9 November.
Despite some notable contenders over the years, Thierry Henry remains the only player to have made the men’s team while at Arsenal, earning his place in 2006. The award was introduced 21 years ago.
The Gunners have enjoyed more success in the women’s team. Sari van Veenendaal was selected in 2019, followed by Viv Miedema in 2020 and 2021. Leah Williamson and Beth Mead both featured in 2022, while Russo made the XI in 2023 and again in 2025, when she was joined by Kelly. Ona Batlle was also nominated as a Barcelona player last year.
2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Finalists
Goalkeepers
Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham, Germany)
Catalina Coll (Barcelona, Spain)
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Defenders
Ona Batlle (Barcelona/Arsenal, Spain)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
Ellie Carpenter (Chelsea, Australia)
Emily Fox (Arsenal, USA)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain)
Katie McCabe (Arsenal/Chelsea, Republic of Ireland)
Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)
Midfielders
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
Ghizlane Chebbak (Al-Hilal/Free Agent, Morocco)
Patri Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain)
Anaele Le Moguedec (Paris FC, France)
Vicky Lopez (Barcelona, Spain)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain)
Ella Toone (Manchester United, England)
Forwards
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia)
Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea, England)
Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid, Spain)
Ada Hegerberg (OL Lyonnes, Norway)
Chloe Kelly (Arsenal, England)
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland)
Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 Finalists
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid, Belgium)
Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa/Chelsea, Argentina)
David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Defenders
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain)
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea/Real Madrid, Spain)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Gabriel (Arsenal, Brazil)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
William Saliba (Arsenal, France)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, France)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, Portugal)
Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea/Manchester City, Argentina)
Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
Declan Rice (Arsenal, England)
Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Forwards
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Paris Saint-Germain, Georgia)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich, France)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Portugal)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)