Kylian Mbappé and Rodri emerged as the leading names in the forward and midfield voting categories respectively, as FIFPRO revealed how professional footballers voted in the 2026 Men’s World 11 selection.
The voting breakdown, featuring 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries, offers a fascinating picture of the players who earned the greatest recognition from their colleagues.
MBAPPÉ DOMINATES THE FORWARD CATEGORY
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé finished comfortably ahead of his competitors, securing 46.0 per cent of the forward vote.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal occupied second position with 37.4 per cent, demonstrating the enormous recognition he continues to receive from fellow professionals.
Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi finished third with 29.5 per cent, narrowly ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who recorded 28.4 per cent.
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane followed in fifth position with 27.6 per cent, while Michael Olise finished sixth with 15.6 per cent.
The remaining positions in the top 10 were occupied by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (14.4 per cent), Cristiano Ronaldo (13.2 per cent), Ousmane Dembélé (9.3 per cent) and Raphinha (7.5 per cent).
Mbappé’s performance was particularly significant. FIFPRO confirmed that the French superstar received 9,105 votes, the highest tally among all outfield players in the men’s ballot.
RODRI WINS THE MIDFIELD VOTING
The midfield category produced another impressive contest, with Rodri taking first position on 33.4 per cent.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham followed closely with 31.3 per cent, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha completed the top three with 28.2 per cent.
Barcelona’s Pedri came fourth with 22.7 per cent, followed by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes on 20.6 per cent.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice occupied sixth position with 15.8 per cent.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández finished seventh with 11.2 per cent, ahead of Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde on 10.6 per cent.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister recorded 9.6 per cent, while Barcelona’s Dani Olmo completed the top 10 with 9.3 per cent.
WHAT THE RESULTS MEAN
The voting figures highlight the respect these footballers command among their peers, particularly Mbappé’s commanding lead in the forward category and Rodri’s position at the summit of midfield voting.
Importantly, the percentages represent voting support rather than a statistical comparison of goals, assists, appearances or overall individual performance.
The final FIFPRO Men’s World 11 featured David Raya in goal, with Pau Cubarsí, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes in defence.
Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Vitinha occupied midfield, while Mbappé, Haaland, Messi and Yamal completed the attacking line.
The selection reinforces the unique identity of the FIFPRO World 11: an international football award in which the players themselves determine who deserves recognition.