Key Takeaways:
- Five PSG players were selected for the FIFPRO Men’s World 11
- Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever player to feature in the Men’s World 11, while Cole Palmer was among six debutants
- Lionel Messi was absent from the squad, breaking a run of 17 consecutive selections
Unveiling of Europe’s Elite: FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for 2025
The FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for 2025 was released on Monday, spotlighting Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele at the heart of a formidable line-up. The prestigious squad, selected by a player vote, comprises some of the brightest figures in European football. Notably, it marks only the second time in almost two decades that Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi did not receive a place in the team.
This is the 2025 FIFPRO Men's #World11, voted by players worldwide.
🇮🇹 Gianluigi Donnarumma
🇲🇦 @AchrafHakimi
🇵🇹 Nuno Mendes
🇳🇱 @VirgilvDijk🏴 @BellinghamJude
🏴 Cole Palmer
🇪🇸 @Pedri
🇵🇹 @Vitinha🇫🇷 @DemBouz
🇫🇷 @KMbappe
🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal pic.twitter.com/yDeqAfQz2y— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) November 3, 2025
PSG Provide Strongest Representation
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding presence, contributing five players to the line-up, all integral to their Champions League-winning campaign. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (now of Manchester City), defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, midfielder Vitinha, and forward Ousmane Dembele featured from the Champions League winning side. The club’s dominance could have been even more pronounced, as centre-back Marquinhos and midfielder Joao Neves were each nominated but did not ultimately make the final XI.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia emerged as a notable omission from the nominees, with the October shortlist also leaving out several notable names. Barcelona and Real Madrid each contributed two players, mirroring their historic pedigree in the competition.
Emerging Talents Make Their Mark
Among several first-time honourees was Lamine Yamal, who became the youngest player ever to earn a place in the Men’s World 11. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer joined the ranks as another debutant, part of a group of six newcomers recognised this year. Palmer commented: “Being part of the FIFPRO World 11 is obviously a great honor and to be voted by the other players is a nice feeling,” adding, “They know what it takes, obviously, to play the game at a high level, so to be voted by them is the best feeling.”
High-Profile Absentees and Notable Omissions
Lionel Messi’s absence stood out as one of the headline stories, having failed to be selected despite appearing on the nominee and shortlist after 17 consecutive years in the squad. The experienced Argentine was joined on the sidelines by several other high-profile stars, including Mohamed Salah, who led the Premier League in both goals and assists and guided Liverpool to the title.
Cristiano Ronaldo also received a nomination but was not chosen, while Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Raphinha – who had been considered a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or during much of the campaign – missed out on selection as well.
