Eleven FIFPRO of the year: Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi are still there

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo refuse to give way. The two legends of world football are still cited for the dream eleven of world football 2025, in the middle of a younger generation led by
Ousmane Dembélé And
Lamine Yamal. At 38 and soon 41 years old, the two icons prove that their influence and their aura transcend the limits of time and continents. From Miami to Riyadh, they continue to embody a form of timeless excellence that commands respect.

Messi & Ronaldo, a new chapter in their long reign

However, this is not a definitive eleven, but rather the list of 26 finalist players retained for the next
FIFPRO World 11the typical team elected by professional footballers themselves. Messi already holds the absolute record with
17 selectionsin front of Ronaldo and his 15 attendances. The two footballing monsters are now in contention for a respective 18th and 16th appearance, an unprecedented feat in the history of the trophy. Their simple nomination speaks volumes about their consistency and the lasting recognition of their peers.

Dembélé and Yamal, the new wave that is rising

Alongside them, a new generation is trying to shake up the established order. Ousmane Dembéléjust crowned Ballon d'Or after a triumphant season with PSG (Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League), is logically among the favorites. Another symbol of renewal, Lamine Yamalbarely 18 years old, established himself as the youngest finalist in the group after an exceptional season with Barça, concluded with a Liga–Copa del Rey double. Two opposing faces, two eras that intersect.

The regulars and the absentees

The selection also includes the essentials Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham And Kevin De Bruynewhile some prestigious names – Lewandowski, Harry Kane Or Musiala – are missing, sparking debate. The presence of Messi and Ronaldo, although discussed by certain observers, once again testifies to their unique status: that of figures capable of marking each era, whatever the generations that emerge.

A consecration always within reach

THE Eleven FIFPRO 2025 will be revealed on
next November 3. Until then, the suspense remains. If Messi and Ronaldo managed to appear there once again, they would prolong a domination that began more than fifteen years ago. In a football that is constantly changing, their name continues to span the ages, reminding us that before the future, there was first a legend – or rather two.

Did you know?

• Only player from outside Europe to appear in the 26 nominees for FIFPRO 2025: Among all the candidates for the World XI, Messi and Ronaldo are the only two players not playing in one of the five major European championships. A first since the emergence of European domination of appointments.​
• Messi set a world record with 17 consecutive FIFPRO caps (2007-2023): A reign of 6,185 days before being out in 2024, but his return to nominations in 2025 could mean the start of a new chapter in his unrivaled field.​
• Ronaldo holds the all-time international goalscoring record with 143: The Portuguese has scored in 22 consecutive calendar years since his first decade on the national team, a unique feat that even the greatest international records cannot match.
• Messi is the only player to have scored at all four Club World Cups: Between 2009, 2011, 2015 and 2025, Messi established himself as the only player in history to leave his mark at each edition of this prestigious tournament.​
• At 38, Messi remains the player with the most international assists: With 60 assists for Argentina, he remains unrivaled in collective creation at the highest level, a role often overshadowed by his scoring talents.