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The Digest:

Football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have been included in the 26-man shortlist for the 2025 FIFPro Men’s World XI, an award voted on by professional players worldwide. The list, revealed on Monday, showcases a blend of enduring legends and emerging young talents like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, signaling a pivotal moment in the sport's generational evolution.

Key Points:
  • FIFPro reveals 26-player shortlist for the 2025 Men’s World XI, voted by players globally.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) are nominated among football's elite.
  • Young stars like Lamine Yamal (17) and Pau Cubarsi (18) from Barcelona are also featured.
  • The final XI will be announced on November 3 during the FIFA awards ceremony.
  • Real Madrid leads club nominations with four players, including Jude Bellingham.
  • The list includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and seven forwards.
  • The selection highlights a mix of veteran excellence and the rapid rise of a new generation.
As the football world awaits the final lineup, this shortlist captures a dynamic era where established greatness meets the thrilling promise of the future.

Sources: FIFPro, FIFA