Barcelona and Real Madrid stars Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham were all named in the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, highlighting the continued influence of Spain’s top clubs on world football.
The annual lineup, voted for by professional players across the globe, was announced on Monday and featured a strong showing from La Liga, even as Lionel Messi missed out on selection for only the second time in nearly two decades.
Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest-ever player named in the Men’s World 11, capping a breakout year in which he has become a key figure for both club and country.
His teammate Pedri also earned a place in midfield, underlining Barcelona’s ongoing reputation for producing world-class young talent.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe joined them in the lineup, reflecting the pair’s outstanding form that helped Madrid stay dominant across Europe.
While Spain’s giants impressed, Paris Saint-Germain emerged as the most represented club, with five players from their Champions League-winning side making the cut.
Ousmane Dembele, this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, headlined the list alongside teammates Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha. PSG’s heavy presence underscored their recent European success, even as the balance of global football power remains shared with La Liga’s top clubs.
The major talking point, however, was the continued absence of Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami captain was once again left out after 17 consecutive appearances between 2007 and 2023.
Despite being nominated this year, the Argentine icon failed to make the final cut, signaling a possible closing chapter in his historic run among the sport’s elite.
Other notable omissions included Mohamed Salah, despite leading the Premier League in goals and assists during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Raphinha.
Their absence reflected the intense competition for places in what remains football’s most prestigious lineup of players.
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