Achraf Hakimi will be the only representative from the African continent in the race for the FIFPRO World 11 men's team for 2026. The Moroccan defender has been selected among the 26 players shortlisted for the Team of the Year, a list compiled from the votes of 19,806 professional footballers worldwide.
The Paris Saint-Germain player finds himself alongside great icons of international football, such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lamine Yamal.
His PSG teammate Nuno Mendes is also in contention, along with Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The selection also includes four French internationals: William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Kylian Mbappé, and Michael Olise.
In total, the 26 players are divided into three goalkeepers, seven defenders, seven midfielders, and nine forwards.
Hakimi's presence marks another recognition for the captain of the Atlas Lions, the only African player included in this global shortlist. The final eleven will be revealed after the voting process.
The 26 FIFPRO Nominees
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez, and David Raya
Defenders: Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel Magalhaes, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, William Saliba, and Dayot Upamecano
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernandez, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodri, and Vitinha
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Michael Olise, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lamine Yamal
