Dek — Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been named among the 26 finalists for the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11. The XI will be revealed on 3 November at 14:00 CET. [1][2][4]
Key Takeaways
- Five Madridistas shortlisted: Courtois, Bellingham, Mbappé, Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold. [1]
- Announcement date/time: Monday 3 November 2025, 14:00 CET on FIFPRO’s digital platforms. [2][4]
- Eligibility window: 15 July 2024–3 August 2025; minimum 30 official matches required. [3][4]
- Player-voted award: Over 20,000+ professional footballers decide the team of the year. [2][4]
Context Essentials
- Topic: 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 finalists
- Publication date (Madrid / UTC): 27 October 2025 / 27 October 2025 [1][2]
- Reveal: 3 November 2025, 14:00 CET (13:00 UTC) on FIFPRO channels [2][4]
- Real Madrid finalists: Courtois, Bellingham, Mbappé, Valverde, Trent Alexander-Arnold [1]
- Selection rules: Performances from 15/07/2024–03/08/2025; ≥30 official games [3][4]
- Primary sources: RealMadrid.com, FIFPRO.org [1][2][3][4]
The build-up to the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 has officially reached its decisive phase—and Real Madrid are heavily represented. The club confirmed that Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among the 26 finalists voted by professional players worldwide. The winning XI will be unveiled on Monday, 3 November at 14:00 CET across FIFPRO’s digital platforms. [1][2][4]
Unlike most awards, the World 11 is chosen exclusively by footballers. That peer-to-peer validation gives the recognition a particular weight inside dressing rooms: players reward the opponents and teammates who consistently made the difference during the season’s biggest moments. [2][4]
Courtois’ inclusion caps a remarkable return to elite form. The Belgian’s command of the box, reflex stops and composure under pressure have re-established him as one of the game’s standard-bearers between the posts—exactly the profile that peers respect when they cast their ballots. [1]
Jude Bellingham continues to operate as a modern midfield reference. His blend of timing into the box, pressing intensity and end-product has made him a fixture in season-deciding matches. A World11 shortlist spot simply reflects how often he tilts the field in Madrid’s favor. [1]
Kylian Mbappé arrives with the trademark output and gravity that bend defensive structures. Even before you count the goals, teammates and rivals alike recognize the way his runs detonate back lines and force tactical concessions. That influence tends to resonate strongly in a player-voted format. [1][2]
Federico Valverde is the glue that speeds up Madrid’s transitions and locks down the middle third. His two-way engine—ball recoveries, progressive carries and disciplined coverage—embodies the kind of all-phase value that often gets singled out by those sharing the pitch with him. [1]
Finally, Trent Alexander-Arnold rounds out the Madrid quintet. Whether deployed as a full-back stepping inside or as a nominal midfielder, his passing range, set-piece threat and switches of play provide a repeatable supply line that peers know is difficult to neutralize. [1]
FIFPRO also clarified the rules and time frame for this year’s selection: performances are judged from 15 July 2024 to 3 August 2025, and players must have appeared in at least 30 official matches to be eligible. More than 20,000 professionals took part in the vote, underlining the award’s status as the game’s only global honor decided solely by players. [2][3][4]
When the XI is revealed, it will follow a clear structure: the top-voted goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards make the team, with the final spot going to the next highest-voted outfield player. That final seat often becomes the season’s biggest debate point—and a marker of positional balance in the team of the year. [4]
From a Madrid perspective, five finalists across the spine of the side signal a deep reservoir of elite talent in every line. As the calendar turns to the season’s defining months, peer recognition reinforces the internal belief that Los Blancos possess both the stars and the supporting cast to compete on all fronts. [1][2]
The last step is now purely ceremonial. Mark the calendar: 3 November, 14:00 CET. Madridistas will be watching to see how many of the five convert finalist status into a place in the World 11. [2][4]
FAQs
Who selects the FIFPRO World 11?
Professional footballers worldwide—this is a player-voted award. [2][4]
When will the 2025 team be announced?
On Monday, 3 November 2025 at 14:00 CET via FIFPRO’s digital channels. [2][4]
What is the eligibility period and match requirement?
Performances from 15 July 2024 to 3 August 2025, with at least 30 official matches played. [3][4]
How many Real Madrid players are finalists?
Five: Courtois, Bellingham, Mbappé, Valverde and Trent Alexander-Arnold. [1]
References
[1] Real Madrid — “Courtois, Mbappé, Bellingham, Valverde and Trent, all nominated for Men’s FIFPRO World11 2025” (27 Oct 2025). Real Madrid CF | Web Oficial
[2] FIFPRO — “Who is in the running for the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11?” (27 Oct 2025). FIFPRO
[3] FIFPRO — “World 11: How the player voting works” (updated recently). FIFPRO
[4] FIFPRO — “2025 FIFPRO World 11 finalists revealed” (27 Oct 2025). FIFPRO
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