Top 10 nations with most FIFPro Men’s World XI appearances

Messi remains the most appearance-making player in the award’s history.

FIFPro continues to be the only international football award chosen only by professional players, honouring the players who have most impressed their colleagues.

After 26,317 professional football players from 75 nations cast their ballots, the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s and Women’s World 11 were revealed. For the first time since 2023, Lionel Messi is back in the World 11, bringing his total number of appearances to 18.

With this, we take a look at nations with the highest number of appearances in the award; below, we have mentioned which football giants hold the record.

10. Belgium: 9

Three of Belgium’s “Golden Generation” players have made nine appearances in the FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World 11. The Red Devils were one of the best sides in several competitions, and each player enjoyed great success during their time.

9. Netherlands: 9

Throughout its history, the Netherlands have produced many elite players, many of whom have played for major teams. They delivered outstanding performances that earned them a spot in the honour. Dutch are known for playing brilliant football.

Their performance in every tournament has seen their players make nine appearances in the FIFPro.

8. Germany: 12

Since the award’s inception in 2005, German football players have had 12 appearances in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11. Five different German footballers have shared these 12 appearances, making the national team one of the highest appearance makers in the award.

7. Italy: 15

Seven different Italian players share the total picks, with defensive and goalkeeping legends predominating. The Italian player with the most appearances in the award is still Gianluigi Buffon. He has been nominated three times more than any other Italian player.

6. Argentina: 19

In the history of the Men’s FIFPRO World 11, players from Argentina have made 19 appearances. Furthermore, Lionel Messi has dominated the award’s appearances. The forward was included in the starting lineup this year following his outstanding performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi has made 18 appearances alone.

5. England: 19

Since the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 began in 2005, English men’s football players have made 19 appearances in total. John Terry, a former defender who was selected to the squad five times, is the English player with the most appearances.

4. France: 20

France are the fourth-highest appearance-making nation in the award show. One of the most often picked French players in history, Kylian Mbappé has made several appearances in the Men’s World XI, including selections until 2026. There have also been appearances by other French players, such as Raphaël Varane (2018), Paul Pogba (2015), and Franck Ribéry (2013).

3. Portugal: 23

In the history of the Men’s FIFPRO World 11, Portuguese players have made a total of 23 appearances. Cristiano Ronaldo, whose 15 appearances make up more than 70% of the country’s entire footprint, is a major factor in this complete domination. Nuno Mendes and Vitinha were added to the most recent roster.

2. Brazil: 36

In the history of the Men’s FIFPRO World 11, Brazilian players have received a total of 36 selections. Brazil’s history is a balanced tale of era-defining superstars, in contrast to Portugal, which is mostly dependent on one person. There are fifteen Brazilian players who have earned a place on the world’s best team. With eight appearances, legend Dani Alves leads the country in individual appearances.

1. Spain: 53

With a record 53 appearances in the Men’s FIFPro World XI, distributed among 17 players, Spain tops all other countries. The unveiling of the 2026 FIFPRO World 11, which included four Spanish players who had just won the World Cup 2026, furthered this milestone.

With eleven appearances overall, legendary defender Sergio Ramos leads all Spanish players. Former Barcelona star Andrés Iniesta is next with nine appearances.