Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been named in the FIFPRO World 11 for 2026, weeks after missing out at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. The team is voted for by 19,806 professional men's footballers worldwide, and this year's lineup has now been announced.
Second Arsenal Player in History
Raya got the nod in goal and in doing so becomes only the second Arsenal player to make the FIFPRO World 11 since it launched in 2005. Thierry Henry was named in the side in 2006, alongside Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o as the forwards, and Raya has now joined the Arsenal legend in an extremely exclusive club.
"Thank you guys for voting me in the FIFPRO World 11," Raya said. "It's incredible how you guys have voted for me. Thank you very much to everyone who has chosen me to be part of this. Keep doing your thing."
Recognition After Yashin Trophy Near-Miss
It comes after Raya was pipped to the Yashin Trophy last month. The award for the best men's goalkeeper instead went to Raya's Spanish team-mate Unai Simon, who started every match in the World Cup-winning campaign. Raya came second in the voting, the best finish of his career, but he missed out picking up the award at the Ballon d'Or ceremony.
However, he has now been recognised for a year in which he won the Premier League with Arsenal and played a key role in Mikel Arteta's side making it to the final of the Champions League as well. Raya was one of only two Premier League players to be named in the FIFPRO World 11 this year, along with Erling Haaland.
Full Lineup
Harry Kane did not make the cut, despite winning the Ballon d'Or. Haaland, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal were instead chosen as the forwards. In defence, Champions League-winning full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes were included, as was Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi. Jude Bellingham was selected in midfield for the fourth year in a row, with Rodri and Vitinha completing the lineup.
