Moroccan football star Achraf Hakimi has earned another major international recognition after being named among the 26 finalists for the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, placing the Paris Saint-Germain defender in contention for a place in the prestigious team of the year.
The shortlist was announced on Monday, November 2, following a worldwide voting exercise involving professional footballers. Hakimi’s nomination reflects his performances for Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco during the assessment period.
The 27-year-old is one of eight defenders competing for selection in the final lineup. Other nominees include Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, PSG teammate Nuno Mendes and Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano.
For Hakimi, the recognition adds to an impressive period in his career and further strengthens his reputation as one of Africa’s leading footballers.
Hakimi Continues to Make His Mark at PSG
Hakimi has become an important member of the Paris Saint-Germain squad since joining the French club from Inter Milan in 2021.
Known for his pace, attacking movement and ability to contribute in both halves of the pitch, the Moroccan international has developed into one of the most influential right-backs in European football.
His responsibilities extend beyond traditional defensive duties. He regularly supports attacks, creates opportunities for teammates and provides an additional option in the final third.
During the assessment period for the 2026 FIFPRO awards, Hakimi remained part of a PSG side competing for major domestic and European honours.
His performances have helped maintain his standing among the world’s most recognised defenders, with his nomination placing him alongside several established international stars.
Another Opportunity for a FIFPRO World 11 Selection
The latest nomination gives Hakimi an opportunity to secure another appearance in the FIFPRO World 11.
He was included in the 2025 edition alongside PSG teammate Nuno Mendes and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
The Moroccan also earned a place in the 2022 World 11 after playing an important role in Morocco’s historic campaign at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
That tournament saw the Atlas Lions become the first African and Arab national team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, bringing unprecedented international attention to Moroccan football.
Hakimi’s individual achievements have continued since then. In 2025, he was named African Player of the Year, adding another major honour to his collection.
His latest inclusion among the finalists demonstrates the continued recognition he receives from fellow professionals.
Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappe Also Make the Shortlist
Hakimi faces competition from some of the biggest names in world football as players prepare to discover the final team.
Among the forwards nominated are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal, Michael Olise and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The midfield category features Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernandez, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodri and Vitinha.
Goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martinez and David Raya complete the list of candidates in their position.
The final selection will be based on votes received from professional footballers, making the award different from individual honours decided by journalists, coaches or supporters.
How the 2026 FIFPRO World 11 Is Selected
The FIFPRO World 11 is an annual recognition programme in which professional footballers vote for the players they consider to have performed at the highest level.
According to FIFPRO, 26,317 professional footballers from 75 countries participated in the voting for the 2026 men’s and women’s teams.
For the men’s edition, the assessment covered performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. Players were required to have made at least 30 official appearances during that period to qualify.
The final team will consist of one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The remaining position will go to the highest-ranked outfield player who has not already been selected.
FIFPRO is scheduled to announce the final 11 players on November 9 through its official digital platforms.
Morocco Also Represented in the Women’s Shortlist
Hakimi is not the only Moroccan footballer attracting attention in this year’s FIFPRO awards.
Moroccan international Ghizlane Chebbak has also been named among the 26 finalists for the 2026 Women’s World 11.
The Atlas Lionesses captain is competing in the midfield category after another important period in her career, giving Morocco representation in both the men’s and women’s selections.
Chebbak made history in 2025 by becoming the first Moroccan woman selected for the FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
The inclusion of both players highlights Morocco’s growing presence in international football and the increasing recognition of its male and female players.
For Hakimi, however, attention now turns to November 9, when the final lineup will be revealed. The PSG defender will be hoping his performances earn him another place among the world’s outstanding footballers, as selected by his professional peers.
