Jude Bellingham earns fourth consecutive world team selection
England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has earned a fourth consecutive place in the FIFPRO world team, selected by professional footballers. The result puts him one appearance behind John Terry’s English record. Harry Kane and Declan Rice reached the shortlist, while Bellingham joined Rodri and Vitinha in the final team’s midfield.
Sports··Evening
Players select Bellingham again
Jude Bellingham, the England and Real Madrid midfielder, has been selected in the FIFPRO world team for a fourth consecutive year. The team was announced on 9 November. FIFPRO, the international body representing professional footballers, organises the selection through a vote by players for their peers. Bellingham, aged 23, emerged from a shortlist of 26 finalists to take a place in the final team. His fourth selection moves him above Steven Gerrard among English players. Former England captain John Terry remains ahead with five appearances. Bellingham is now one selection away from that total after retaining his place through four successive annual votes.[1], [2]
Rodri and Vitinha join the midfield
The final team’s midfield also includes Rodri and Vitinha. David Raya was selected in goal, becoming only the second Arsenal player to make the team since the award began in 2005. Thierry Henry had represented the London club in the 2006 selection. In defense, the chosen players were Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Pau Cubarsi. Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal filled the forward positions. The Standard reported that 19,806 professional men’s footballers worldwide took part in the vote. England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Declan Rice were among the 26 finalists, but neither joined Bellingham in the final lineup.[2]
Club and England contributions precede the vote
Bellingham’s selection followed contributions for both club and country. He scored seven goals in England’s eight matches at the summer World Cup. He was also recently named England men’s senior player of the year in the separate national-team award. For Real Madrid, his figures across all competitions in the 2025–26 season were eight goals and five assists. The world team award has been decided exclusively by professional footballers since its introduction in 2005. The initial shortlist brings together the players receiving the most votes before the final team is named. Bellingham’s latest appearance extends a sequence that began three annual selections earlier.[1]
