David Raya Named in 2026 FIFPRO World XI as Arsenal Trio Miss Out

David Raya has been named in the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, as voted for by professional footballers around the world.

The Arsenal goalkeeper was selected ahead of Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, the other two goalkeepers on the 26-man shortlist. The team was decided by 26,317 professional footballers worldwide.

However, there was disappointment for three of Raya’s teammates. Gabriel Magalhães, William Saliba and Declan Rice were all named on the initial shortlist, but none made the final lineup.

Raya lines up behind a defence of Achraf Hakimi, Pau Cubarsí and Nuno Mendes, with Vitinha, Rodri and Jude Bellingham in midfield. Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé complete the side.

Raya is the first Arsenal player to be named in the FIFPRO Men’s World XI since Thierry Henry in 2006. Henry was included in the team on the back of the 2005/06 season, when he captained Arsenal to the Champions League final in Paris, their only appearance in the competition's final before last season.

The recognition comes just weeks after Raya missed out on the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, where the award went to Spain teammate Unai Simón after his performances at the World Cup. That decision drew criticism from Arsenal’s goalkeeper coach Iñaki Caña, who reposted a number of posts claiming Raya had been 'robbed'.

This time, the verdict of his fellow professionals has gone in Raya’s favour. The Spaniard won the Premier League Golden Glove for the third consecutive season in 2025/26, as Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the league title and reached the Champions League final.

His form has continued into the new campaign. Arsenal have the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, and sit five points clear at the top of the table heading into the international break.

Raya has spoken about his ambition to be recognised among the world’s best. Asked last month whether he considered himself the best goalkeeper in the world, he said, ‘I think that I’ve had a remarkable season. I’m nominated and hopefully I’m in the conversation for winning it.’

Arsenal Women striker Alessia Russo was named in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI, voted for by professional female footballers, after finishing ninth in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

For Gabriel, Saliba and Rice, missing out will be a disappointment after their roles in Arsenal’s title-winning season. However, their places on the shortlist still reflect how highly they are regarded by their peers across the world.