It is the prize most valued by the players - to be chosen as the best by your own colleagues. The FIFPro World XI was chosen by professional footballers for the first time in 2005, and Ronaldinho was chosen as FIFPro World Player of that Year. In 2006 it was Ronaldinho again, followed by his countryman Kakà in 2007 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

In the past few months, 55.000 professional footballers from around the world have been invited again to vote for the 11 best players in the world. The players each chose their favourite goalkeeper, four favourite defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. 

This lead to a shortlist of 55 players that were presented on 20 November 2009.

The final FIFPro World XI were presented on 21 December at the FIFA World Player Gala and is renamed for the occasion in FIFA/FIFPro World XI.