The men’s team features some of the biggest names in world football, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal. However, the biggest talking point surrounding this year’s selection is the surprising omission of Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
Despite enjoying an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, winning the Ballon d’Or, helping Bayern Munich secure the Bundesliga title and leading England to the World Cup semi-finals, Kane failed to earn a place in the final selection.
According to FIFPRO, Kane narrowly missed out after receiving 27.6 per cent of the votes among forwards. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland received 28.4 per cent, while Messi, Mbappe and Yamal also secured places in the forward line.
The omission is particularly remarkable because Kane becomes the first Ballon d’Or winner to miss out on the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 after winning football’s most prestigious individual award.
Full list of 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona), Vitinha (PSG)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
The selection was determined by votes from 26,317 professional footballers across 75 countries, making the FIFPRO World 11 one of the most player-driven individual recognitions in football. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi extended his record to 18 FIFPRO World 11 appearances, while Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal became the first player to earn two selections before turning 20.
Kane’s absence is undoubtedly one of the biggest talking points from this year’s announcement, particularly considering his achievements throughout the season.
