Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal Named in FIFPro World XI but No Harry Kane or Cristiano Ronaldo
19,806 players voted for the lineup, which left out Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane and included David Raya plus two Paris Saint-Germain fullbacks.
- FIFPRO revealed the 2026 World11, an award decided by 19,806 professional players, notably excluding Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane—the first Ballon d'Or winner to miss the team since the award's inception in 2005.
- Voters selected the squad via a digital platform based exclusively on performances between Aug. 4, 2025 and the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, prioritizing peer recognition over journalist-voted awards like the Ballon d'Or.
- Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya earned his spot after an imperious Premier League title run, joined by Paris Saint-Germain pair Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi and Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí completing the defensive line.
- Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí secured his place following a standout 2026 World Cup, where he expertly marshaled a defense that conceded only once, having previously outperformed Lamine Yamal to win the Kopa Trophy.
- Beaten nominees like Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernández, and Vitinha narrowly missed the final selection despite strong club campaigns, illustrating the competitive depth of elite professional football.
54 Articles
54 Articles
FIFPRO World XI — Lionel Messi named in team for first time since 2023, Harry Kane misses out
Lionel Messi returned to the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for a record-extending 18th selection on Monday, but Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was a surprise omission from the team chosen by professional players from 73 countries.
FIFPRO announced the results of the vote in which 26,317 players took part and the Ballon d'Or winner is not in the best eleven
Medicine Hat News
The News-GazetteLionel Messi voted again by players to World XI team. Spain dominates men's and women's lineups
GENEVA (AP) — Lionel Messi’s peers gave him one more appearance in the FIFPRO World XI lineup Monday after nearly 20,000 players voted for their best team in a poll organized by the global union. At age 39, the Argentina icon was elected on the team as part a four-superstar attack alongside Kylian Mbappé, Erling
The Independent
The Independent (US)Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane in shock omission from FifPro World XI
The England and Bayern star does not feature in the line-up, despite picking up the Ballon d’Or last month, though Jude Bellingham and the Lionesses feature in the men’s and women’s teams
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