No Room for Kane! Messi Back in FIFPRO XI as Yamal Breaks Teenage Record
The players’ union said nearly 20,000 men voted, and Kane was left off after Messi earned a record-extending 18th selection.
- On Monday, Lionel Messi returned to the FIFPRO Men's World 11 for a record-extending 18th selection, while Barcelona star Lamine Yamal became the first player selected twice before turning 20.
- The lineup was selected following a vote by 19,806 professional footballers across 73 countries, evaluating performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026, for players featuring in at least 30 official matches.
- Despite winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or, England captain Harry Kane was a notable omission from the squad, sparking debate. Other exclusions include Bayern Munich teammate Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé.
- Goalkeeper David Raya leads a backline of Achraf Hakimi, Pau Cubarsi, and Nuno Mendes, with Paris Saint-Germain boasting three representatives and Spain contributing four players to the 2026 squad.
- England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze earned her ninth selection to the FIFPRO Women's World 11, while Zambia striker Barbra Banda was the only player from outside England and Spain included.
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195 Articles
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) has been selected for the FIFPRO Men's 'World Best 11' for the 18th time, the most in history. On the 10th (Korean time), FIFPRO announced on its website the list of the 2026 Men's World Best 11, determined by votes from 19,806 male professional soccer players from 73 countries.
Harry Kane failed to make the 2026 FIFPRO Team of the Year despite being a Ballon d'Or winner. Messi made a comeback, while Ronaldo was also left out.
연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Oh Myung-eon = 'God of Soccer' Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) was named the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) Men's World Best for the 18th time in his career...
By Federico Leiva, CNN en Español The Golden Ball 2026 gala continues to give something to talk about, even two weeks after Harry Kane was elected the best footballer of last season, surpassing in the vote some of the public's favorites, such as Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Lionel Messi.
Free Malaysia Today News
PressNewsAgencyMessi returns to FIFPRO World 11, Ballon d’Or winner Kane misses out
The Argentina star was selected in a forward line alongside Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
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