No Room for Kane! Messi Back in FIFPRO XI as Yamal Breaks Teenage Record
Lionel Messi earned a record-extending 18th selection as 19,806 players voted, while Harry Kane missed the final XI despite winning the Ballon d'Or.
- 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.
132 Articles
132 Articles
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolLionel Messi consolidated on Monday as the footballer with the most presences in the history of the FIFPRO “World 11”, the ideal eleven that the world union chooses through a survey in which almost 20,000 players participated.
FIFPRO announced the best eleven of last season, with the winner of the Golden Ball, Harry Kane, unexpectedly left out of it. As every year, on Monday (9/11) FIFPRO announced the top eleven of last year, with a very big surprise... dominating. Specifically, the English "killer" and holder of the Golden Ball, Harry Kane, was not included in the choices. The Bayern Munich striker may have won the top individual award, however, as it turned out, …
Harry Kane was left out of the FIFPRO World XI despite winning the Ballon d'Or on 26 October. The 2026 squad was chosen by a vote of 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries. Kane was among the 26 finalists, but the final squad for the attack included Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. The other players in the squad are goalkeeper David Raya, defenders Achraf Hakimi, Pau Koubarsi and Nuno Mendes, and midfielde…
Messi returns to FIFPRO World 11, Ballon d'Or winner Kane misses out
Harry Kane wins the Balloon d'Or as world footballer, FC Bayern and the Bundesliga cheer. With his colleagues, however, it is not even enough for Kane for the first eleven.
Harry Kane is notably not included in FIFPRO's team of the year, marking the first time ever that the Ballon d'Or winner has been left out.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
