FC Bayern Trio Earns FIFPRO World 11 Nominations as Kane Nears Contract Extension
Harry Kane, Dayot Upamecano, and Michael Olise have been named to the 26-player men's shortlist following votes from nearly 20,000 professional players worldwide.
Three FC Bayern Munich players have earned recognition on the prestigious FIFPRO men's World 11 shortlist, as announced on Monday. Harry Kane, Dayot Upamecano, and Michael Olise were selected among the 26 nominees following votes cast by 19,806 professional men's footballers across the globe.
The FIFPRO World 11 award, which began in 2005 and previously partnered with FIFA from 2009 to 2023, recognizes the standout performers in professional football. The three FC Bayern players will look to join the 11 former club representatives who have made the final elite team in past years, a list that includes club teammates Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich.
The 26-player men's shortlist features several global stars across positions. The defensive nominees include FC Bayern's Dayot Upamecano alongside Pau Cubarsi, Marc Cucurella, Virgil van Dijk, Gabriel, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and William Saliba. Meanwhile, the midfield category features Jude Bellingham, Bruno Fernandes, Enzo Fernandes, Pedri, Declan Rice, Rodri, and Vitinha.
In the attacking line, Michael Olise and Harry Kane are joined by Erling Haaland, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lamine Yamal. On the women's side, 6,511 professional players voted for a separate 26-player shortlist, with German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger featuring as the sole German representative.
Alongside the FIFPRO announcement, Harry Kane shared major updates regarding his club future ahead of Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League fixture against Atlético Madrid. Speaking at a press conference, the English striker revealed that his contract extension with the German powerhouse is imminent.
"It's a matter of days, not weeks. We had very good talks over the weekend and again today. We are really close now. There are just a few details left to iron out," Kane stated as his team prepared for the upcoming European battle.
Kane also addressed praise from Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who lauded the forward following his recent Ballon d'Or victory. Expressing gratitude, Kane noted that the compliment from a modern-era coaching great brought him immense pride, reflecting on the resilience and hard work required to reach the highest levels of the sport after facing difficult moments earlier in his career.