Lionel Messi Named to 2026 FIFPRO World 11 as Harry Kane Is Excluded
The Argentine star extends his record to 18 appearances in the professional soccer team of the year, while the reigning Ballon d'Or winner misses out.
Lionel Messi has been selected for the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11, extending his record to 18 appearances in the prestigious team chosen by professional soccer players worldwide. The voting process, organized by the International Federation of Professional Footballers, involved 19,806 players from 73 countries and evaluated player performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026.
Messi's inclusion marks his return to the elite lineup for the first time since 2023. The Inter Miami forward joins an offensive line that features France's Kylian Mbappé, Norway's Erling Haaland, and Spain's Lamine Yamal. Messi is the sole Argentine representative in the final formation.
A notable surprise from the balloting was the omission of English striker Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich forward became the first reigning Ballon d'Or winner to miss the FIFPRO World 11 since the award's creation in 2005. Journalist Fabrizio Romano expressed astonishment at the decision, noting that the Ballon d'Or winner was excluded from the ideal team of the year by his peers.
Voting results showed Kane finishing fifth among forwards with 27.6 percent of the vote. He placed behind Erling Haaland at 28.4 percent, Lionel Messi at 29.5 percent, Lamine Yamal at 37.4 percent, and Kylian Mbappé, who led the category with 46 percent.
Spain led all nations with four representatives in the 2026 squad. Alongside Lamine Yamal—who became the first player to receive two selections before turning 20—the Spanish contingent includes Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí, and midfielder Rodri. This brought Spain's all-time selections in the men's World 11 to 53.
The remainder of the squad features players representing clubs across England, France, Spain, and the United States. Paris Saint-Germain contributed defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes alongside midfielder Vitinha. Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham also secured a spot in the lineup alongside his teammate Mbappé and Manchester City's Haaland.
The FIFPRO World 11 selection methodology requires participants to choose three players for each position, including goakers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Candidates must have played at least 30 official matches during the evaluated period to be eligible for selection by their professional colleagues.