Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane misses out as Fifpro World XI is named
Lionel Messi has been named to the Fifpro Men’s World XI for a record 18th time, joining stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Notably, Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was excluded from the team, while Lucy Bronze set a record for women's selections.
Why it matters
The Fifpro World XI is a prestigious peer-voted recognition that highlights the global hierarchy of professional football talent.
Lionel Messi returned to the Fifpro Men’s World XI 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.
Messi, who helped Argentina reach the World Cup final and continues to play club football for Inter Miami, was named in the World XI for the first time since 2023.
The 39-year-old was selected in a forward line alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Lamine (19) became the first player to earn two World XI selections before turning 20 after also making last year’s team. He was joined by fellow Spain World Cup winners Rodri, Pau Cubarsi and David Raya.
Kane’s absence was notable after a prolific 2025-26 season in which he helped Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga and captained England to the World Cup semi-finals.
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