Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have headlined the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI after being recognised among the best performers in world football, while England captain Harry Kane and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo were among the notable names left out of the prestigious selection.
The team, announced on Monday, November 9, was selected through votes cast by professional footballers worldwide, making it one of the most distinctive individual recognitions in football.
Messi’s inclusion marked another remarkable achievement for the Inter Miami forward, who extended his record as the most selected player in the history of the FIFPRO Men’s World XI with 18 appearances.
The Argentine, who last featured in the team in 2023, returned alongside Real Madrid forward Mbappé, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal in a star-studded attacking department.
Yamal also made history by becoming the first player to earn two FIFPRO World XI selections before turning 20, further underlining his rapid rise among football’s elite.
Mbappé was another standout performer in the voting, receiving 9,105 votes, the highest tally among outfield players.
In goal, Arsenal and Spain goalkeeper David Raya secured his first appearance in the prestigious team after receiving 10,278 votes, representing 52 per cent of the votes cast for his position.
The defensive department featured Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes alongside Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí, who also earned his maiden selection.
In midfield, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham joined Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha to complete the three-man selection.
However, the biggest talking point surrounding this year’s announcement was the absence of Kane, who won the 2026 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding campaign with Bayern Munich and England.
The 33-year-old became the first reigning Ballon d’Or winner to miss out on the FIFPRO Men’s World XI since the award was introduced in 2005.
Kane scored 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich during the 2025/26 season, helping the German champions secure a domestic league and cup double. His overall tally, including international appearances, reached 73 goals.
He also scored six goals at the World Cup as England progressed to the semi-finals.
Despite those achievements, Kane received 27.6 per cent of the votes among forwards, finishing behind Haaland, Messi, Mbappé and Yamal, who all secured places in the final selection.
Ronaldo also failed to make the team despite being included on the 26-player shortlist. The Al-Nassr forward missed out as Messi extended his record, adding another chapter to the long-running debate surrounding the two football icons.
Other prominent absentees included Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, Barcelona midfielder Pedri, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise.
Spain emerged as the most represented country in the men’s selection, contributing four players: Raya, Cubarsí, Rodri and Yamal.
The selection was determined through voting involving 19,806 professional male footballers from 73 countries. Players were assessed on their performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026, with a minimum of 30 official appearances required for eligibility.
Unlike awards determined by journalists, coaches or supporters, the FIFPRO World XI gives professional footballers the opportunity to recognise the performances of their fellow players.
Messi’s return, Yamal’s historic achievement and Kane’s unexpected omission provided some of the biggest talking points from this year’s announcement.
Full list of 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal and Spain).
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco), Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona and Spain), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal).
Midfielders: Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal), Rodri (Manchester City and Spain), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid and England).
Forwards: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid and France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami and Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain), Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway).
