Professional footballers vote Lionel Messi and four Spanish World Cup winners into the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 as Harry Kane misses out.

Published 9 Nov 2026, 21:04 GMT

2 min read

Illustration of the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 — The 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11

Listen to this article

Playback position

0:002:13

Playback speed

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has returned to the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11 for a record-extending 18th appearance, while Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on selection.

Global players' union FIFPRO unveiled the 11-man team on Monday following votes cast by male professional footballers across 73 countries. Players were assessed on performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026, with a minimum requirement of 30 official matches.

Kane was left out of the final line-up despite making the initial 26-man shortlist and winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or in October. Ronaldo, who was also shortlisted, missed out on a spot in the four-man attack.

Messi returns to the World 11 for the first time since 2023 after bidding an emotional farewell to Argentina last month. First selected in 2007, the 39-year-old joins Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé in the front line.

Yamal becomes the first footballer in history to earn two FIFPRO World 11 selections before turning 20. He is among four members of Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup-winning squad chosen.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsí and midfielder Rodri are the others, bringing Spain's all-time tally of Men's World 11 appearances to 53. Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City in August.

Paris Saint-Germain full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes join Cubarsí in a three-man defence, while PSG midfielder Vitinha and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham partner Rodri in midfield.

2026 FIFPRO Men's World 11:

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Defenders: Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, Spain), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

Araba IncoomAraba Incoom writes on multiple topics with a vast knowledge across different sector. You can almost call me an AI, after all, my initials are Araba Incoom.

FIFPRO Men&#39;s World 11: Messi makes record 18th appearance as Kane and Ronaldo miss out

Suggested for you

More Stories

Trump says Nvidia boss Huang had &#8216;no idea&#8217; lover was alleged Chinese spy

Man Utd yet to make decision on Carrick&#8217;s future

People don&#8217;t know full story behind England exile &#8211; White

Burn replaces injured Guehi in England squad

I’m a godfather, but I don’t impose appointments on governors — Osoba

INEC yet to receive court order on ADC, Tinubu, says Amupitan

Discussion

FIFPRO Men's World 11: Messi makes record 18th appearance as Kane and Ronaldo miss out

Trump says Nvidia boss Huang had ‘no idea’ lover was alleged Chinese spy

Man Utd yet to make decision on Carrick’s future

People don’t know full story behind England exile – White