In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Bayern Munich striker and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane has been left out of the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI.
According to figures released on Monday following a global vote by 19,806 professional footballers worldwide, this year’s selection marks a historic milestone: the very first time since the FIFPRO World 11’s inception in 2005 that a reigning Ballon d’Or winner has failed to make the cut.
A Narrow Miss in a Star-Studded Attack
Kane narrowly missed out on a spot in the forward line, finishing fifth among the attackers with 27.6% of the votes. He was edged out by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who secured the fourth spot with 28.4%.
The top-voted forwards included Kylian Mbappé leading the charts with 46%, followed by Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal at 37.4%, and Inter Miami icon Lionel Messi at 29.5%. Messi’s selection extends his record number of appearances in the prestigious team to 18, while Yamal made history as the first player to be selected twice before turning 20.
The 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI Lineup
Utilizing an unorthodox formation, the final team chosen by professional peers features standout performers from across the globe:
- 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 / Spain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain / Portugal)
- Forwards: Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid / France), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami / Argentina), Erling Haaland (Manchester City / Norway)
A Record-Breaking Season Overshadowed
Kane’s omission comes as a surprise given his stellar individual campaign. The 33-year-old England captain became the first Englishman to claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001, capping off an unforgettable 2025–26 season.
During the campaign, Kane netted 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich, securing the domestic league and cup double, and bringing his overall tally to 73 goals including international fixtures. He also fired England to the semi-finals of the World Cup with six goals.
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Despite his undeniable individual brilliance on paper, the peer-voted FIFPRO selection highlighted the unique divergence between traditional awards decided by journalists and the direct recognition of fellow professionals on the pitch.