Messi makes FIFPRO World XI, but Ballon d'Or winner Kane misses out
England captain Harry Kane has won the Ballon d'Or as the footballer of the year. But he has not found a place in FIFPRO's 2026 World XI, chosen by the votes of professional footballers. Lionel Messi of Argentina, on the other hand, has kept his place in the World XI even at the age of 39.
The international professional footballers' organisation FIFPRO announced the best XI of 2026 on Monday. Alongside the 11 players, the next highest-voted outfield player was added to form a four-forward XI this time.
Spain and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been named in goal. The three-man defence features Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi, Paris Saint-Germain's Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi and Portuguese defender Nuno Mendes.
In midfield are Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Barcelona's Rodri and PSG's Vitinha. All three earned recognition from fellow professionals for their regular performances for club and country.
The most talked-about attack line features Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. It is this four-forward line-up that has drawn the most discussion around this year's XI.
Kane missing out despite winning the Ballon d'Or has naturally raised questions. In the FIFPRO vote, voters pick their top three players in each department — goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. It is that vote which has left Kane outside the XI this time.
Professional footballers from 75 countries vote on a secure digital platform with the help of FIFPRO's member player unions. Under the voting rules, the highest-voted goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards form the first ten of the XI.
The 11-man World XI is then completed by the highest-voted remaining outfielder. This time Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal took that place as the fourth forward.
Messi's inclusion at 39 is a talking point in football circles. Although he now plays for Inter Miami, the votes of his fellow professionals have again recognised him as one of the world's best XI.
FIFPRO's World XI is chosen every year by the votes of professional footballers themselves, which makes it a matter of special prestige among players. After this year's announcement, both Kane's omission and Messi's survival remain at the centre of discussion.
