Harry Kane has become the first Ballon d’Or winner since the introduction of the FIFPRO World 11 in 2005 to miss out on selection in the same year, following the announcement of the 2026 team on Monday, November 9.
The Bayern Munich and England striker, who claimed the 2026 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding campaign, failed to secure enough votes from his fellow professionals to earn a place in the prestigious team.
Kane finished fifth among the forwards with 27.6 per cent of the votes, falling behind Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, who all secured places in the final selection.
Mbappé topped the forward rankings with 46.0 per cent, followed by Yamal with 37.4 per cent. Messi collected 29.5 per cent, while Haaland finished fourth with 28.4 per cent.
The figures underline the competition Kane faced in an attacking category that also featured Michael Olise (15.6 per cent), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (14.4 per cent), Cristiano Ronaldo (13.2 per cent), Ousmane Dembélé (9.3 per cent) and Raphinha (7.5 per cent).
Despite his individual success and prolific goal-scoring campaign, Kane’s omission represents one of the biggest talking points from this year’s selection. Ronaldo and Dembélé were also among the notable attacking names who failed to make the final team.
Messi Returns as Yamal Sets New Record
Messi’s inclusion marks his return to the team for the first time since 2023, extending his record number of FIFPRO World 11 appearances to 18. The Argentine first featured in the selection in 2007.
Yamal, meanwhile, becomes the first player to earn two FIFPRO World 11 selections before turning 20, having also featured in the 2025 edition.
The 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 features Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who takes the position between the posts.
Paris Saint-Germain full backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi join Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí in a three-man defensive line, while Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, Manchester City’s Rodri and PSG midfielder Vitinha complete the midfield.
The attacking department comprises four players: Manchester City’s Haaland, Real Madrid’s Mbappé, Inter Miami’s Messi and Barcelona youngster Yamal.
Cubarsí’s inclusion adds another significant achievement to an impressive year. The Barcelona centre-back was also named the 2026 Golden Boy winner on Monday, recognising him as Europe’s outstanding under-21 footballer.
The 19-year-old becomes the fifth Barcelona player to receive the award, following Lionel Messi, Pedri, Gavi and Yamal.
How the FIFPRO World 11 Is Selected
Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which is determined through votes from selected journalists, the FIFPRO World 11 is decided exclusively by professional footballers.
For the 2026 edition, a total of 19,806 male professional footballers from 73 countries participated in the voting process through a secure digital platform provided by FIFPRO and its affiliated player unions.
Players were assessed on their performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026. To qualify for consideration, footballers were required to have made at least 30 official appearances during the assessment period.
Each participating player was allowed to nominate three footballers in each of four positional categories: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.
The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the highest votes in their respective categories automatically secure places in the team.
However, the final position is awarded to the remaining outfield player with the highest number of votes, regardless of positional category. This provision explains why the 2026 selection features four forwards rather than the conventional three.
Established in 2005, the FIFPRO World 11 remains the only global football team-of-the-year award determined entirely by professional players, making Kane’s omission particularly significant given his Ballon d’Or triumph.
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