Lionel Messi has reclaimed his spot in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for a record-extending 18th time, while this year’s Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was a notable absentee from the squad selected by professional players across 73 countries.
Messi Extends Record, Kane Misses Out
Messi, now 39 and continuing his club career at Inter Miami, returned to the World 11 for the first time since 2023. He was joined in the star-studded forward line by Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
Kane’s omission drew attention after his prolific 2025-26 campaign, where he starred for Bayern Munich and led England to the World Cup semi-finals.
Youth and Legacy: Lamine, Bronze, Banda Shine
Lamine Yamal, just 19, made history as the first player named twice to the World 11 before turning 20, and was joined by Spain World Cup winners Rodri, Pau Cubarsi, and goalkeeper David Raya.
On the women’s side, Lucy Bronze became the first woman to earn nine selections to the FIFPRO Women’s World 11. Zambia’s Barbra Banda was the only non-Spanish or English player included, and Spain’s Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas cemented their places, with Putellas securing her third Ballon d’Or Feminin just last month.
2026 FIFPRO MEN’S WORLD 11
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England), Rodri (Man City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Man City, Norway), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
2026 FIFPRO WOMEN’S WORLD 11
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Man City, England), Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Ella Toone (Man United, England)
Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
The 2026 FIFPRO World 11s showcase football’s global icons, rising stars, and evolving legacy—while once again sparking debate over who made the cut.
