Key Takeaways:
- Lionel Messi has been included in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for the eighteenth time, extending his own record
- Harry Kane, fresh from his Ballon d’Or success and a standout 2025/26 campaign, was overlooked for the team selected by players from 73 nations
- On the women’s side, Lucy Bronze became the first to reach nine FIFPRO World 11 selections, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda was the only non-English or Spanish player named
Messi Returns to Best XI Amidst Kane Omission
Lionel Messi has marked his return to the FIFPRO Men’s World 11, reclaiming his spot for a record-breaking eighteenth time as announced on Monday. Messi, who declared the end of his international career in August after guiding Argentina to the World Cup final, continues domestically with Inter Miami. He earned his place in the line-up for the first time since 2023. Despite securing the Ballon d’Or after a remarkable 2025/26 campaign where he led Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title and captained England to the World Cup semi-finals, Harry Kane was unexpectedly left out of the squad selected by professionals representing 73 different countries.
The 2026 FIFPRO Men’s #World11 ✨
Decided exclusively by 19,806 professional men’s footballers worldwide.
By the players, for the players 🏆 https://t.co/MnHEMHxtf1
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) November 9, 2026
Men’s Selections: Notable Inclusions and Surprises
Alongside Messi in the forward positions are Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona). Lamine, aged 19, made history as the first individual to earn two Men’s World 11 selections prior to their 20th birthday, having also featured in last year’s line-up. He appears alongside compatriots and Spain World Cup champions Rodri, Pau Cubarsi, and David Raya.
2026 FIFPRO World 11: Full Teams
| 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 | Club(s) / Nation |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper: David Raya | Arsenal, Spain |
| Defender: Pau Cubarsi | Barcelona, Spain |
| Defender: Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco |
| Defender: Nuno Mendes | Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal |
| Midfielder: Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid, England |
| Midfielder: Rodri | Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain |
| Midfielder: Vitinha | Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal |
| Forward: Erling Haaland | Manchester City, Norway |
| Forward: Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid, France |
| Forward: Lionel Messi | Inter Miami, Argentina |
| Forward: Lamine Yamal | Barcelona, Spain |
Statistical Milestones and National Representation
The 2026 FIFPRO selections highlight enduring excellence as well as emerging talent, showcased by Messi’s continued record-breaking and Yamal’s unique age achievement. England and Spain continue to display their footballing depth with heavy representation.
