Harry Kane left out of FIFPRO World 11 team as Messi returns
Lionel Messi has extended his record number of FIFPRO World 11 appearances to 18, while Lucy Bronze has set a new women’s record after being selected for the ninth time.
More than 26,000 professional footballers from 75 countries voted for the 2026 men’s and women’s teams.
Messi returns to the team for the first time since 2023 and is joined in the men’s XI by the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. Though there is no place for Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane.
Yamal has also made history by becoming the first player to earn two World 11 selections before turning 20.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is selected after helping Spain win the 2026 World Cup, with compatriots Pau Cubarsi and Rodri also included.
Jude Bellingham is the only English player in the men’s side, while Paris Saint-Germain trio Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha are all recognised.
In the women’s team, Bronze makes a record ninth appearance and is one of five England players selected.
Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood, Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Arsenal striker Alessia Russo also make the XI.
Barbra Banda is the only player in the women’s team from outside England or Spain, with the Zambia forward earning her third selection.
2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain)
Defenders: Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona, Spain), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester 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 (Manchester 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 (Manchester United, England)
Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
The men’s voting was based on performances between August 4, 2025 and July 19, 2026, while the women’s voting period ran until August 16.
Players selected the three footballers they believed had performed best in each position, with the highest-ranked players forming the final World 11.
