Messi and Lamine Yamal have been named in the 2026 FIFPRO World XI, while Kane and Ronaldo failed to make the final selection cut for this lineup.

Lionel Messi has once again proven he has not lost his standing among the World's Best Players. Alongside Barcelona young star Lamine Yamal, the Inter Miami captain has been named in the 2026 FIFPRO Men's World XI, the elite team voted exclusively by professional footballers from around the world.

FIFPRO's official announcement on 9 November 2026 also marked a historic milestone for Messi. The Argentine megastar extended his all-time record to 18 total selections for the World XI, after first earning a spot back in 2007.

Yamal also claimed an exceptional achievement. The Barcelona winger becomes the first footballer in history to be named in the FIFPRO World XI twice before turning 20 years old, having previously featured in the 2025 edition of the team.

Messi and Yamal Dominate Headlines

Messi's selection reflects widespread recognition from fellow professionals for his sustained elite level performance. This marks his return to the World XI, having last been selected in 2023.

With 18 total inclusions, Messi has further extended his unrivalled lead over every other player in the history of the FIFPRO World XI.

This award carries unique authority, as winners are decided entirely by votes from active professional footballers, not journalists or appointed judging panels.

Meanwhile Yamal represents the rising new generation of World Football. At only 19 years old, he has already received this peer-voted elite recognition on two separate occasions.

This achievement also places Yamal alongside established veteran stars in the exclusive FIFPRO honour roll. Alongside Pau Cubarsi, David Raya and Rodri, he continues to strengthen Spain's historic dominance in this award.

Kane and Ronaldo Miss Final Selection

The biggest surprise of the 2026 list is the omission of two star forwards: Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both were listed on the official nomination shortlist, but failed to secure a spot in the final line-up.

Kane actually received strong voter support. Official FIFPRO data shows the Bayern Munich forward obtained 27.6% of all votes, but was still edged out by the four selected attacking players.

Erling Haaland received 28.4% of votes, Messi 29.5%, Yamal 37.4%, while Kylian Mbappe topped all forwards with 46% of the vote. This result eliminated Kane despite an outstanding individual campaign over the voting period.

Mbappe recorded the highest vote total of all outfield players. The Real Madrid star received 9,105 total votes, while David Raya earned the highest overall vote count of any player with 10,278 ballots.

Ronaldo also failed to make the final cut despite appearing on the nomination list. This result highlights just how competitive selection for the world's best XI has become, even for historically legendary players.

Full 2026 FIFPRO Men's World XI Line-Up

The 2026 FIFPRO Men's World XI features 11 players drawn from top European elite clubs plus Inter Miami. David Raya claims the goalkeeper spot following standout performances for Arsenal and the Spanish national team.

The defensive line consists of Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), alongside Paris Saint-Germain duo Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Cubarsi is one of the debutants named in this 2026 World XI edition.

The midfield is made up of Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Rodri (Manchester City) and Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain). All three earned their places based on performance across both club and international matches during the assessment window.

Meanwhile the forward line is completed by Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).

These four players round out the full 11-man best team, selected entirely by their fellow professional footballers.

26,317 Professional Players Cast Votes

FIFPRO enlisted 26,317 professional footballers from 75 countries to vote for both the Men's and Women's 2026 World XI. For the men's category specifically, 19,806 players representing 73 nations submitted their ballots.

Voting was conducted digitally via an official platform run by FIFPRO in partnership with national professional players' associations worldwide. Voters selected their top three players for each position: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.

The assessment period for the men's award ran from 4 August 2025 through 19 July 2026. Players were required to have made a minimum of 30 official competitive appearances to be eligible for nomination.

The goalkeeper with the most votes, plus the top three highest voted players at each outfield position earned places in the XI. The final remaining spot was awarded to the outfield player with the next highest overall vote total.

The inclusions of Messi and Yamal emerged as the central story from this year's announcement. Messi has extended his historic all-time record, while Yamal has proven that Young Generation talent is already competing at the very highest level of World Football.