Messi makes the Team of the Year; Kane is left out.

BanglaPress Desk: Generations change with time, and in football, this leads to the emergence of a succession of new stars.

Yet, some names transcend the boundaries of time, leaving an indelible mark of greatness. Lionel Messi is one such marvel; even at the age of 39, his presence among the world’s elite remains undiminished. Once again, Messi has secured a spot in the FIFPRO World 11.

In doing so, he has set a new record. Meanwhile, Harry Kane—despite winning the Ballon d’Or—did not make the cut; the absence of the England captain is truly surprising. The 2026 FIFPRO World 11 was announced yesterday (Monday).

Selected through votes from professional footballers across 73 countries, this marks the 18th time Messi has been named to the World 11—the highest such tally in football history. The Argentine superstar has returned to the World 11 for the first time since 2023. Although he announced his retirement from international football in August, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to play club football for Inter Miami.

Joining the Argentine legend in the attack are Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Nineteen-year-old Spanish sensation Yamal has also made history, becoming the first footballer to be named to the World 11 twice before turning 20.

Another Spanish star, Rodri, has earned a place in the midfield, while his compatriots—defender Pau Cubarsí and goalkeeper David Raya—have also been included. Joining Cubarsí in the defensive line are PSG full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Alongside Rodri in the midfield are Real Madrid and England’s Jude Bellingham, as well as PSG and Portugal’s Vitinha. However, the biggest surprise remains the exclusion of Harry Kane. Despite leading Bayern Munich to a Bundesliga title and guiding England to the World Cup semi-finals, [the player in question] did not secure a spot in this team. They recorded 73 goals and 8 assists. Such an outstanding performance over the last season earned them the Ballon d'Or—often referred to as the ‘Oscar’ of football.

England’s Lucy Bronze set a record by earning a place in the Women’s World XI for the ninth time. Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas are also included; both are three-time Ballon d'Or winners. Joining them is Zambia’s Barbra Banda—the only representative in the squad from outside England or Spain.

2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal, Spain).

Defenders: Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, ​​Spain), Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal).

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Rodri (Manchester City/Barcelona, ​​Spain), Vitinha (PSG, Portugal).

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, ​​Spain).

2026 FIFPRO Women’s World XI

Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England). Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi León (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, ​​Spain).

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí (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).
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