Lionel Messi has been named in the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 for a record-extending 18th time, while Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane and Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo were not included in the 2026 team.
The Inter Miami forward is selected for the first time since 2023 after professional footballers from 73 countries voted for the 11-man side. The players were judged on their performances between 4 August 2025 and 19 July 2026, with each nominee required to have played at least 30 official matches.
Kane was among the original 26 nominees but did not make the final team, despite winning the 2026 Ballon d’Or in October. Ronaldo was also shortlisted but was not chosen as one of the four forwards.
Messi, 39, was first named in the World 11 in 2007. His return comes after he bid an emotional farewell to Argentina last month.
He is joined in attack by Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe.
Yamal has made history by becoming the first player to be selected for two FIFPRO World 11 teams before turning 20. He is one of four members of Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup-winning squad to be included.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, Barcelona centre-back Pau Cubarsi and midfielder Rodri are the other Spain players selected. Their inclusion takes Spain’s total number of Men’s World 11 appearances to 53.
Rodri joined Barcelona from Manchester City in August.
Paris Saint-Germain defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes complete the back three alongside Cubarsi. In midfield, Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha is selected with Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Rodri.
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)
