Despite his Ballon d’Or victory,Harry Kane is missing from the 2026 FIFPRO World XI. Two other Bayern Munich stars also came away empty-handed this time.
This selection comes as a surprise from Bayern’s perspective: Harry Kane is not part of the 2026 FIFPRO World XI. The newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner was not voted onto the final team by his fellow professionals. The players’ union announced the lineup on Monday.
While Kane was still at the top of the list for the Ballon d’Or, other attacking stars were given preference in this vote. Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, and Lamine Yamal make up the star-studded attack. There was no room left for the English striker from FC Bayern.
As a result, Munich ends up with no representatives on the team at all. In addition to Kane, Michael Olise and Dayot Upamecano were also among the candidates. All three Bayern pros were on the previously published shortlist but did not make the cut for the final selection.
FIFPRO World XI: Four Attackers, but No Kane
David Raya was selected as the goalkeeper. The defense consists of Nuno Mendes, Pau Cubarsí, and Achraf Hakimi. In midfield are Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Vitinha. The World XI is rounded out by Mbappé, Haaland, Messi, and Yamal.
With three defenders and four attackers, the lineup is decidedly offensive. Yet, of all players, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner is missing. Other well-known offensive players, such as Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, are also not represented.
The FIFPRO World 11 holds special significance among individual awards: its composition is determined by professional soccer players from around the world. The honor thus reflects the choices of their active colleagues. Accordingly, success in another award does not guarantee a spot on this team.
For Kane, two very different voting results now stand side by side. However, his omission does not reveal the specific reasons that influenced individual players’ votes.
At FC Bayern, the forward continues to enjoy great trust. He recently extended his contract through 2029. Most recently, Kane also publicly affirmed his commitment to his future in Munich and emphasized how much he is enjoying his time with the German record champions. Nevertheless, he was not selected for the FIFPRO World XI this year.