Kane Becomes First Ballon d’Or Winner to Miss FIFPRO World 11

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has failed to secure a place in the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World 11, despite being crowned the Ballon d’Or winner last month.

The England captain’s omission marks the first time since the introduction of the FIFPRO World 11 in 2005 that a reigning Ballon d’Or winner has not been selected for the team.

The annual selection is decided exclusively by professional footballers, with 19,806 players participating in this year’s voting process.

Kane was among the 26 finalists but finished fifth in the forwards’ category, receiving 27.6 per cent of the votes. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland narrowly edged him with 28.4 per cent, while Kylian Mbappé led the category with 46 per cent.

The final forward line featured Haaland, Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.

Kane had enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 61 goals in 51 appearances for Bayern Munich and helping the German club secure the domestic league and cup double. His overall tally, including international matches, reached 73 goals.

He also scored six goals at the World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals, before becoming the first Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001 to win the Ballon d’Or.

Meanwhile, England midfielder Jude Bellingham secured a place in the World 11, joining Barcelona’s Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha in midfield.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was selected between the posts, while Pau Cubarsí, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes completed the defensive line.

Messi also returned to the selection for the first time since 2023, extending his record to 18 appearances in the team.

The omission of Kane highlights the difference between the Ballon d’Or, decided through a separate voting process, and the FIFPRO World 11, which reflects the choices of professional players themselves.