Argentina captain, Lionel Messi and France forward Kylian Mbappe have been named in the 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane were excluded from the final selection.
The team was unveiled by the global football players’ union, FIFPRO, on Monday, following a shortlist of 26 players nominated for the prestigious annual award.
The selection features several of the world’s leading footballers, including Spain’s World Cup winners Lamine Yamal and Rodrigo Hernandez, alongside England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Kane, who won the 2026 Ballon d’Or, was notably absent from the final team, despite his individual success.
His compatriot Bellingham, however, secured a place in the midfield lineup.
The team also includes Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha and defenders Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Pau Cubarsi.
Arsenal and Spain goalkeeper David Raya was selected as the shot-stopper for the team.
The 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI comprises players across four positions, with the final selection recognising outstanding performances during the assessment period.
Full list of 2026 FIFPRO Men’s World XI
Goalkeeper
David Raya (Arsenal/Spain)
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain/Morocco)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona/Spain)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)
Midfielders
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain/Portugal)
Rodrigo Hernandez (Barcelona/Spain)
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
Attackers
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid/France)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami/Argentina)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)
