Messi Sets Record with 18th FIFA FIFPRO World 11 Selection
Another feather has been added to Lionel Messi’s illustrious career. The Argentine superstar has once again been named in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11. With this selection, he has extended his own record to 18 appearances in the prestigious team, further cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
The 39-year-old footballer was named in the 2026 FIFA FIFPRO World 11, announced on Monday. He received the honour for the first time since 2023.
The voting process makes the award even more special.
While the Ballon d’Or is decided by journalists’ votes, the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 is selected entirely through votes cast by professional footballers.
This year, 19,806 professional footballers from 73 countries voted to select the best eleven players.
However, this year’s announcement also brought a major surprise. Harry Kane, who won the 2026 Ballon d’Or just two weeks ago, failed to make the team.
How Is the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 Selected?
Launched in 2005, the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 is the only global football award determined exclusively by votes from professional footballers.
Voters nominate their three best players in each of four categories: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards.
The goalkeeper receiving the most votes, along with the three highest-voted defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, automatically secure places in the team.
The final spot goes to the outfield player with the highest number of votes among those not already selected.
For the 2026 edition, performances between August 4, 2025, and July 19, 2026, were considered. To be eligible, players had to feature in at least 30 official matches.
In other words, the team represents the best footballers as chosen by their fellow professionals.
Messi Extends His Record
First named in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 in 2007, Mr. Messi has now been selected for the 18th time.
His long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo ranks second on the list with 16 selections.
Mr. Messi received 29.5 per cent of the votes. He is joined in the forward line by Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal.
Notably, Mr. Messi currently plays for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. His return to the World 11 despite playing outside Europe is undoubtedly an extraordinary achievement.
Ballon d’Or Winner Kane Left Out
The biggest talking point of this year’s announcement was the absence of Harry Kane. After an outstanding season with Bayern Munich, the England captain won the Ballon d’Or on October 26.
He scored 73 goals for club and country during the 2025-26 season and helped Bayern retain the Bundesliga title. Yet, he failed to secure a place in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11.
Mr. Kane received 27.6 per cent of the votes, while Haaland secured 28.4 per cent. He missed out by a narrow margin.
Meanwhile, Mr. Messi received 29.5 per cent, Yamal 37.4 per cent and Mbappe 46 per cent of the votes.
As a result, Mr. Kane became the first Ballon d’Or winner in history to miss out on the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 in the same year.
The decision was particularly surprising given that the voters were his fellow professional footballers. Similarly, Bundesliga Player of the Season Michael Olise also failed to make the team.
Yamal Also Makes History
Yamal achieved another remarkable milestone. He became the first footballer to be named in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 twice before turning 20.
2026 FIFA FIFPRO World 11
Goalkeeper: David Raya
Defenders: Pau Cubarsi, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Vitinha
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal
