Over 18,000 professional footballers voted for the FIFPRO World 11, with Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane surprisingly omitted from the final lineup. Kane, who edged Kylian Mbappe by a razor-thin margin to win the Ballon d'Or, was among 26 finalists but did not secure a spot in the XI. Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, and Lionel Messi were named in a Kane-less front four, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Olise also missed out. Kane received 27.6% of forward votes, with Haaland marginally ahead at 28.4%. This marks the first time since the award's 2005 inception that the Ballon d'Or winner was excluded from the team. Jude Bellingham was named in midfield alongside Rodri and Vitinha. David Raya guarded goal, with a defense featuring Achraf Hakimi, Pau Cubarsi, and Nuno Mendes.
Seven WSL stars earned places in the 2026 Women's FIFPRO World 11. Over 6,500 women's footballers from 64 countries participated, including five of Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses. Lucy Bronze set a record with her ninth appearance, joined by Hannah Hampton at Chelsea. Alex Greenwood and Mapi Leon featured in defense. Ella Toone joined Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati in midfield, while Alessia Russo completed the forward line. Barcelona's Irene Paredes, Claudia Pina, and Orlando Pride's Barbra Banda also secured places in the women's XI.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing