Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has become the first Ballon d’Or winner to be omitted from the FIFPRO Men’s World XI in the same year as claiming football’s top individual honor.
Kane secured the 2026 Ballon d’Or following a remarkable campaign for club and country in which he scored 73 goals in 65 total appearances for Bayern Munich and England.
However, the World XI lineup—voted on by professional players worldwide—excluded the English forward in favor of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Lionel Messi.
The voting outcome marks the first time since the inception of the FIFPRO World XI in 2005 that a reigning Ballon d’Or recipient failed to gain selection to the team.
Kane placed fifth among forwards in overall player voting despite his victory at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.
