Messi makes history, Harry Kane left out of 2026 best XI

FIFPRO has announced the 2026 Team of the Year, selected by votes from professional players. Argentina's Lionel Messi was named to the team for the 18th time, extending his own record, in a vote that included 19,806 male players from 73 countries.

The 39-year-old Messi had last appeared in the squad in 2023, and after three years he was once again recognized among the best players in the world. Having announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in August, he continues his club career at Inter Miami. He was selected in attack alongside Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.

One of the most striking results of the vote was that Harry Kane, who won the 2026 Ballon d'Or, was not selected for the Team of the Year. The 33-year-old Kane won the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich in the 2025/2026 season and played an important role as England's captain when they reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo was also among the big names who did not make the squad.

Barcelona's 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal was also named to the Team of the Year last year, becoming the first player to achieve this twice before turning 20. Yamal was joined in the squad by national teammates Rodri, Pau Cubarsi and David Raya, who played a role in Spain's 2026 World Cup title. In defense, Pau Cubarsi, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes were selected.