Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has made FIFPRO World XI history for an unexpected reason, becoming the first Ballon d’Or winner to miss out on selection in the same year he receives the prestigious individual award.
Kane claimed the 2026 Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season for Bayern Munich and England, scoring an impressive 73 goals in 65 appearances across all competitions. Despite his remarkable performances, the England captain was surprisingly left out of the FIFPRO Men’s World XI, which is selected through votes from fellow professional footballers.
His exclusion ends a remarkable run dating back to the introduction of the FIFPRO World XI in 2005, with every previous Ballon d’Or winner securing a place in the team during the year they won the award.
Kane missed out on the attacking spots to Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, who were selected ahead of the Bayern Munich forward.
