Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has made unwanted history by becoming the first Ballon d'Or winner to be omitted from the FIFPRO Men's World XI in the same year he claimed football's most prestigious individual honour. The omission was confirmed on Monday when the annual lineup was announced, marking a significant departure from historical precedent since the award's inception in 2005.
Kane was named the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner following a remarkable campaign with both club and country. Despite this achievement, his fellow professionals surprisingly left him out of the World XI, breaking a streak in which every previous Ballon d'Or recipient had been included in the team during their year of victory.
The exclusion is particularly striking given Kane's outstanding statistical performance over the period. The England international scored 73 goals in 65 appearances for Bayern Munich and the national team, figures that underscore the magnitude of his season.
Kane was edged out of the final lineup by several high-profile peers, including Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Lionel Messi. The selection process, conducted by the global football community, resulted in a team that excluded the reigning Ballon d'Or holder for the first time in the award's history.
This development highlights the subjective nature of such accolades, as Kane's individual award did not translate into a spot in the FIFPRO's elite squad. The snub has drawn attention to the distinct criteria used by the voting body compared to the Ballon d'Or jury, creating a unique moment in modern football history.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
