Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane makes unwanted history with FIFPRO World XI snub
Harry Kane was named the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner following a standout season with both his club and the England national team. However, in a surprising turn of events, he was not included in the World XI lineup announced Monday by his fellow professionals.
This marks a significant deviation from historical precedent, as it is the first time since the introduction of the FIFPRO World XI in 2005 that a reigning Ballon d’Or winner has been omitted from the prestigious team. Every previous recipient of the Ballon d’Or had been represented in the World XI in the year they won the award.
Kane’s exclusion is particularly notable considering his impressive performance statistics, which include 73 goals in 65 appearances for England and Bayern Munich.
