Messi and Mbappe Ousted from the 'Ideal XI'!

Argentine Lionel Messi and Frenchman Kylian Mbappé were omitted from the world’s best XI selected by the global website Planet Football. The selection followed a comprehensive ranking process that evaluated the standout performances of world stars across every position, resulting in an ideal team that combines technical quality and star power, relying on collective performance and on-field cohesion rather than names alone.

The formation was set up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with only one player chosen per position based on their recent performances and impact over the past seasons.

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was named the world’s best goalkeeper. Ashraf Hakimi occupied the right-back position, while Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk partnered with young Spanish center-back Pau Cubarsí in the heart of the defense. Nuno Mendes filled the left-back spot.

Spanish midfielder Rodri led the midfield, supported by Vitinha and Jude Bellingham. On the wings, Lamine Yamal was selected on the right, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played on the left. At the heart of the attack, English striker Harry Kane could not be overlooked, delivering an exceptional season with Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals and outperforming the duo of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.