Unearthing the Elite: A Decade of Outstanding Women’s Football Talent
In the world of women’s soccer, the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 stands as a prestigious recognition, annually selected by elite athletes to honor exceptional skills on an international stage since its inception in 2015. This accolade highlights the evolution of the sport, showcasing players who have redefined the game through their dedication and prowess.
As the 2025 ceremony approaches as the 10th milestone event, set to reveal its selections on November 3, it underscores a global voting process involving athletes from 70 nations for both the men’s and women’s categories. The top 11 performers in their respective roles will be highlighted, offering a snapshot of the sport’s brightest stars and building excitement for what’s next.
Now, let’s delve into the rich history of these lineups, featuring iconic figures like Alex Morgan, Sam Kerr, and Aitana Bonmati, who have consistently shone as pillars of women’s football achievement over the years.
FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Historical Lineups
Spotlight on 2024 Selections
Goalie Highlights
Mary Earps, representing Manchester United and PSG, earned her spot as the primary shot-stopper.
Defensive Standouts
The backline featured Lucy Bronze from Barcelona and Chelsea, Olga Carmona of Real Madrid, and Alex Greenwood playing for Manchester City, forming a solid defensive wall.
Midfield Maestros
Dominating the center were Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas from Barcelona, along with Keira Walsh, also with Barcelona, showcasing creative control and vision.
Forward Forces
Leading the attack were Barbra Banda from Shanghai Shengli and Orlando Pride, Linda Caicedo of Real Madrid, Lauren James with Chelsea, and Marta representing Brazil, driving the offensive charge.
Breakdown of 2023 Choices
Top Goalie
Mary Earps, hailing from England, secured the goalkeeper role.
Key Defenders
The defense included Olga Carmona from Spain, Alex Greenwood of England, and Lucy Bronze, also from England, providing robust protection.
Midfield Stars
Controlling the game were Keira Walsh from England, Aitana Bonmati of Spain, and Ella Toone representing England, blending skill and strategy.
Offensive Leaders
Up front, Alessia Russo from England, Alex Morgan of the USA, Sam Kerr from Australia, and Lauren James of England spearheaded the scoring efforts.
2022 Team Composition
Leading Goalkeeper
Christiane Endler from Chile took charge in goal.
Defensive Core
The defenders comprised Maria Leon of Spain, Wendie Renard from France, Leah Williamson of England, and Lucy Bronze from England, anchoring the team’s foundation.
Midfield Dynamics
In midfield, Alexia Putellas from Spain, Keira Walsh of England, and Lena Oberdorf from Germany orchestrated plays with precision.
Forward Lineup
The forwards included Alex Morgan from the USA, Sam Kerr of Australia, and Beth Mead from England, delivering powerful attacks.
Key Players from 2021
Goalkeeper Selection
Christiane Endler of Chile guarded the net.
Defensive Line
Defenders were Magdalena Eriksson from Sweden, Wendie Renard of France, Millie Bright from England, and Lucy Bronze from England, forming a resilient barrier.
Midfield Ensemble
The midfield featured Barbara Bonansea from Italy, Carli Lloyd of the USA, and Estefania Banini from Argentina, driving the team’s rhythm.
Forward Talents
Leading the offense were Marta from Brazil, Alex Morgan of the USA, and Vivianne Miedema from the Netherlands, excelling in goal-scoring opportunities.
2020 Squad Overview
Primary Goalkeeper
Christiane Endler from Chile held the goalkeeper position.
Defensive Strength
The backline consisted of Millie Bright from England, Wendie Renard of France, and Lucy Bronze from England, offering staunch defense.
Midfield Prowess
Midfielders included Barbara Bonansea from Italy, Veronica Boquete of Spain, and Delphine Cascarino from France, controlling the flow of the game.
Forward Highlights
The attackers were Megan Rapinoe from the USA, Pernille Harder of Denmark, Vivianne Miedema from the Netherlands, and Tobin Heath of the USA, powering through with dynamic plays.
Notable 2019 Lineup
Goalkeeper Standout
Hedvig Lindahl from Sweden was the chosen goalkeeper.
Defensive Unit
Defenders featured Irene Paredes from Spain, Wendie Renard of France, Nilla Fischer from Sweden, and Lucy Bronze from England, providing essential coverage.
Midfield Excellence
The midfield was led by Marta from Brazil, Camille Abily of France, and Dzsenifer Marozsan from Germany, demonstrating tactical brilliance.
Forward Powerhouses
Forwards included Lieke Martens from the Netherlands, Alex Morgan of the USA, and Pernille Harder from Denmark, capitalizing on scoring chances.
2018 Team Insights
Leading Goalkeeper
Hedvig Lindahl of Sweden secured the goalkeeper spot.
Defensive Backbone
The defense comprised Irene Paredes from Spain, Wendie Renard of France, Nilla Fischer from Sweden, and Lucy Bronze from England, ensuring stability.
Midfield Control
Midfielders were Marta from Brazil, Camille Abily of France, and Dzsenifer Marozsan from Germany, dictating the pace.
Forward Line
Forwards featured Lieke Martens from the Netherlands, Alex Morgan of the USA, and Pernille Harder from Denmark, driving the team’s attacks.
2017 Selections
Top Goalkeeper
Hope Solo from the USA was selected as goalkeeper.
Defensive Line
Defenders included Leonie Maier from Germany, Wendie Renard of France, Nilla Fischer from Sweden, and Ali Krieger from the USA, forming a formidable front.
Midfield Stars
The midfield consisted of Marta from Brazil, Carli Lloyd of the USA, and Dzsenifer Marozsan from Germany, blending creativity and strength.
Forward Talents
Forwards were Eugenie Le Sommer from France, Alex Morgan of the USA, and Ada Hegerberg from Norway, leading the charge in offense.
2016 Team Composition
Goalkeeper Choice
Hope Solo of the USA took the goalkeeper role.
Defensive Squad
The defenders were Meghan Klingenberg from the USA, Wendie Renard of France, Kadeisha Buchanan from Canada, and Julie Johnston from the USA, offering solid resistance.
Midfield Dynamics
Midfielders included Aya Miyama from Japan, Carli Lloyd of the USA, and Amandine Henry from France, controlling the game’s tempo.
Forward Lineup
The forwards comprised Eugenie Le Sommer from France, Celia Sasic from Germany, and Anja Mittag from Germany, excelling in front-line duties.
Spotlight on Marta: A Legend in Women’s Soccer
When we talk about the pioneers of women’s soccer, Marta Vieira da Silva, simply known as Marta, stands out as one of the greatest of all time. This Brazilian forward has dominated the pitch for over two decades, earning her spot in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 multiple times and inspiring countless young athletes worldwide.
Marta’s Career Highlights and Achievements
Marta’s journey in professional soccer is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Dois Riachos, Brazil, she began her career in the early 2000s and quickly rose to fame with her exceptional speed, skill, and scoring ability. She has played for top clubs like FC Rosengård and Orlando Pride, consistently showcasing her talent on the global stage.
- FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Appearances: Marta has been honored in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 an impressive seven times between 2016 and 2023, highlighting her sustained excellence in women’s soccer awards.
- Major Accolades: She’s a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner (from 2006 to 2010 and 2017), which often correlates with her selections in the best female football players lists. Her role in leading Brazil to Olympic silver medals in 2004 and 2007 further cements her legacy.
- Off-the-Field Impact: Beyond the game, Marta advocates for gender equality in sports, making her a role model for aspiring female athletes interested in women’s soccer history.
Her ability to perform at the highest level year after year makes her a key figure in discussions about the evolution of women’s soccer.
Alex Morgan: The Powerhouse Striker
Alex Morgan is another name that frequently pops up in conversations about top women’s soccer talent. As a forward for the San Diego Wave and the U.S. Women’s National Team, she’s known for her precise finishing, teamwork, and charismatic presence that draws fans to women’s soccer events.
Alex Morgan’s Key Milestones and Contributions
Morgan’s career took off during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she helped the U.S. team secure victory. Her blend of athleticism and strategic play has earned her widespread recognition in the FIFPRO rankings.
- FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Selections: She made the list in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020, reflecting her consistent performance among the best female football players during those years.
- Notable Wins: Morgan was instrumental in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019, scoring crucial goals and earning individual awards like the Golden Boot in 2012 Olympics.
- Advocacy and Influence: Off the field, she’s been a vocal supporter of equal pay in women’s sports, which adds depth to her profile in women’s soccer awards discussions.
Fans often appreciate how Morgan’s style combines power with elegance, making her games a must-watch for anyone following elite women’s soccer.
Aitana Bonmatí: The Modern Midfield Maestro
Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish midfielder, represents the new wave of talent in women’s soccer. Playing for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, she’s celebrated for her vision, control, and ability to dictate the game’s pace, earning her rapid recognition in FIFPRO circles.
Aitana Bonmatí’s Rise and Accomplishments
Bonmatí burst onto the scene in the late 2010s, quickly becoming a linchpin for her teams. Her technical prowess and leadership have made her a favorite in women’s soccer rankings.
- FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Honors: She earned a spot in 2021, 2022, and 2023, showcasing her emergence as one of the top midfielders in women’s soccer awards.
- Club and International Success: Bonmatí played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League wins in 2021 and 2023, and she was key to Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.
- Versatility on the Field: Her ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes her a standout, appealing to those tracking the best female football players.
If you’re new to women’s soccer, Bonmatí’s story is a great entry point to see how the sport is evolving with young stars.
Exploring Every FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Honoree from 2015 to 2024
The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 is an annual accolade voted on by professional players, recognizing the best in women’s soccer. This list highlights the diversity and growth of the sport, featuring players from various positions and countries.
Breakdown of Honorees by Year
Each year, the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 includes 11 players across categories like goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Here’s a curated overview to help you dive into women’s soccer history:
- 2015 Honorees: Included stars like Nadine Kessler (midfielder) and Celia Šašić (forward), emphasizing Germany’s dominance that year in women’s soccer awards.
- 2016 Selections: Featured Marta and Alex Morgan, alongside players like Wendie Renard, reflecting a mix of offensive and defensive talents among the best female football players.
- 2017 Lineup: Continued with Marta and added players like Lieke Martens, highlighting rising European influence.
- 2018 and 2019: Saw Alex Morgan return, with new faces like Ada Hegerberg and Lucy Bronze, showcasing the global appeal of women’s soccer.
- 2020 Honorees: Included Wendie Renard and Sam Kerr, focusing on players who excelled despite challenges like the pandemic.
- 2021 Selections: Aitana Bonmatí made her debut here, joined by players like Alex Morgan, signaling a shift toward younger talents.
- 2022 and 2023: Bonmatí repeated, with the list expanding to include more diverse representation, such as players from Spain’s dominant team.
- 2024 Honorees: Based on recent performances, this year’s list featured Aitana Bonmatí again, along with emerging stars like Salma Paralluelo and Olga Carmona, underlining the competitive nature of women’s soccer rankings.
Trends and Insights in FIFPRO Women’s World 11
Over the years, certain patterns have emerged in these awards:
- Geographical Diversity: Players from Europe, North America, and South America dominate, but we’ve seen growing inclusion from Asia and Africa, making the list a true global snapshot of women’s soccer.
- Position Breakdown: Goalkeepers like Christiane Endler have been staples, while midfielders such as Bonmatí often steal the spotlight for their all-around impact.
- Evolving Criteria: Votes consider factors like individual stats, team success, and overall influence, which you can track through women’s soccer awards databases for deeper analysis.
This compilation of honorees provides a fantastic resource for fans wanting to explore the depth of talent in women’s soccer from 2015 to 2024.
Why These Players Matter in Women’s Soccer Today
Digging into the careers of Marta, Alex Morgan, and Aitana Bonmatí, along with the full roster of FIFPRO Women’s World 11 honorees, reveals how women’s soccer has grown into a powerhouse sport. Their stories not only celebrate individual excellence but also highlight the collective push for equality and recognition.
Lesser-Known Facts and Comparisons
- Cross-Player Comparisons: Marta and Alex Morgan both excel as forwards, but Bonmatí’s midfield control offers a contrasting style that complements their attacking flair.
- Impact on Future Generations: Many honorees, like these three, have used their platforms to mentor young players, influencing the next wave of women’s soccer talent.
