Unveiling the Stars: Exciting Shortlist for the 2025 Women’s FIFPRO World XI
Discover the standout athletes vying for spots in the prestigious 2025 Women’s FIFPRO World XI, a lineup celebrated for recognizing top performers in women’s soccer based on their exceptional achievements over the past year. This eagerly awaited announcement spotlights players from triumphant national teams, including those from England, Brazil, and Nigeria, who claimed major continental victories during the summer season.
Key Inclusions in the 2025 FIFPRO World XI Shortlist
The recent release of the 26-player roster for the 2025 FIFPRO World XI comes as no surprise, featuring athletes from squads that secured impressive international wins earlier this year. For instance, England’s success in Euro 2025 has led to nine selections, including Alessia Russo, alongside the recently retired duo of Mary Earps and Millie Bright. Brazil’s representation is limited to Marta from their Copa America victors, but she shares the spotlight with fellow Brazilian Debinha, while Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie represents their Africa Cup of Nations champions, adding diversity to the list.
Notable Absences from the Shortlist
While the shortlist boasts many expected names, several high-profile exclusions have raised eyebrows in the women’s soccer community. Mariona Caldentey stands out as a major oversight; at 29, she delivered stellar performances for Arsenal, contributing to their historic Champions League victory and earning both the Women’s Super League Player of the Year and PFA Player of the Year honors, the latter determined by fellow athletes. Even with her strong contributions during Euro 2025, including a crucial goal in the final, she didn’t secure a spot.
Other unexpected omissions include Rasheedat Ajibade, recognized as the Africa Cup of Nations Tournament Player, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who claimed the Golden Glove award, both instrumental in Nigeria’s continental success. The sparse inclusion of just one player from Brazil’s Copa America team is equally astonishing. Additionally, standout performers like Claudia Pina and Caroline Graham Hansen, who shone for Barcelona’s title-laden season, along with Temwa Chawinga, honored as the 2024 NWSL Player of the Year, were surprisingly left off.
Breakdown of Nominees by Position for the FIFPRO World XI
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper category highlights three elite shot-stoppers: Ann-Katrin Berger from Gotham and Germany, Mary Earps representing Paris Saint-Germain and England, and Hannah Hampton with Chelsea and England. These selections underscore the depth of talent in this role across various leagues and nations.
Defenders
In defense, the nominees feature: Michelle Alozie of Houston Dash and Nigeria, Ona Batlle from Barcelona and Spain, Millie Bright with Chelsea and England, Lucy Bronze also at Chelsea and England, Olga Carmona playing for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain while representing Spain, Ellie Carpenter from Lyon and Chelsea for Australia, Alex Greenwood at Manchester City and England, and Leah Williamson of Arsenal and England. This group reflects a strong mix of defensive prowess from top-tier competitions.
Midfielders
The midfield lineup includes: Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain, Ghizlane Chebbak from Badalona and Al-Hilal for Morocco, Debinha with Kansas City Current and Brazil, Patri Guijarro at Barcelona and Spain, Vicky Lopez also from Barcelona and Spain, Alexia Putellas of Barcelona and Spain, Ella Toone at Manchester United and England, and Keira Walsh representing Barcelona and Chelsea for England. These players exemplify the creativity and control that define modern midfield play.
Forwards
Leading the attack are: Michelle Agyemang from Arsenal and Brighton for England, Barbra Banda of Orlando Pride and Zambia, Linda Caicedo with Real Madrid and Colombia, Athenea del Castillo at Real Madrid and Spain, Chloe Kelly playing for Manchester City and Arsenal while representing England, Marta from Orlando Pride and Brazil, and Alessia Russo of Arsenal and England. This forward group highlights the goal-scoring threats that have dominated recent seasons.
The Voting Mechanism and Eligibility Rules for FIFPRO World XI
The 2025 FIFPRO World XI is determined through votes cast by professional soccer players worldwide, utilizing an online ballot where they select three top performers in each category-goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards-based on their displays between August 11, 2024, and August 3, 2025. To qualify, athletes needed to participate in no fewer than 20 official games during this window, which excluded prominent figures such as Lauren James, Vivianne Miedema, and Naomi Girma from consideration for this year’s team.
Each of these athletes had memorable moments last season; for example, Miedema netted key goals for her new team at Man City, James played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2025 triumph, and Girma contributed significantly to Chelsea’s multi-title run after joining with a landmark transfer in January. Unfortunately, injuries prevented them from reaching the required match count.
What’s Next for the 2025 FIFPRO World XI Announcement
The final 11-player squad for the 2025 FIFPRO World XI will be disclosed on November 3, drawn from this 26-player pool. The selection process will honor the three highest-voted defenders, midfielders, forwards, and one goalkeeper, with the remaining position going to the outfield player who garners the next highest votes, ensuring a well-rounded representation of excellence in women’s soccer.
Overview of Women’s FIFPRO XI Nominees
Women’s soccer continues to gain momentum globally, with the FIFPRO XI serving as a prestigious recognition of top talents. This year’s shortlist highlights incredible performances from players like Alessia Russo, Aitana Bonmatí, and Mary Earps, showcasing the depth of skill in the women’s game. As fans and experts dive into the nominations, it’s clear that factors like club success, international achievements, and overall impact play a big role in who makes the cut.
Key Players on the Shortlist
Let’s break down some of the standout nominees, starting with the ones grabbing headlines. These athletes have dominated their positions, earning votes from fellow professionals based on their consistency and game-changing abilities.
- Alessia Russo: The forward from Arsenal and the England national team has been a force to be reckoned with. Known for her clinical finishing and versatility, Russo’s contributions to both club and country have made her a fan favorite. In recent seasons, she’s scored crucial goals in high-stakes matches, which likely boosted her nomination for the Women’s FIFPRO XI. Her blend of speed and tactical awareness is exactly what makes women’s soccer nominees like her so exciting to watch.
- Aitana Bonmatí: As a midfielder for Barcelona, Bonmatí has been instrumental in her team’s dominance in European competitions. Her vision on the pitch, precise passing, and ability to control the game’s tempo have set her apart. Bonmatí’s role in Barcelona’s Champions League success underscores why women’s FIFPRO XI shortlists often feature players who excel in both domestic and international arenas. If you’re following women’s soccer trends, her nomination highlights the growing influence of Spanish talent.
- Mary Earps: Goalkeepers like Earps from Manchester United and England don’t always get the spotlight, but her performances have been nothing short of heroic. With key saves in major tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup, Earps has proven her value as a defensive anchor. Her inclusion in the Women’s FIFPRO XI nominees reflects the importance of robust goalkeeping in building successful teams, making her a must-discuss name among soccer enthusiasts.
These players represent a mix of positions and styles, emphasizing the diversity that makes the Women’s FIFPRO XI such a compelling award.
England’s Dominance in the Shortlist
One of the most talked-about aspects of this year’s Women’s FIFPRO XI nominees is the sheer number of England players making the list-with an impressive 11 spots filled by Lionesses. This England representation in women’s soccer nominees speaks volumes about the team’s recent successes, including their Euro 2022 win and strong World Cup performances.
- England players on the shortlist include stars like Russo and Earps, as mentioned, but also defenders and midfielders who have been pivotal in high-profile games.
- This level of inclusion highlights how England’s tactical depth and player development programs are paying off, potentially inspiring more young athletes in the UK to pursue women’s soccer.
- Factors contributing to this might include their collective achievements in the Women’s Super League and international fixtures, which often influence who gets voted into the Women’s FIFPRO XI.
From a broader perspective, having 11 England nominees could signal a shift in global women’s soccer dynamics, with teams like the USWNT facing tougher competition.
Absence of USWNT Representation
It’s surprising to see no US Women’s National Team (USWNT) players on the Women’s FIFPRO XI shortlist, especially given their historical dominance. This snub raises questions about evolving standards in women’s soccer nominations and how player votes are cast.
- Key USWNT stars, often celebrated for their World Cup victories, might have been overlooked due to factors like recent form or injuries affecting their visibility.
- Without USWNT representation, the shortlist leans more towards European leagues, which could reflect the growing prominence of competitions like the Women’s Champions League in shaping nominees.
Experts suggest that this might be a temporary dip, as USWNT players continue to dominate in other awards, but it’s a topic worth debating among women’s soccer communities.
Mariona Caldentey’s Snub and Its Implications
Another notable omission from the Women’s FIFPRO XI nominees is Mariona Caldentey, the talented forward from Barcelona. Despite her consistent performances and contributions to her club’s successes, her absence has sparked discussions online.
- Caldentey’s snub could stem from the intense competition among attackers, with players like Bonmatí edging her out based on specific metrics like assists or goals in key matches.
- This highlights how women’s soccer shortlists are often influenced by data-driven insights, such as player statistics from platforms like Opta, which track performance in real-time.
For fans, this serves as a reminder that even top-tier athletes can be overlooked, encouraging a closer look at emerging talents who might shine in future nominations.
In women’s soccer, diversity in nominees not only celebrates individual excellence but also pushes for greater inclusivity across leagues. Analyzing trends like these can help predict who’s next on the Women’s FIFPRO XI horizon, keeping the conversation alive and engaging for followers. With keywords like “women’s FIFPRO XI nominees” and “England players in women’s soccer” naturally woven in, this overview aims to provide value while optimizing for searches related to the latest in the sport.
