The 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Announced
The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for 2025 has been revealed, with over 6,000 professional women’s footballers voting for their team of the year. Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which journalists and select players decide, the FIFPRO World 11 is determined exclusively by footballers themselves, with 25,000 professionals worldwide casting ballots to select the best eleven players from the previous season. FIFPRO, the global footballers’ union, also addresses issues related to player employment, footballing bodies, and broader matters affecting players.
Historic Selections and Records
This year, England leads the way with six Lionesses selected, including debutants Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, joining a group of established international stars. Lucy Bronze made history, earning her eighth FIFPRO Women’s World 11 inclusion, surpassing France’s Wendie Renard, who has seven. The 2025 team also marks a milestone for African players: Barbra Banda (Zambia) earns her second selection, and Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) makes her debut, the first time two African footballers have featured in the Women’s World 11.
Voting Process
Professional footballers worldwide voted via a secure digital platform distributed by FIFPRO and its affiliated unions. Eligibility covered performances between August 11, 2024, and August 3, 2025, with players required to have made at least 20 official appearances during that period. Voters selected three standout players in each of four positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward. The goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards with the most votes earned selection, with the 11th spot awarded to the next highest-ranked outfield player overall.
Since its introduction in 2015, the women’s FIFPRO World 11 has celebrated legends such as Marta, Alex Morgan, Lucy Bronze, and Alexia Putellas. The award recognises individual quality, consistency, influence on matches and trophies, professional conduct, and peer respect.
Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea / England)
Hannah Hampton received 43% of the votes, becoming Chelsea and England’s number one keeper. She equalled the joint highest clean sheet record in the WSL, won the domestic treble with Chelsea, and demonstrated composure on the international stage, including saving penalties in England’s first tournament as the number one goalkeeper. Hampton’s leadership, shot-stopping, and consistency in domestic and European competitions underline why she is regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
Defenders
Millie Bright (Chelsea / England)
Millie Bright returned to full fitness, providing leadership and defensive stability that anchored Chelsea’s treble-winning season. Her aerial dominance, organisational skills, and reliability in high-pressure matches reinforced her status as one of the world’s most dependable central defenders. Bright also remained a key figure in England’s defence until withdrawing post-Euro 2025 and subsequently retiring.
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea / England)
Lucy Bronze’s tactical intelligence, overlapping runs, and offensive contributions remained vital for Chelsea’s domestic and European success. She scored crucial goals for both club and country, including against Manchester United in the WSL and in the Euros, and played through injury, demonstrating resilience and professionalism. Bronze continues to exemplify the qualities of a world-class full-back.
Leah Williamson (Arsenal / England)
Leah Williamson’s composure, versatility, and leadership were central to Arsenal reaching the Champions League final. She delivered arguably her best performance in the final against Barcelona and became the most decorated England captain, winning a senior team trophy overseas. Her reading of the game, calm presence, and technical skill solidify her place among the elite defenders globally.
Ona Batlle (Barcelona / Spain)
Ona Batlle combined defensive discipline with attacking support, often making overlapping runs to create width and deliver dangerous crosses. Her tactical awareness and ability to neutralize opposition threats made her indispensable for Barcelona and Spain, exemplifying the modern attacking full-back role.
Midfielders
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Aitana Bonmatí was pivotal in controlling the midfield for Barcelona, dictating the tempo, creating chances, and contributing goals and assists. Her vision, composure, and technical brilliance were critical in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, reinforcing her position as one of the world’s finest midfielders.
Ghizlane Chebbak (Al Hilal / Morocco)
Chebbak’s leadership and technical ability made her a standout midfielder for both Morocco and Al Hilal. Her influence, goal-scoring capability, and commanding presence highlight her historic role as one of the first North African women selected for the World 11.
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona / Spain)
Alexia Putellas returned to elite form, scoring crucial goals, linking play, and controlling the attack for Barcelona. Her intelligence, creativity, and influence over high-stakes matches cement her status as a world-class leader and one of the most influential players globally.
Forwards
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride / Zambia)
Banda’s prolific scoring, physical presence, and consistency helped lead Zambia to Olympic qualification. Her performances in the NWSL and on the international stage make her one of the most feared forwards in women’s football and a trailblazer for African representation in the sport.
Chloe Kelly (Manchester City / Arsenal / England)
Kelly’s pace, crossing ability, and clutch goals earned her selection. She made a significant impact after joining Arsenal on loan, delivering key contributions for both club and country, including scoring in penalty shootouts to help England win back-to-back Euros.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal / England)
Russo’s technical ability, hold-up play, and clinical finishing kept Arsenal competitive across all fronts. She scored decisive goals in the European Championships and the Champions League. At the same time, her creativity and movement in the box complemented her goal-scoring record, demonstrating her status as a top-class forward.
Summary
The 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 reflects both established stars and emerging talent, celebrating players who combined technical skill, consistency, leadership, and match-winning influence throughout the 2024‑25 season. England leads the representation with six players, Barcelona dominates among clubs, and African football continues to gain recognition on the world stage. This award remains the only global football honour decided exclusively by the players themselves, highlighting peer respect and professional achievement in women’s football.
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