Lucy Bronze Makes History with Record Ninth FIFPRO Women's World 11 Selection

Lucy Bronze Makes History with Record Ninth FIFPRO Women's World 11 Selection

England defender Lucy Bronze has made history after being named in the FIFPRO Women's World 11 for a record ninth time, leading a strong English presence in the prestigious team selected by professional footballers worldwide.

The Chelsea defender is one of five England internationals included in the World 11, alongside Manchester City defender Alex Greenwood, Arsenal striker Alessia Russo, Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

Spain also has a strong representation, with Barcelona defender Irene Paredes returning to the team for the first time since 2017.

Zambia international Barbra Banda earns her third World 11 selection following her performances for Orlando Pride. The striker is the only player in this year's team based outside England or Spain.

The FIFPRO Women's World 11 is unique among global football honours because it is selected exclusively by professional players.

This year's team was determined by votes from 6,511 female footballers representing 64 countries, recognising the standout performers in women's football during the 2025/26 season.

FIFPRO Women's World 11

Goalkeeper:

• Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)

Defenders:

• Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
• Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
• Mapi Leon (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain)
• Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)

Midfielders:

• Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
• Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain)
• Ella Toone (Manchester United, England)

Forwards:

• Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia)
• Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain)
• Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)

How Does FIFPRO Women's World 11 Voting Work?

The FIFPRO Women's World 11 recognises the best-performing footballers over a designated period, with voting conducted entirely by their fellow professionals.

For this year's selection, performances between 4 August 2025 and 16 August 2026 were considered. Players were required to have made at least 20 appearances during that period to qualify.

Each voter selected the three players they believed had performed best in four positional categories: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.

The final team was determined through the following selection process:

• Goalkeeper: The highest-voted goalkeeper earned a place in the starting 11.
• Defenders: The three defenders receiving the most votes were selected.
• Midfielders: The three highest-voted midfielders secured their places.
• Forwards: The three forwards with the most votes were included.
• Final position: The remaining spot was awarded to the outfield player with the next highest overall vote total, regardless of position.

The voting system ensures that the FIFPRO Women's World 11 reflects the opinions of professional footballers who compete at the highest levels of the women's game.

For Bronze, her ninth selection further strengthens her standing among the most decorated defenders in women's football, while England's five representatives highlight the country's continued influence on the international stage.