The power of the players’ vote has produced another historic moment in women’s football, with 6,511 professional female footballers from 64 countries participating in the selection of the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
The prestigious team, officially unveiled on November 9, recognises eleven players whose performances earned the greatest recognition from their fellow professionals during the assessment period.
Unlike many individual football awards decided by journalists, coaches or expert panels, the FIFPRO World 11 is voted for exclusively by professional footballers, making it a unique recognition of excellence from within the game.
This year’s selection has produced several remarkable milestones, with England and Spain dominating the final team.
LUCY BRONZE MAKES HISTORY
Chelsea and England defender Lucy Bronze headlines the historic achievements after securing her ninth FIFPRO Women’s World 11 selection.
The milestone makes her the record holder for the most appearances in the history of the women’s team, further cementing her reputation as one of the most consistently recognised defenders in women’s football.
BARBRA BANDA LEADS AFRICA’S REPRESENTATION
Zambia’s Barbra Banda is the only player representing a country outside England and Spain in this year’s selection.
The Orlando Pride forward has secured her third consecutive World 11 appearance, extending her record as the African woman with the most selections in the prestigious team.
Her continued presence among the world’s elite is another significant achievement for African women’s football.
THE COMPLETE 2026 FIFPRO WOMEN’S WORLD 11
The final selection features players from England, Spain and Zambia across four positions.
Goalkeeper:
– Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Defenders:
– Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
– Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
– Mapi León (Barcelona/London City Lionesses, Spain)
– Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain)
Midfielders:
– Aitana Bonmatí (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)
Another notable achievement belongs to Spanish defender Irene Paredes, who has returned to the World 11 nine years after her previous selection in 2017.
HOW THE PLAYERS VOTED
According to FIFPRO, the 6,511 participants cast their votes through a secure digital platform shared by the organisation and its affiliated players’ unions.
The eligible performances were assessed between August 4, 2025, and August 16, 2026, with players required to have made at least 20 official appearances during that period.
Each participating footballer selected three players in each of four categories: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward.
The highest-voted goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards earned their places, while the final position went to the remaining outfield player with the highest number of votes.
Since its introduction in 2005, the FIFPRO World 11 has provided a platform for professional footballers to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues.
The message behind the award remains simple and powerful: recognition by those who understand the demands of the beautiful game.