FIFPRO Women’s World 11: A Players’ Choice Celebration of Football Excellence
The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 is one of football’s most distinctive individual honors because its winners are selected by the people who know the professional game from the inside: the players themselves. Each year, professional footballers from around the world vote for the standout performers of the season, creating a global team that reflects their respect for excellence on the pitch.
First presented in 2015, the award has grown alongside women’s football. Its annual line-ups offer more than a roll call of celebrated names. They capture the changing shape of the game, recognize exceptional seasons across different positions and highlight the players whose influence has resonated with their peers. From established international stars to influential club performers, selection is a powerful acknowledgment of a player’s impact.
How the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 Is Chosen
The selection process is designed to put professional footballers at its center. Eligible players cast votes for the footballers they believe delivered the strongest performances during the relevant period. The final team is formed from the players who receive the most votes in each position, producing a balanced XI rather than a general ranking of the most famous names.
This voting approach gives the award a distinct perspective. Coaches, journalists and supporters may assess a player through different lenses, but fellow professionals understand the demands of competing at the highest level: the preparation, consistency, tactical discipline and pressure that are not always visible in a highlight reel. A place in the World 11 therefore signals recognition from opponents and teammates who have experienced those challenges firsthand.
The positional format also makes the result especially interesting for football fans. A forward may attract attention with goals, while a defender’s value can be measured through reading the game, organization and reliability. Midfielders often influence matches in less obvious ways, connecting phases of play and controlling tempo. The World 11 brings these contributions together in a single team.
The 2026 Edition: An Eleventh Year of Recognition
The 2026 awards mark the 11th edition of the FIFPRO Women’s World 11. The selected players were officially announced on November 9, adding another chapter to a history that began in 2015. As with previous editions, the final line-up is determined by votes, with the leading candidates at each position earning their place in the team.
For fans following the announcement, the result offers an opportunity to compare the season’s most influential performers and consider what made them stand out. Was a player recognized for sustained excellence over months of competition, a decisive contribution in major matches, or an ability to shape the team’s performance week after week? The voting result can prompt debate, but that discussion is part of the award’s appeal.
Any prediction about the eventual team is necessarily uncertain. Supporters may look at club form, international performances, trophies and individual statistics when estimating who could make the XI. Yet the outcome ultimately reflects the choices of professional players, whose judgments may place particular value on qualities that numbers alone cannot fully capture. That gap between public expectations and peer opinion helps make each announcement compelling.
A History Featuring Global Stars
Since its launch, the Women’s World 11 has featured a wide range of leading footballers. Names such as Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, Sam Kerr and Aitana Bonmatí illustrate the award’s international reach and the many different ways players can shape the sport. Their appearances also reflect the strength of women’s football across national teams and club competitions.
Each edition becomes a snapshot of its era. The players selected represent the tactical trends, competitive standards and standout performances that defined that particular period. Looking back at previous squads allows supporters to trace the careers of long-serving stars, recognize the arrival of new talents and see how the balance of influence across the game has evolved.
The award’s history is also a reminder that football excellence is not confined to one league or country. Professional players compete in different environments and face varied challenges, yet the voting process brings their achievements into a shared global conversation. That breadth is important in a sport whose audience, talent and competitions continue to expand internationally.
Why the Award Matters to Players and Supporters
Recognition from peers carries a particular weight because professional footballers are uniquely positioned to judge the details of elite performance. They know how difficult it is to maintain form across a demanding schedule, adapt to different tactical systems and deliver under pressure. A World 11 selection can therefore serve as a meaningful acknowledgment of both visible achievements and less celebrated work.
For supporters, the annual announcement offers a useful way to revisit the season. It encourages discussion about positional value, consistency, big-game influence and the performances that may have been overlooked. Fans can compare the final XI with their own selections, debate the strongest candidates and follow how the award’s choices change from year to year.
It is also a starting point for exploring the wider story of women’s football. The names in each team can lead fans to discover standout seasons, memorable matches and the clubs and national sides that helped shape a player’s rise. In this way, the award is not only a celebration of individual achievement but also a record of the game’s continuing development.
Looking Back at Every Previous Squad
Reviewing every FIFPRO Women’s World 11 since 2015 provides a fuller picture of the award’s legacy. Each squad captures a different moment in the sport, while familiar stars and new faces show how careers and generations overlap. Together, the teams form an evolving archive of footballing excellence as recognized by the professionals who compete at the highest level.
As the 2026 edition adds its winners to that history, fans can assess how the latest selections reflect the season and compare them with past line-ups. Whether following the announcement for a favorite player, researching previous squads or making an early prediction for future awards, the Women’s World 11 remains a compelling celebration of skill, influence and respect within the global game.
