England’s Five Lionesses Named to Fifpro World XI

Five players from England have been selected for the Fifpro women’s World XI team. Among them is Lucy Bronze, who transferred from Barcelona to Chelsea last summer. Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze achieved her seventh selection, matching the women’s appearance record previously established by France’s Wendie Renard. The other English players chosen by their professional peers were defender Alex Greenwood, goalkeeper Mary Earps, midfielder Keira Walsh, and forward Lauren James. Brazilian standout Marta rejoined the team of the year, marking her first inclusion since 2021. Additionally, Barbra Banda, the striker for Zambia and Orlando Pride, and recipient of the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024 award, made history as the first African player to be featured. The Spanish contingent, comprising Olga Carmona, Alexia Putellas, and Aitana Bonmati – the latter having secured the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year in October – along with Colombia forward Linda Caicedo, finalized the complete squad. The selection for the Fifpro World XI award is determined exclusively by votes from professional footballers, with an unprecedented 7,000 women’s football players participating in the ballot. The complete Fifpro World XI line-up features: Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris St-Germain, England); Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea, England), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England); Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain), Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England); Forwards: Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia), Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia), Lauren James (Chelsea, England), Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil).