Five England stars have been included in the FIFPRO Women’s World XI, highlighting the growing global recognition of the Lionesses’ talent.
Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze makes history by earning her seventh selection, equaling the record held by France’s Wendie Renard. Bronze’s move from Barcelona to Chelsea last summer has solidified her reputation as one of the best defenders in women’s football.
Joining Bronze in the prestigious XI are Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), and Lauren James (Chelsea).
Global Diversity in the Team
The World XI features players from five nations, demonstrating the international breadth of women’s football.
- Brazilian icon Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, returns to the team for the first time since 2021.
- Barbra Banda (Zambia/Orlando Pride) becomes the first African player to make the lineup, continuing her stellar year after being named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024.
- Spanish stars Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, and Olga Carmona are included, cementing Spain’s dominance following their 2023 World Cup triumph.
- Colombian forward Linda Caicedo rounds out the forward line, reflecting her growing stature in world football.
A Milestone Year for Women’s Football
The FIFPRO Women’s World XI, determined solely by votes from professional players, saw a record-breaking 7,000 women cast their ballots this year.
2024 Women’s World XI Team
Goalkeeper:
- Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-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)
This year’s lineup underscores the continued evolution of women’s football and its increasing recognition on the global stage.
