FIFPRO unveils nominees for 2024 Women's World XI

FIFPRO unveils nominees for 2024 Women’s World XI

FIFPRO unveils nominees for 2024 Women’s World XI. The 26-player shortlist for the 2024 FIFPRO Women’s World XI has been announced, with Brazil legend Marta and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati both making the cut.

Marta was part of Orlando Pride’s history-making side as they won the NWSL championship for the first time, while she also helped Brazil reach the Olympic final.

Bonmati, on the other hand, was part of Barcelona’s incredible quadruple-winning side, which included a league title and the Champions League.

The Lionesses are represented by nine players, including goalkeeper Mary Earps and defensive trio of Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood. Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, Lauren James and Alessia Russo also made the shortlist.

The World XI is the only global player award voted for exclusively by professional footballers, and this year a record number of 28,000 players from 70 countries have voted for the men’s and women’s XI.

The finalists announced today are the 26 players who have received the most votes in their position, with the complete World XI set to be announced in a week’s time, which will include one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, with the final spot reserved for the remaining outfield player with the most votes.

The first edition of the men’s World XI took place in 2005, while the women’s version of the award was introduced 10 years later in 2015. Bronze has made the World XI for the last six years, while Earps, Greenwood, Toone, Walsh, Russo and James were all included last year.