February 19 – FIFPro have unveiled their first ever Women’s World XI. While women have award parity with the men in terms of the Ballon d’Or World Player of the Year awards, until now (and unlike the men) a World XI selected by female players worldwide had never been attempted.
The initiative is more than just another award as it points towards a significant step forward for the women’s game. It raises the global profiles of the star female athletes and provides more accessible role models, as well as recognising the voices of top women players worldwide.
The final 11 is comprised of five North American (four from the World Cup winning US team) five Europeans and one Japanese player.
All four US stars – Carli Lloyd (pictured), Hope Solo, Meghan Klingenberg and Julie Johnston – are based at home in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League).
In its announcement FIFPro said that: “This World XI breaks new ground, the first award of its kind, for men or women, to contain players from the United States, Canada and Japan, with Aya Miyama being the sole representatitve from Asia.”
“This is a landmark for the women’s game,” said FIFPro General-Secretary Theo van Seggelen.
The Women’s World XI was developed following numerous requests from female players seeking the same recognition as their male counterparts. FIFPro created the first World XI for men in 2005.
Female players from 33 different nationalities spread out over 20 countries voted in what FIFPro calls “a pilot phase” for the awards, and which it says will be expanded in future years. Players picked one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
World Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd said: “It’s an honor to be selected by the players. This is a great step forward in terms of equality, respect and recognition for women’s football.”
“I’d like to thank FIFPro for making this possible. It’s an initiative that will be appreciated by female players all over the world.”
WOMEN’S WORLD XI
Goalkeeper: Hope Solo (USA, Seattle Reign FC)
Defenders (4): Wendie Renard (France, Lyon), Meghan Klingenberg (USA, Houston Dash), Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada, West Virginia Mountaineers), Julie Johnston (USA, Chicago Red Stars)
Midfielders (3): Carli Lloyd (USA, Houston Dash), Amandine Henry (France, Lyon), Aya Miyama (Japan, Okoyama Yunogo Belle)
Forwards (3): Celia Sasic (Germany, 1.FFC Frankfurt) *, Eugenie Le Sommer (France, Lyon), Anja Mittag (Germany, PSG)
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