FIFPRO Women’s World XI Finalists Named – No Hansen in the 26

The FIFPRO 26 player shortlist for the Women’s World XI has been announced and the biggest surprise is the omission of Norway’s Caro Graham Hansen. The Barcelona star recently came second in the Ballon d’Or but has not made the 26-player shortlist, which is voted by professional players.

PLayers are asked to vote for their team of the year, running from 21 August 2023 to 10 August 2024.

Despite the United States winning the Women’s Olympics Gold during this period, only two US players made the shortlist – Naomi Girma and Lindsey Horan. A whopping nine Lionesses were named on the FIFPRO Women’s World XI shortlist, even though England did not qualify for the 2024 Olympics.

The 26 player shortlist:

Goalkeepers

Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham United/Portland Thorns, Australia)
Mary Earps (Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain, England)
Christiane Endler (Olympique Lyonnais, Chile)

Defenders

Selma Bacha (Olympique Lyonnais, France)
Ona Batlle (Barcelona, Spain)
Millie Bright (Chelsea, England)
Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea, England)
Olga Carmona (Real Madrid, Spain)
Jess Carter (Chelsea/Gotham, England)
Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave, USA)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)

Midfielders

Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
Debinha (Kansas City Current, Brazil)
Ingrid Engen (Barcelona, Norway)
Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyonnais, USA)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
Ella Toone (Manchester United, England)
Keira Walsh (Barcelona, England)

Forwards

Athenea (Real Madrid, Spain)
Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride, Zambia)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia)
Tabitha Chawinga (Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais, Malawi)
Lauren James (Chelsea, England)
Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil)
Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona, Spain)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)