Lucy Bronze named in FIFPRO Women's World 11 for a record ninth time, one of five England players

England defender Lucy Bronze has been named in the FIFPRO Women's World 11 for a record ninth time, one of five England players in a team chosen by thousands of professional footballers from around the world.

Bronze is joined by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defender Alex Greenwood, midfielder Ella Toone and forward Alessia Russo. The team was announced on 9 November.

Chosen by the players themselves

The World 11 is the only global football award chosen exclusively by players. This year's side was selected through the votes of 6,511 female professional footballers from 64 countries, judging performances between 4 August 2025 and 16 August 2026. Only players with at least 20 appearances in that period were eligible.

Voters picked the three players who had performed best in each position. The goalkeeper and the three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes made the team, and the final place went to the outfield player with the next highest total, regardless of position.

The 2026 Women's World 11

Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England), Mapi León (Barcelona and London City Lionesses, Spain), Irene Paredes (Barcelona, Spain).

Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona and London City Lionesses, Spain), Ella Toone (Manchester United, England).

Forwards: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia), Claudia Pina (Barcelona, Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England).

A record that may stand for years

FIFPRO, the worldwide union for professional footballers, has invited players to vote for a women's team every year since 2015. Bronze, the Chelsea right-back, broke the record last year with her eighth selection and has now extended it, a remarkable mark of consistency across a decade at the top of the game for club and country.

Spain's Irene Paredes returns to the side for the first time since 2017, while Zambia striker Barbra Banda, selected for the third time, is the only player in the team based outside England or Spain.

There were notable absences too, with some of the game's biggest names, including Manchester City's Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, missing out, a sign of how strong the competition for places has become.

A boost for the women's game in England

With five players in the team, England matched Spain's five and every one of the England players is at a Women's Super League club, from Chelsea and Arsenal to the two Manchester sides. It is further evidence of the strength of the domestic game.

For young footballers across Birmingham, where Aston Villa Women play in the WSL and girls' teams have grown fast in recent years, the recognition of England's players by their fellow professionals is another reason to aim high.