FIFPro has announced the first ever Women’s World XI and it includes many familiar names in the soccer world. FIFPro is the world union of soccer players, representing thousands of players from around the world. Female players from 33 different nations voted on the inaugural team, choosing one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards. This is the same format used to create the Men’s World XI, which has been around since 2005.
USWNT Grab Four Spots
The USWNT claimed four spots on the XI with Hope Solo in goal, Meghan Klingenberg and Julie Johnston in the defense, and FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd in the midfield. France got the second most spots with three spots while Germany had two and Japan and Canada each claimed one.
The World XI is a step in the right direction for women in the soccer world, showing that female players deserve their recognition. Players have shown their enthusiasm for this recognition, including Lloyd.
“It’s an honor to be selected by the players,” said Lloyd. “This is a great step forward in terms of equality, respect and recognition for women’s soccer.”
Anja Mittag also commented saying, “I’m very happy to be on the team, especially knowing that it’s the players who voted. It’s really great to know that from this moment on we’ll have our own World XI.”
The next step would be for FIFA to invite the Women’s World XI to the Ballon d’Or gala, just like they invite and honor men’s XI every year.
The 2015 Women’s World XI:
Goalkeeper: Hope Solo (USA, Seattle Reign FC)
Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada, West Virginia), Wendie Renard (France, Lyon), Julie Johnston (USA, Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (USA, Portland Thorns FC)
Midfielders: Aya Miyama (Japan, Okoyama Yunogo Belle), Carli Lloyd (USA, Houston Dash), Amandine Henry (France, Lyon)
Forwards: Celia Sasic (Germany, 1. FFC Frankfurt), Anja Mittag (Germany, PSG), Eugénie Le Sommer (France, Lyon)