For the first time in the organization’s history, FIFPro has released a Women’s World XI, and it includes several U.S. Women’s National Team stars.
Sports Illustrated revealed on Thursday that Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Julie Johnston and Meghan Klingenberg have been named to the inaugural FIFPro Women’s World XI. FIFPro, which has selected men’s World XI’s since 2005, is the international representative organization for 65,000 players all over the world.
“It’s an honor to be selected by the players,” Lloyd said regarding her selection. “This is a great step forward in terms of equality, respect and recognition for women’s soccer.”
The list, which is comprised of a goalkeeper, four defenders, four midfielders and three forwards, is voted on exclusively by players. This year’s list included votes for players of 33 different nationalities.
Take a closer look at the full list below:
Goalkeeper: Hope Solo (USA, Seattle Reign)
Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada, West Virginia University), Wendie Renard (France, Lyon), Julie Johnston (USA, Chicago Red Stars), Meghan Klingenberg (USA, Portland Thorns).
Midfielders: Amandine Henry (France, Lyon), Carli Lloyd (USA, Houston Dash), Aya Miyama (Japan, Okayama Yunogo Belle).
Forwards: Anja Mittag (Germany, Paris Saing-Germain), Eugénie Le Sommer (France, Lyon), Celia Sasic (Germany, Frankfurt)
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What do you think of the FIFPro Women’s World XI? Any snubs?
Share your thoughts below.
As much a fan as I am of both Klingenberg and Johnston, I have to admit, I think Saurbrunn and Lucy Bronze are both more deserving of the spots. Buchanan is a bit of a surprise as well, especially given her questionable performance against England in the world cup.
I’m sorry, Julie Johnston and not Becky Sauerbrunn?? Both are good but come on. Just proves name recognition plays a big part.
Right. The USWNT has the best defender in the world and it’s neither of the two on the list….and Krieger’s superior to Kling. Zero idea what Kling is doing on there.
Kling is a bit of a headscratcher, though I can’t admit to knowing the rest of the world’s left backs all that well. And Sauerbrunn just continues to be unbelievably underrated.
I think that there are 2 girls from Brazil including Marta who deserve recognition. Brazil only
surrendered 1 goal during the world cup. Also, at least 2 girls from Canada should be there
also. Canada was the victim of the best 2 strikes in the World Cup coming from England, otherwise, they would have been in the finals vs the U. S.
Canada in the finals? Laughable. Team was overhyped because of the home soil.
To quote Kate Markgraf on the telecast the other night, :the quarters was probably about as far as Canada deserved to go based on the talent they had.
The Brazilians are hurt by playing so few international games. It’s crazy, but I’m not sure Marta even has 100 caps yet.
To add to that, the Canadians were gifted a secret draw which put the US, Germany, and France onto the other side of the bracket almost no matter what.