The absence of any U.S. players in the Fifpro Women’s World XI, despite their Olympic gold medal win in 2024, raises questions about the evolving landscape of global women’s soccer. The Fifpro World XI is selected by 7,000 players from 70 countries, and this year’s lineup highlights a notable shift in the power dynamics of the sport, with a heavy emphasis on players from England and Spain. This marks a significant departure from the past, when the United States consistently dominated the global women’s soccer scene.
The 2024 World XI lineup is a testament to the growing influence of European clubs, particularly those in Spain and England. The midfield is entirely composed of players from Barcelona: Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, and Keira Walsh. This trio, all of whom played crucial roles in Barcelona’s Champions League triumph, represent the peak of European club football. The defense includes England’s Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood, both of whom have been key figures in their respective teams, while the forward line features players from across the globe, including Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo and Spain’s Olga Carmona. Brazil’s Marta, a legend of the game, and Zambia’s Barbra Banda also made the cut, rounding out a diverse and competitive team.
The United States, despite its Olympic success and dominance in international tournaments, found no representation in the Fifpro World XI. This omission is particularly striking given the U.S. women’s national team’s strong performances, including their gold medal win in Paris. Players like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson, and Naomi Girma were all ranked highly in The Guardian’s annual list of the world’s top 100 players, with Girma emerging as the top defender in several rankings. Yet, despite these accolades, none of these players made the Fifpro shortlist, and only Girma was included in the final selection.
The absence of U.S. players from the Fifpro World XI highlights a broader trend in women’s soccer: the increasing strength of European teams and players. While the U.S. has long been a dominant force in the sport, the rise of clubs in Spain, England, and other countries has made the global competition fiercer. The Fifpro voting system, which relies on the votes of players from around the world, reflects this shift. Players in Europe, where many of the top teams now reside, may not have the same level of exposure to U.S. players, particularly those playing in the NWSL, which lacks the international visibility of European leagues.
In addition to the dominance of European clubs, the growing competitiveness of countries like Brazil and Zambia has also contributed to the U.S. players’ exclusion. Brazil’s Marta, for instance, continues to be a standout player in the NWSL and internationally, while Zambia’s Banda has impressed with her performances for both club and country. These players, along with others from nations that were once seen as underdogs in women’s soccer, are now making their mark on the global stage, further complicating the selection process for the Fifpro World XI.
Despite the lack of representation in the Fifpro World XI, the U.S. women’s national team remains one of the most successful and influential teams in the world. Players like Smith, Rodman, and Girma continue to be among the best in the world, as evidenced by their high rankings in various player surveys. Girma, in particular, has emerged as one of the top defenders in the game, and her omission from the Fifpro XI is particularly puzzling given her standout performances for both club and country. The U.S. also remains a dominant force in international tournaments, with their Olympic gold medal win serving as a reminder of their continued strength.
The exclusion of U.S. players from the Fifpro World XI does not reflect a decline in their quality or achievements. Instead, it highlights the increasing parity in women’s soccer, with more countries and clubs emerging as serious contenders. The rise of European teams, in particular, has created a more competitive global environment, where players from all corners of the world now have a legitimate chance at recognition. The U.S. women’s national team, once the unquestioned leader in women’s soccer, now faces greater competition from a growing number of countries and clubs.
This shift in the global landscape of women’s soccer is a positive development for the sport as a whole. The increasing diversity and competitiveness of the women’s game will only serve to raise the level of play and increase the visibility of the sport worldwide. While the United States may no longer hold the same level of dominance it once did, it remains a key player in the global soccer community. The exclusion of U.S. players from the Fifpro World XI is not a reflection of their decline but rather a sign of the growing strength of women’s soccer on a global scale. As the sport continues to evolve, the competition for spots in the world’s top teams will only become more intense, and the U.S. will undoubtedly continue to be a major force in the women’s game.
