Bronze named in World 11 for record ninth time

What the report says

Lucy Bronze has been named in the Fifpro Women’s World 11 for a record ninth time, according to BBC Sport Football. The England defender is one of five England players included in the annual team, alongside goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defenders Alex Greenwood and Ella Toone, and striker Alessia Russo. The selection also features Spain’s Irene Paredes, who returned to the lineup for the first time since 2017, and Zambia forward Barbra Banda, the only player based outside England or Spain.

The World 11 is the global football award voted on exclusively by players. BBC Sport reported that 6,511 female players from 64 countries took part in this year’s vote, which covered performances between 4 August 2025 and 16 August 2026. Players were asked to choose the best performers in each position, with the final team made up of one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, plus one additional outfield player with the next-highest vote total.

The selection underlines the strength of England-based talent in the women’s game, with all but one player in the XI coming from clubs in England or Spain. Bronze’s ninth inclusion extends her record, while Hannah Hampton’s place reflects her rise as one of the leading goalkeepers in the women’s game.