Alozie narrowly misses out on FIFPRO World XI as England dominate, Yamal makes history

SUPER Falcons of Nigeria full-back Michelle Alozie did not make the FIFPRO Women’s World XI after being nominated, while Lamine Yamal set a record in the men’s team.

Indeed, in the women’s vote, Houston Dash defender Michelle Alozie earned the most votes among players who narrowly missed out on the Women’s World 11, which is voted for by fellow professional footballers.

Marquinhos, Federico Valverde and Lionel Messi were the outfield players who narrowly missed out on a World 11 spot for the men in their respective positions.

England’s Lucy Bronze, who beat Alozie to the right-back slot, made history by being named in the m Women’s World XI for a record eighth time.

Teenage Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal also entered the history books, becoming the youngest player to feature in the Men’s World XI.

Chelsea defender Bronze is one of six England players in the Women’s World XI.

Forward Chloe Kelly and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton feature for the first time, while England captain Leah Williamson and forward Alessia Russo are also included after they helped the Lionesses to win back-to-back European titles.

The final English player is Chelsea defender Millie Bright, who did not play at Euro 2025 but still makes the cut.

At the age of 18, Spain’s Yamal breaks Kylian Mbappe’s record from 2018 when the France forward made the Men’s XI aged 19.

Mbappe has also been included this time, as are England midfielders Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham.

The team is dominated by Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League-winning side, with five of the players — including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who now plays for Manchester City — in the XI.

Defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, midfielder Vitinha and forward Ousmane Dembele join Donnarumma, who signed for Manchester City at the start of September.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and Barcelona’s Pedri complete the line-up but Manchester City striker Erling Haaland misses out.

The FIFPRO World XI is the only global football award voted for exclusively by professional footballers.

More than 26,000 players from 68 counties selected their men’s and women’s teams this year.