Super Falcons defender, Michelle Alozie, has been shortlisted for the FIFPRO Women’s World XI. Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash, is the only Nigerian on the list.
The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) announced the shortlist on Monday.
“The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 finalists are the 26 women’s football players who received the most votes from their peers for their performances from 11 August 2024 to 3 August 2025 inclusive,” FIFPRO stated on its website.
According to the organisation, players must have featured in at least 20 official matches during the period under review.
Alozie played a key role as Nigeria clinched a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title earlier this year. She is also part of the Super Falcons squad preparing for their second-leg WAFCON qualifier against the Benin Republic.
Her teammates, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Esther Okoronkwo — all instrumental in Nigeria’s 2024 WAFCON success — did not make the shortlist. Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament at the WAFCON, while Nnadozie won the Golden Gloves award and ranked fourth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or goalkeepers’ category.
One of the biggest absentees from the list is Mariona Caldentey, who won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Arsenal and was named both the Women’s Super League Player of the Year and the PFA Player of the Year.
The final World XI, which will include one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and four forwards, will be announced on November 3, 2025.
Full List of Nominees:
Goalkeepers:
Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham, Germany)
Mary Earps (Paris Saint-Germain, England)
Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
Defenders:
Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, Nigeria)
Ona Batlle (Barcelona, Spain)
Millie Bright (Chelsea, England)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
Olga Carmona (Real Madrid/Paris Saint-Germain, Spain)
Ellie Carpenter (OL Lyon/Chelsea, Australia)
Alex Greenwood (Manchester City, England)
Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)
Midfielders:
Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
Ghizlane Chebbak (Badalona/Al Hilal, Morocco)
Debinha (Kansas City Current, Brazil)
Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain)
Vicky Lopez (Barcelona, Spain)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
Ella Toone (Manchester United, England)
Keira Walsh (Barcelona/Chelsea, England)
Forwards:
Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal/Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, Zambia)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia)
Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid, Spain)
Chloe Kelly (Manchester City/Arsenal, England)
Marta (Orlando Pride, Brazil)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)