Nigeria’s Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has been named among the 26 nominees for the prestigious 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World XI, the only global football award decided exclusively by professional players.
Alozie, who plays for Houston Dash in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), is one of three African players shortlisted for this year’s honour. Her impressive performances during Nigeria’s record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco earlier this year earned her widespread recognition.
Also making the list from Africa are Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak and Zambia’s skipper Barbra Banda, both of whom starred for their nations during major international tournaments.
According to FIFPRO, more than 26,000 professional footballers from 68 countries participated in the voting process this year. The 26 finalists represent the top vote-getters in their respective positions based on their performances between August 11, 2024, and August 3, 2025.
The final World XI will comprise the 11 players with the most votes across all positions, and the winners will be officially announced on Monday, November 3.
In the history of the award, Lionel Messi holds the record for the most men’s appearances (17), followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with 15. In the women’s category, Wendie Renard and Lucy Bronze share the record with seven selections each.
The FIFPRO World XI was first introduced in 2005, while the women’s version was launched in 2016.
