The top 55 players in the world in 2019

As part of FIFA’s Best awards, FIFPRO’s members have nominated their shortlist of 55 players that will ultimately be narrowed down into a world best XI. Over 3,500 female players voted for the top 55, picking one GK, four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards based on their 2019 performance.

GOALKEEPERS (5)

Sarah Bouhaddi (France, Olympique Lyonnais)
Christiane Endler (Chile, Paris Saint-Germain)
Hedvig Lindahl (Sweden, VfL Wolfsburg/Chelsea)
Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)
Sari van Veenendaal (The Netherlands, Atletico)

DEFENDERS (20)

Millie Bright (England, Chelsea)|
Lucy Bronze (England, Olympique Lyonnais, photo)
Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada, Olympique Lyonnais)
Abby Dahlkemper (USA, North Carolina Courage)
Crystal Dunn (USA, North Carolina Courage)
Nilla Fischer (Sweden, Linkopings/VfL Wolfsburg)
Sara Gama (Italy, Juventus)
Stefanie van der Gragt (The Netherlands, FC Barcelona)
Alex Greenwood (England, Olympique Lyonnais)
Stephanie Houghton (England, Manchester City)
Ali Krieger (USA, Orlando Pride)
Saki Kumagai (Japan, Olympique Lyonnais)
Amel Majri (France, Olympique Lyonnais)
Griedge Mbock (France, Olympique Lyonnais)
Maren Mjelde (Norway, Chelsea)
Kelley O’Hara (USA, Utah Royals)
Wendie Renard (France, Olympique Lyonnais)
Michelle Romero (Venezuela, Deportivo La Coruna)
Camila Saez (Chile, Rayo Vallecano)
Becky Sauerbrunn (USA, Utah Royals)

MIDFIELDERS (15)

Andressa Alves (Brazil, AS Roma)
Kosovare Asllani (Sweden, CD Tacon, Linkopings)
Sara Daebritz (Germany, Paris Saint-Germain)
Danielle van de Donk (The Netherlands, Arsenal)
Julie Ertz (USA, Chicago Red Stars)
Formiga (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain)
Jackie Groenen (The Netherlands, Manchester United)
Amandine Henry (France, Olympique Lyonnais)
Lindsey Horan (USA, Portland Thorns)
Rose Lavelle (USA, Washington Spirit, photo)
Carli Lloyd (USA, Sky Blue)
Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany, Olympique Lyonnais)
Samantha Mewis (USA, North Carolina Courage)
Sherida Spitse (The Netherlands, Valerenga)
Keira Walsh (England, Manchester City)

FORWARDS (15)

Oriana Altuve (Venezuela, Rayo Vallecano)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, FC Barcelona)
Pernille Harder (Denmark, VfL Wolfburg)
Tobin Heath (USA, Portland Thorns)
Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)
Jennifer Hermoso (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Sam Kerr (Australia, Chicago Red Stars)
Eugenie Le Sommer (France, Olympique Lyonnais)
Lieke Martens (The Netherlands, FC Barcelona)
Vivianne Miedema (The Netherlands, Arsenal, photo)
Alex Morgan (USA, Orlando Pride)
Nikita Parris (England, Olympique Lyonnais)
Megan Rapinoe (USA, Reign FC)
Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil, Orlando Pride)
Ellen White (England, Manchester City)

Number of players by country:

USA: 14
England: 7
Netherlands: 7
France: 6
Brazil: 3
Norway: 3
Sweden: 3
Chile: 2
Germany: 2
Venezuela: 2
Australia: 1
Canada: 1
Denmark: 1
Italy: 1
Japan: 1
Spain: 1

Last World XI (2017): Hedvig Lindahl; Lucy Bronze, Nilla Fischer, Irene Paredes, Wendie Renard; Camille Abily, Dzsenifer Marozsan, Marta; Pernille Harder, Lieke Martens, Alex Morgan.

This year’s World XI could end up being heavily dominated by US players thanks to their emphatic World Cup run, a reversal from the last World XI containing just one in Alex Morgan. The top countries represented also roughly track with teams that advanced deep into the tournament.

It’s also interesting to note that while FIFPRO says 3,500 players voted on the shortlist for this edition, last time 4,100 players voted, and before that 3,200. Perhaps eligible voters shift due to changing membership requirements or countries joining and leaving. Still, no matter how many voters were in play, this year was always going to be dominated by US players, as you would expect in a World Cup year where they won.

Who would you pick for your World XI in 2019?