Historic Honors: Bronze and Yamal Lead the Fifpro World XI

Celebrating Excellence in Football

The Fifpro World XI is not just an accolade; it's a true reflection of a player's impact on the game. This year, Lucy Bronze, England's stalwart defender, has again claimed her spot in the Fifpro Women's World XI—a testament to her enduring excellence and unmatched skill.

In a groundbreaking moment, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal has etched his name into history, becoming the youngest player selected for the Men's World XI at just 18 years old. This achievement signals a promising era for young talent in football, demonstrating that age is just a number when it comes to skill and determination.

Lucy Bronze: A Pillar of Consistency

Lucy Bronze, who plays for Chelsea after an illustrious Euro 2025 campaign, remains a beacon of strength on the field. She has not only contributed to her club but has also evolved into a leader for her nation. Selected for the Eighth straight year in the Fifpro Women's World XI, her continual presence is emblematic of her relentless dedication and pursuit of excellence.

“It's an honor to be recognized again, but this is a collective effort. Every teammate pushes me to be better.” - Lucy Bronze

This year, Bronze is joined by fellow England players: Chloe Kelly, marking her first selection, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who has dazzled fans with her saves. Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo, who were crucial in guiding the Lionesses to successive European titles, continue to be acknowledged.

• Millie Bright also makes her mark, despite not participating in Euro 2025.

Lamine Yamal: The Dawn of a New Era

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal's rise at Barcelona has been meteoric. By breaking Kylian Mbappé's record as the youngest player in the Men's World XI, Yamal represents a shift toward youth promising to shake up the football landscape. This selection comes on the heels of an impressive few months where his technical abilities and understanding of the game have caught everyone's eye.

Yamal's entry into the World XI is not simply about youth; it reflects Barcelona's ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent, which will be pivotal to securing victories in the future. Recognizing both veterans and promising newcomers establishes balance within the teams.

Men's World XI Breakdown

Goalkeeper:

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris St-Germain/Manchester City, Italy)

Defenders:

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco), Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal)

Midfielders:

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England), Pedri (Barcelona, Spain), Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)

Forwards:

Ousmane Dembele (PSG, France), Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)

The Importance of the Fifpro World XI

The Fifpro World XI is not a mere popularity contest but a recognition bestowed by professional footballers, emphasizing respect and recognition from peers in the sport. In an era of increasing specialization and strategy within football, these selections highlight both the heart and the tactical prowess of the game.

A Record Number of Voters

With more than 26,000 players from 68 countries participating in the voting, it's a significant elevation of community spirit within football. The fact that the players themselves have chosen their successors speaks volumes about the camaraderie and respect that exists across clubs and countries.

Final Thoughts

As we celebrate the achievements of Bronze and Yamal, it's essential to recognize their respective journeys. Lucy continues to set high standards for professionalism and sportsmanship in women's football, while Lamine's rapid ascent reminds us of the bright future young talents bring to the sport. These selections not only honor individual excellence but inspire the next generation of players looking to make their mark on football history.