FifPro Women's World XI shortlist sparks debate as Shaw and other stars left out
The 26-player FifPro Women's World XI shortlist, voted for by fellow professionals, omits several high-profile names including Manchester City's Khadija Shaw, while some England inclusions raise questions.
The FifPro Women's World XI shortlist has drawn scrutiny after several prominent players were left off the 26-name list, which is decided entirely by fellow footballers. The finalists were selected from votes cast by 6,511 women's players across 64 countries through an online FifPro system, with selections based on the period between 4 August 2025 and 16 August 2026. To be eligible, players had to feature at least 20 times during that window.
Among the most notable absentees is Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw, who finished third in the Ballon d'Or and helped her club to a league and FA Cup double as top scorer with 21 goals in 22 games. Malawi's Temwa Chawinga, Haiti's Melchie Dumornay, Barcelona's Caroline Graham Hansen and Denmark captain Pernille Harder were also left out, with five of the top 10 Ballon d'Or finishers failing to make the cut.
The inclusions of England trio Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Aggie Beever-Jones have proven controversial, as all three initially missed the most recent Lionesses squad. Chelsea's Beever-Jones scored seven goals in all competitions for club and country during the voting period, while Toone and Kelly struggled for form and fitness. By contrast, England team-mates Lauren Hemp and Lauren James impressed for their clubs but were not shortlisted.
Lyon striker Ada Hegerberg is included despite not scoring in the knockout stages of the Women's Champions League and not being a guaranteed starter during the first voting period. The final XI will feature one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards with the most votes in their positions, plus one additional outfield player with the next highest tally. Votes for players named in more than one position are combined, and the winners will be announced on Monday, 9 November at 13:00 GMT.
This is not the first time the shortlist has prompted debate. Last year, Arsenal and Spain midfielder Mariona Caldentey was omitted despite finishing runner-up in the Ballon d'Or, and in 2024 four of the top five Ballon d'Or finishers were not shortlisted, including Graham Hansen. Supporters have questioned the discrepancy between player votes and other individual awards, though the full results and winners have yet to be confirmed.
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