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FIFPro announced today the 2015 Women's World XI, the first time they have ever done a world XI for the women's game. Four Americans made the final XI in Hope Solo, Julie Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg, and Carli Lloyd.
FIFPro indicated that they created a women's starting XI after "numerous requests" from female players. FIFPro has had a men's world XI since 2005, so it behooves them to start bringing their organization in line with ideals of gender parity. They have also opened their membership to individual female players who are unable to join a local union in their own country, as well as creating an advisory board for female players.
@FIFPro proudly presents the #WorldXI 2015: pic.twitter.com/N4X1zxwTyV
— FIFPro (@FIFPro) February 18, 2016
Goalkeeper: Hope Solo (United States)
Defenders: Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada), Julie Johnston (United States), Meghan Klingenberg (United States), Wendie Renard (France)
Midfielders: Amandine Henry (France), Carli Lloyd (United States), Aya Miyama (Japan)
Forwards: Eugenie Le Sommer (France), Anja Mittag (Germany), Celia Sasic (Germany)
All of these players were included in the World Cup All-Star Team created by FIFA's Technical Study Group last year, though Le Sommer was listed then as a midfielder. The youngest player on the list is 20-year old Kadeisha Buchanan and the oldest is Hope Solo at 34.
Voting was done by female players "of 33 different nationalities spread out over 20 countries."
Once again left off the list is center back nonpareil Becky Sauerbrunn, who has been passed over for numerous awards despite her mastery of her position. At this point it's probably just safer to assume Sauerbrunn won't win an award, no matter how deserving, in order to be pleasantly surprised when she does win. (Looking at you, NWSL defender of the year award, good on ya for keeping it real with Sauerbrunn three years in a row.)