USWNT players snubbed in Fifpro XI despite Olympic gold

In a surprising decision, the Fifpro Women’s World XI did not include any players from the United States Women's National Team (USWNT), despite their recent success in winning Olympic gold. The selection was made by approximately 7,000 women’s soccer players from 70 countries, resulting in an All-Star team primarily comprising players from England and the top clubs in Spain. This exclusion raised eyebrows among soccer fans as the USWNT has historically been a dominant force in women's soccer. Notably, the only two players from outside Europe on the list were Marta from Brazil and Barbra Banda from Zambia. Banda, who accomplished a significant feat by scoring a hat-trick at the Olympics, is noted for her performance in both the Olympics and the NWSL postseason. The selection highlights the strength of European players, evident in the fact that five players from the Netherlands made the shortlist, even though the USWNT performed well during the Olympic Games. The decision has sparked discussions about the selection criteria and the visibility of American players on an international platform. Among the US players considered for the shortlist were Naomi Girma and Lindsey Horan, yet neither made the final squad. Girma was recognized as a standout defender, ranking highly in multiple global surveys, while Horan’s representation for Lyon has been noteworthy. Despite these admirable performances, it appears the perceptions and preferences of women soccer players around the globe lead to a diminutive presence of American players in these elite selections. This disparity calls into question the dynamics of international women’s soccer and whether it reflects national performance adequately. As a result of this omission from the Fifpro World XI, questions arise about the future visibility and consideration of US players in international selections. While the players on the shortlist are phenomenally talented and deserving of recognition, the exclusion of the USWNT players from an Al-Star list post-Olympic triumph emphasizes an evolving landscape in women’s soccer; a landscape where regional dominance and club performances may take precedence over international accomplishments. The absence of the USWNT in such a prestigious other context has implications for women's soccer's representation and may motivate conversations about inclusivity and recognition moving forward.