Super Falcons defender, Michelle Alozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World XI, becoming one of only three African players nominated for the prestigious global team voted for exclusively by professional footballers worldwide.
The Houston Dash full-back joins a star-studded shortlist of 26 players, following a sensational year for both club and country, which saw her play a decisive role in Nigeria’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco.
Michelle Alozie Shortlisted Following a Standout Year
According to FIFPRO, the 26 nominees earned the highest number of votes from fellow professionals based on their performances between August 11, 2024, and August 3, 2025.
More than 26,000 players from 68 countries participated in the voting process, making it one of the most representative and respected honors in world football.
Nominees were required to have featured in at least 20 official matches at club, national, or international level during the evaluation period.
The final Women’s World XI will feature one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards, with an additional outfield player slot going to the next highest vote-getter.
The winners will be announced on Monday, November 3, 2025, via FIFPRO’s digital platforms.
Michelle Alozie Among the World’s Elite Defenders
Alozie, 28, is one of seven defenders shortlisted for the World XI, joining Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, and Alex Greenwood (England), Olga Carmona and Ona Batlle (Spain), and Ellie Carpenter (Australia).
Her inclusion caps off an extraordinary year in which she became a key figure in Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title campaign, notably scoring the decisive stoppage-time winner against South Africa in the semi-final and later earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
At club level, the right-back has continued to impress with Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where her defensive discipline, attacking drive, and leadership have made her one of the most consistent performers in the American Women’s League.
FIFPRO World XI Legacy and History
Since its inception in 2005, the FIFPRO World XI has stood as football’s most authentic player-voted award. The women’s equivalent was introduced in 2016.
Wendie Renard and Lucy Bronze currently share the record for the most appearances in the Women’s World XI, with seven selections each, while in the men’s game, Lionel Messi leads with 17, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with 15.
African Representation on the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World XI
Alozie’s nomination places her alongside Morocco captain, Ghizlane Chebbak and Zambia’s Barbra Banda as the only African players on the list.
The FIFPRO recognition also underscores Nigeria’s continued presence among football’s elite, coming after a strong year for the Super Falcons, who reached the semi-finals of the 2024 WAFCON and extended their continental dominance.
Houston Dash Celebrate Their Star Full-Back
Alozie’s club, Houston Dash, celebrated her nomination with a congratulatory message on their official Facebook page, saying:
“Congratulations to Michelle Alozie for being named to the FIFPRO Women’s World XI shortlist.”
