Arsenal trio on making Women’s World 11: "It feels special when it’s voted for by the players"

• Over 6,000 women’s footballers voted for their world team of the year
• The FIFPRO World 11 remains the only global football award decided exclusively by the players
• Arsenal and England stars Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly share their reactions to being named in the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11

Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly have been voted into the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 – the only global football award decided entirely by the players themselves. More than 6,000 professional women’s footballers from around the world cast their votes to select their team of the year.

Unlike many football accolades determined by journalists, coaches, or fans, the FIFPRO World 11 stands out for one key reason: it’s chosen by the players – the people who know the game best.

Votes were based on performances between 11 August 2024 and 3 August 2025, a period in which Russo, Williamson and Kelly enjoyed remarkable success for both club and country. The trio helped Arsenal lift the UEFA Women’s Champions League and played key roles in England’s triumph at the UEFA Women’s EURO.

For Russo and Williamson, it’s familiar territory: this marks Russo’s second and Williamson’s third appearance in the prestigious lineup. For Kelly, however, 2025 brings her first inclusion in the World 11.

FIFPRO caught up with the Arsenal trio to hear how it feels to be recognised by their peers and what this honour means to them.

Alessia Russo

"It feels special when it’s voted for by players – it means everything. They’re the people you want to impress; they’re the people you play with every day. They’re the people that matter most to me and the people you want to do well for. I love being part of a team and, especially as a forward, I wouldn’t be able to do anything without other players around me."

Leah Williamson

"I think the ones that are voted for by the players mean the most. I was part of two very successful teams this year. It’s lovely. It’s one that you can trust the most. There are always names that I believe should be on the list and make you feel quite fraudulent about being on it yourself, but being voted for by the players has the most credibility."

Chloe Kelly

"I’m very honoured to be within an amazing group of players. It’s special. I’m very grateful. Being recognised by your peers – the players that you come up against, the players that you play with – is special, when you battle it out on the pitch and have that respect for each other to nominate one other for an award."