Arsenal men and women players
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal stars Alessia Russo, Leah Williamson, and Chloe Kelly have earned a place in the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11, a prestigious honour that holds unique significance in football as it is decided entirely by the players themselves.
More than 6,000 professional female footballers from across the globe cast their votes to select this year’s standout team.
What sets the FIFPRO World 11 apart from other football awards is its authenticity. Unlike accolades determined by journalists, coaches, or fans, this recognition comes directly from those who share the pitch, the players who truly understand the game and its demands.
The voting covered performances between 11 August 2024 and 3 August 2025, a period marked by exceptional achievements for the Arsenal trio. Russo, Williamson, and Kelly were instrumental in the Gunners’ UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph and also played pivotal roles in England’s victorious UEFA Women’s EURO campaign.
READ MORE: Ex-Arsenal star that played with Mikel Arteta is training with the first-team
For Russo and Williamson, this year’s honour marks a return to familiar territory. Russo makes her second appearance in the lineup, while Williamson celebrates her third. For Kelly, however, this recognition represents a landmark first inclusion in the FIFPRO World 11, a testament to her growth and influence on both domestic and international stages.
Speaking toFIFPRO, the Arsenal players shared their reflections on being acknowledged by their peers.
Recognition for an unbelievable year 🌟
Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson have been named in the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nCAnbNBuSW
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 3, 2025
“It feels special when it’s voted for by players – it means everything,” Russo said. 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.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
England captain Leah Williamson said: “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.”
“I’m very honoured to be within an amazing group of players, Chloe Kelly told FIFPRO. “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.”
NEXT ARTICLE: Very important Arsenal attacker missing from first-team training