Arsenal Women forward makes world’s best XI for third time in four years

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo has been voted into the 2026 FIFPRO Women's World 11, joining Claudia Pina and Barbra Banda in the forward line. Russo is the only Arsenal player to make the final eleven, despite nominations for teammates Ona Batlle, Emily Fox, and Chloe Kelly. The lineup was voted on by 6,511 professional players across 64 countries for performances between August 2025 and August 2026.

This marks Russo's third inclusion in the World 11, following selections in 2023 and 2025. Over the qualifying period, she scored nine goals in 12 Women's Champions League appearances, won the FIFA Women's Champions Cup, and was named England's Player of the Year. She is one of five England players included, alongside Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, and Ella Toone.