Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, Barbra Banda and Brazil legend, NWSL star Marta headline FIFPRO Women's World 11 finalists

The 26 finalists include the back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner, NWSL stalwart, but none of the USWNT's "Triple Espresso" attacking trio

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Most of the biggest names in women's soccer have been included among the nominees for this year's FIFPRO Women's World 11. It is voted upon annually by the best players in the game. Dating back to 2015, the award celebrates footballing excellence on the global level.

  The 2024 awards will mark the ninth edition, and will be revealed Dec. 9. A record 28,000 players from 70 countries have voted for the 2024 Men’s World 11 and Women’s World 11.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The nominees are determined by position. Among the forwards are Banda, England's Alessia Russo, and Barcelona breakout star Salma Paralluelo. Midfielders include Bonmati, the USWNT's Lindsey Horan and Alexia Putellas, who impressed in her return after recovering from a serious knee injury.

  U.S. center back Naomi Girma is on the list, less than two months after being omitted from the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The USWNT's "Triple Espresso" of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson did not make the final list of nominees. Horan and Girma are the only Americans to make the list.

• THE FIFPRO WOMEN'S WORLD 11 SHORTLIST IN FULL

  Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Mary Earps, Christiane Endler

  Defenders: Selma Bacha, Ona Batlle, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Olga Carmona, Jess Carter, Naomi Girma, Alex Greenwood

  Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati, Debinha, Ingrid Engen, Lindsey Horan, Alexia Putellas, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh

  Forwards: Athenea, Barbra Banda, Linda Caicedo, Tabitha Chawinga, Lauren James, Marta, Salma Paralluelo, Alessia Russo

• Imagn

  WHAT NEXT FOR THE FIFPRO WOMEN'S WORLD 11?

  With the shortlist announced, the winners will be revealed on Dec. 9.