Thorns FC defender Meghan Klingenberg was named to the first-ever FIFPro Women's World XI today. FIFPro, a global union of pro soccer players, selected the XI based on a players vote that included 33 different nationalities spread across 20 different countries.
Fellow U.S. teammates Carli Lloyd, Julie Johnston and Hope Solo were also included in the list.
A men's Best XI has been in existence since 2005 but this is the first edition for female players.
“This is a landmark for the women’s game,” said FIFPro General-Secretary Theo van Seggelen.
Klingenberg and the USWNT play Trinidad & Tobago Friday in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament (5:30pm PT, NBC Sports). Thorns FC open their 2016 NWSL season on April 17 against Orlando Pride at Providence Park (7pm PT).
Goalkeeper:Hope Solo (USA, Seattle Reign FC)
Defenders (4):Wendie Renard (France, Lyon), Meghan Klingenberg (USA, Portland Thorns FC), Kadeisha Buchanan (Canada, West Virginia Mountaineers), Julie Johnston (USA, Chicago Red Stars)
Midfielders (3):Carli Lloyd (USA, Houston Dash), Amandine Henry (France, Lyon), Aya Miyama (Japan, Okoyama Yunogo Belle)
Forwards (3):Celia Sasic (Germany, 1.FFC Frankfurt), Eugenie Le Sommer (France, Lyon), Anja Mittag (Germany, PSG)
Retired
