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| NWSL Best XI | |
|---|---|
| Name | NWSL Best XI |
| Awarded for | Annual selection of top players in the National Women's Soccer League |
| Presenter | National Women's Soccer League |
| Country | United States |
| First awarded | 2013 |
NWSL Best XI
The NWSL Best XI is an annual postseason honor recognizing the top eleven players in the National Women's Soccer League each season. It highlights standout performers from clubs such as Portland Thorns FC, North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Houston Dash, Chicago Red Stars, and Racing Louisville FC, and has featured international stars from United States women's national soccer team, Canada women's national soccer team, England women's national football team, Australia women's national soccer team, and Brazil women's national football team.
The Best XI compiles elite performers across positions including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from franchises like Angel City FC, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, San Diego Wave FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC development links. Early recipients included players affiliated with FC Kansas City, Western New York Flash, and Boston Breakers, connecting the honor to the broader history of professional women's soccer in United States competition. The accolade sits alongside postseason awards such as the NWSL Golden Boot and NWSL Most Valuable Player Award.
Voting typically involves stakeholders across the league: coaches from clubs such as Portland Thorns FC and North Carolina Courage, media accredited by outlets like The Athletic, ESPN, Fox Sports, and a fan component drawing engagement from supporters of Rose City Riveters and The Den. Statistical performance metrics often reference organizing bodies like Opta and analytical platforms covering players like Sam Kerr, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Christine Sinclair. Votes are weighted to balance input from players' union perspectives, club technical staffs, and national team call-ups including Tobin Heath, Kristen Press, Samantha Mewis, Lianne Sanderson, and Sofia Huerta.
Each season's Best XI reflects changing rosters shaped by transfers and drafts involving entities such as National Women's Soccer League College Draft, trades with clubs like Sky Blue FC (now NJ/NY Gotham FC), and international signings from Chelsea F.C. Women, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, FC Barcelona Femení, and Kawasaki Frontale. Years have spotlighted players from championship-winning rosters such as North Carolina Courage (2018), Portland Thorns FC (2013, 2017), and Chicago Red Stars contenders. Notable season selections have included Caroline Graham Hansen, Julie Ertz, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alyssa Naeher, Crystal Dunn, Vivianne Miedema, Rose Lavelle, Dalyce Clark, and Marta when guest appearances and exhibition ties occurred.
Multiple-time selections have solidified legacies for figures like Becky Sauerbrunn, Sam Kerr, Carli Lloyd, Christine Sinclair, and Megan Rapinoe. Clubs with repeated representation include Portland Thorns FC and North Carolina Courage, while seasons of dominance correlated with award sweeps reminiscent of campaigns by FC Barcelona Femení in Europe or Lyon in UEFA competitions. Individual records reference goal tallies comparable to Julie Johnston Ertz’s defensive consistency, Sam Kerr’s scoring form rivaling Golden Boot winners, and goalkeeper records echoing performances by Alyssa Naeher and Hope Solo during their careers.
Defensive selections often mirror tactical shifts introduced by coaches such as Riley, Mark Parsons, Vlatko Andonovski, and Laura Harvey, emphasizing ball-playing center backs and overlapping fullbacks akin to trends in FC Barcelona Femení and Manchester City W.F.C.. Midfield Best XI choices reflect roles ranging from deep-lying playmakers like Lindsey Horan to box-to-box profiles like Sam Mewis and attacking creators like Rose Lavelle, while forward spots reward prolific finishers and wide attackers exemplified by Sam Kerr and Marta-style internationals. Set-piece specialists and pressing forwards have been favored in seasons where clubs implemented high-press schemes inspired by Jürgen Klopp-influenced models adapted for women's soccer.
Selection has boosted market value for players during transfer negotiations with European powerhouses such as Chelsea F.C. Women, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, and VfL Wolfsburg (women), and influenced national team selection for tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup, Olympic women's football tournament, SheBelieves Cup, and Copa América Femenina. Alumni of Best XI have progressed to roles off the pitch with organizations including FIFA, UEFA, and national federations, and have gained endorsement opportunities with brands similar to Nike, Adidas, and Coca-Cola.
Critiques mirror debates surrounding selection processes in other leagues and awards like the Ballon d'Or Féminin and concern over media bias, regional representation, and transparent criteria involving outlets such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. Specific controversies have involved perceived underrepresentation of clubs outside high-profile markets like Portland and Chicago, debates over rookies versus veterans such as Beverly Yanez and Marta, and calls for clearer statistical thresholds referencing providers like StatsBomb. Fans and analysts associated with supporter groups including USL Championship supporters and independent bloggers sometimes challenge selections, prompting discussions at league meetings and in coverage by commentators linked to Fox Sports and ESPN.
Category:National Women's Soccer League awards