Rabat – Moroccan international Ghizlane Chebbak has been named among the 26 finalists for the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11, placing the Atlas Lionesses captain in contention for another appearance in the prestigious team of the year.
The International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) announced the shortlist on Monday, recognizing players who received the most votes from fellow professionals for their performances over the past season.
Chebbak is among seven midfielders competing for a place in the final lineup, alongside Barcelona stars Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro and Vicky Lopez, as well as Manchester United’s Ella Toone and Paris FC’s Anaele Le Moguedec.
Her nomination follows another important year in her career, including appearances with Morocco at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and her spell with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
The 36-year-old returned to Moroccan club AS FAR in September after spending a season in Saudi Arabia.
Chebbak seeks second consecutive selection
The nomination offers Chebbak an opportunity to secure a place in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 for the second consecutive year.
In 2025, she made history by becoming the first Moroccan woman selected for the prestigious team.
She joined Zambia’s Barbra Banda in that year’s lineup, marking the first time two African players had featured together in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11.
Chebbak also received the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, recognizing her performances for club and country.
The Moroccan midfielder has been a leading figure in the development of women’s football in the Kingdom, helping the Atlas Lionesses establish themselves among Africa’s competitive national teams.
She previously finished as the leading scorer at the 2022 and 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Final team to be announced November 9
According to FIFPRO, 6,511 professional female footballers from 64 countries participated in this year’s voting process.
The finalists were selected based on performances between August 4, 2025, and August 16, 2026, with players required to have made at least 20 official appearances during that period.
The final World 11 will include one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, with the remaining position awarded to the highest-ranked outfield player not already selected.
FIFPRO will reveal the final lineup on November 9 through its official digital platforms.
Chebbak is not Morocco’s only representative among this year’s finalists, with Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi also included in the men’s shortlist.
