CHICAGO — FIFA announced the FIFPro World XI for 2019 at The Best awards that took place on Monday, September 22. Chicago Red Stars defender Julie Ertz was named to the squad as one of the best 11 players in world football. 

Ertz was a key member of the U.S. WNT during the World Cup. In six games played she commandeered the midfield and backline, helping the defense shutout their opponents in four games and never allowing more than one goal per game to the opposition. Ertz scored her first career World Cup goal against Chile in the second group stage game and along with Naeher became a two-time World Cup champion. 

Ertz captains the Red Stars and has been one of the league’s premier players. Last season she was named to the NWSL Second XI, earning that accolade in four of the five seasons throughout her career. She has helped the Red Stars reach the NWSL playoffs in five consecutive seasons.