Top 10 best female footballers in the world

Women’s football has made great progress since its beginnings. This advancement has been particularly notable following the establishment of the inaugural Women’s Champions League in 2001, which has enabled us to observe some of the finest female football talent from across the world.

The first official women's football match took place in the late 1800s; however, it was not until the 1990s that the sport began to achieve mainstream recognition. During this decade, significant women's football leagues were established. Over time, women's football has gradually been gaining popularity.

The names of iconic female footballers such as Marta, Alex Morgan, Hope Solo, and Megan Rapinoe have gained recognition comparable to that of their male equivalents. These athletes have infused the sport with a distinctive vibrancy, significantly enhancing its appeal and sustainability across the different demographics.

In this article, let’s look at the top 10 best female footballers in the world currently.

10. Lauren James

Chelsea forward Lauren James has emerged as one of the premier strikers in contemporary women's football. Her exceptional abilities were prominently displayed during the 2023 World Cup, where she netted three goals and contributed three assists, playing a pivotal role in England's journey to the finals.

James's brother, Reece James, also plays for Chelsea, marking the first instance of siblings competing for the same club in the modern era. The former Manchester United striker has netted 20 goals for Chelsea across 43 appearances and has scored seven goals for her national team in 24 appearances.

9. Mary Earps

Mary Earps, another English player featured on this list, is often referred to as “Miss Dependable” due to her reliable performance as a goalkeeper. The custodian for Paris Saint Germain received the prestigious “BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award” in 2023.

Her outstanding performance at Manchester United was instrumental in the club's qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the 2023-24 season. Known for her ability to maintain clean sheets, Earps has also made history as the first goalkeeper to secure the fifth position in the Ballon d’Or voting.

8. Trinity Rodman

Trinity Rodman undoubtedly ranks among the most thrilling players to observe within the USWNT. Her playing style closely resembles that of Brazilian footballers during their peak, characterized by the remarkable authority she exhibits on the field. Rodman's signature moves, notably the "Trin Spin", named after her, along with her adept nutmegs is a menace for any opposing defender.

Rodman, a consistent presence in the USWNT lineup, rarely misses matches. In fact, she played in every game from the beginning of 2023 through October 2024. In addition to her proficiency as a winger, Rodman demonstrates a strong ability to assist the fullbacks by tracking back effectively.

7. Mariona Caldentey

Spaniard Mariona Caldentey is a habitual trophy winner. Her collection boasts an impressive array of medals, with very few missing from her cabinet. The 28-year-old forward has secured three Champions League titles with Barcelona in the years 2021, 2023, and 2024. Additionally, she played a significant role in Barcelona's remarkable quadruple victory last season.

After a decade with the esteemed Spanish club, Caldentey transitioned to London in 2024 to join Arsenal, embarking on a new phase in her illustrious career. Having made more than 200 appearances for Barcelona, she is undoubtedly destined to be remembered as a club legend.

6. Khadija Shaw

Khadija Shaw is an exceptional goal scorer. Since her arrival at Manchester City in 2021, the Jamaican international has scored 53 goals in approximately 62 matches. Her remarkable scoring ability was particularly evident last season, during which she tallied 21 goals. This impressive performance earned her the WSL Golden Boot, and she fell just one goal short of setting a new record in the Women’s Premier League.

It is important to remember that she was unable to played in the last three matches of that season due to an injury. Had it not been for this setback, it is uncertain how far she might have progressed. Known as "Bunny" due to her childhood fondness for carrots, Khadija boasts an impressive tally of 57 goals in merely 44 appearances for her national team.

5. Linda Caicedo

Known for scoring spectacularly, Linda Caicedo created a huge hype for herself ahead of the 2023 World Cup and deservingly so. Her exceptional talent attracted the attention of scouts from Real Madrid, leading to her signing with the prestigious club at the young age of 19.

The player, hailing from Candelaria, is distinguished as the first Colombian to score goals in the U-17, U-20, and senior women’s World Cup tournaments. Caicedo was also part of an Adidas advertisement alongside notable figures such as Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman, and American football star Patrick Mahomes.

4. Caroline Hansen

Barcelona winger Carolina Hansen has had a fantastic 2024 so far. She scored 21 goals in 25 appearances. Consequently, she received a perfect rating for her impeccable performance from the Spanish daily newspaper Sport.

Her remarkable year reached new heights when she received a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, ultimately securing a second-place finish. Although she hails from Norway, Hansen emphasizes technique and finesse over sheer strength and power to outmaneuver her competitors.

3. Barbra Banda

Barbra Banda is not someone to be daunted by controversy. The Zambian faced online criticism from both trolls and notable figures, including J.K. Rowling, who alleged that she is cisgender. Nevertheless, those challenges are now in the past, as the Orlando Pride player is enjoying a remarkable season in 2024.

Since her transfer to the club for a record fee of $740,000, she has demonstrated exceptional performance. In her initial 11 appearances, she has scored 12 goals and contributed five assists. Banda has also played a pivotal role for the Copper Queens, aiding their qualification for the 2024 Olympics. Her two goals were instrumental in securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Morocco for Zambia.

2. Naomi Girma

Naomi Girma has received high praise from USWNT coach Emma Hayes, who has referred to her as “the best defender.” While some may question this assertion upon reviewing her performance, it is difficult to dispute Hayes’s assessment.

Even though a defender’s game is always overlooked among the other roles her style truly stands out. The Californian is highly regarded for her exceptional distribution and keen vision. She possesses an innate ability to position herself effectively to prevent goals. This season, she successfully blocked 22 shots in the NWSL.

1. Aitana Bonmati

Aitana Bonmati stands out as the foremost player following an exceptional year for both her club and national team. The Spanish midfielder played a pivotal role in leading her Catalan club to a quadruple victory, securing titles in LaLiga, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Copa de la Reina, and the Spanish Supercopa. Additionally, Bonmati maintained her impressive performance on the international stage, netting seven goals for her country.

Bonmati is a key player in high-stakes matches, consistently demonstrating her ability to control the game during critical moments. Her goal in the Champions League final was instrumental in securing a 2-0 victory for Barcelona against Lyon. Not only does Bonmati excel in finishing, but she also plays a pivotal role in generating opportunities in the attacking third.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports