Top 10 Best Women Soccer Players: The Stars Kicking Goals and Breaking Barriers
Hello, soccer enthusiasts! Today, we're going to celebrate the power, skill, and grace of the top 10 best women soccer players. These amazing athletes have not only dominated the field but also broken barriers, inspiring a new generation of female soccer superstars. So, grab a seat, and let's dive into the world of women's soccer! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and top 10 best women soccer players.
The Evolution of Women's Soccer
Before we dive into the top 10, let's take a quick look at how far women's soccer has come. Once predominantly played in Europe and North America, women's soccer has exploded onto the global scene, with over 30 million players worldwide. The FIFA Women's World Cup, first held in 1991, has grown in stature and prestige, with the 2019 edition attracting over 1.1 billion viewers – that's more than the 2018 men's World Cup final!
The Selection Criteria
To create this list, we've considered several factors: individual skills, consistency, impact on their teams, and their influence on the growth of women's soccer. Now, without further ado, let's meet the top 10 best women soccer players!
1. Megan Rapinoe* - Striker, USA*
Kicking off our list is Megan Rapinoe, a two-time FIFA Women's Player of the Year (2019, 2020) and a crucial player for the USWNT. Known for her incredible dribbling skills, powerful shots, and deadly set pieces, Rapinoe was instrumental in the USWNT's 2019 World Cup victory. She's not just a fantastic player; she's also a fierce advocate for equality and social justice, making her a true inspiration both on and off the field.
2. Alex Morgan* - Forward, USA*
Another USWNT superstar, Alex Morgan, is a clinical finisher with exceptional aerial ability. She's the all-time leading scorer for the USWNT and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2018. Morgan's impressive performances have earned her a place in some of the world's top clubs, including Lyon and the Orlando Pride.
3. Lucy Bronze* - Defender, England*
Lucy Bronze is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in women's soccer. A versatile player, Bronze can play as a full-back or center-back, and her incredible pace, strength, and vision make her a constant threat going forward. She's won multiple titles with Lyon and was named the UEFA Women's Player of the Year in 2019.
4. Wendie Renard* - Defender, France*
Wendie Renard is another formidable defender who's made a name for herself at Lyon. Standing at 6'1", Renard is an aerial force to be reckoned with, and her powerful headers have made her one of the most dangerous players in the box. She's also a key player for the French national team, helping them reach the final of the 2019 World Cup.
5. Carli Lloyd* - Midfielder, USA*
Carli Lloyd is a true legend of women's soccer. A three-time FIFA Player of the Year (2015, 2016, 2017), Lloyd is known for her incredible work rate, tenacity, and ability to score spectacular goals. She's the only player – male or female – to score three goals in a World Cup final, and her hat-trick in the 2015 final helped the USWNT secure their third title.
6. Ada Hegerberg* - Forward, Norway*
Ada Hegerberg is a Norwegian striker who's made an incredible impact at Lyon, winning multiple titles and scoring over 200 goals. She's known for her clinical finishing, exceptional movement, and ability to create chances for herself and her teammates. Hegerberg was the first recipient of the Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2018, cementing her status as one of the best women soccer players.
7. Amel Majri* - Midfielder, France*
Amel Majri is a French midfielder known for her incredible dribbling skills, vision, and ability to create chances. She's been a key player for Lyon, helping them dominate European soccer, and has also made a significant impact for the French national team. Majri's exceptional talent has earned her multiple individual awards, including the UEFA Women's Player of the Year in 2020.
*8. Sarah Bouhaddi - Goalkeeper, France*
Sarah Bouhaddi is one of the best goalkeepers in women's soccer, known for her exceptional reflexes, agility, and ability to make crucial saves. She's been a key player for Lyon, helping them win multiple titles, and has also been a vital member of the French national team. Bouhaddi's performances have earned her multiple individual awards, including the UEFA Women's Goalkeeper of the Year in 2018 and 2020.
9. Vivianne Miedema* - Forward, Netherlands*
Vivianne Miedema is a Dutch striker known for her exceptional finishing, movement, and ability to create chances. She's been a key player for Arsenal and the Netherlands national team, helping them reach the final of the 2017 European Championship. Miedema's incredible goal-scoring ability has earned her multiple individual awards, including the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
10. Sam Kerr* - Forward, Australia*
Rounding off our list is Sam Kerr, an Australian striker known for her incredible pace, power, and clinical finishing. She's been a key player for Chelsea and the Australian national team, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup. Kerr's exceptional talent has earned her multiple individual awards, including the FIFA Women's Player of the Year in 2018 and 2020.
Honorable Mentions
With so many incredible players in women's soccer, it's impossible to limit our list to just 10. Here are a few more players who deserve a mention:
- Martina Voss-Tecklenburg - A German midfielder known for her exceptional passing and vision, Voss-Tecklenburg was a key player for the German national team and has since become a successful coach. - Pernille Harder - A Danish striker known for her incredible finishing and ability to create chances, Harder has been a key player for Wolfsburg and the Danish national team. - Saki Kumagai - A Japanese defender known for her exceptional leadership and ability to organize her team's defense, Kumagai has been a key player for Lyon and the Japanese national team.
The Future of Women's Soccer
As we've seen, women's soccer is filled with incredible talent, and the future looks bright. With the growth of the sport, more and more young girls are being inspired to pick up a ball and start playing. As these young stars develop, we can expect to see even more incredible feats on the field.
So, there you have it – our list of the top 10 best women soccer players. We hope you've enjoyed learning about these amazing athletes and their incredible achievements. Here's to the future of women's soccer – may it continue to grow, inspire, and break barriers!