TOP 50: The Best Players in Women’s Football Today

The question looms larger than ever: who truly stands as the finest talents in women’s football today?

As the women’s game undergoes a rapid evolution, the technical skills, physical prowess, and fiery debates surrounding the superstars of the sport only intensify. Here at eScored, we’ve taken the plunge to draw our own conclusions…

This selection process proved to be a formidable challenge. Spearheaded by our women’s football editor, Sarah Rendell, we reached out to fellow football analysts at eScored for their insights.

Players were evaluated based on their contemporary impact in the sport, while their past achievements and contributions to club and international football were duly noted. Importantly, this list showcases a global talent pool, not confined to the European circuit alone. Indeed, all positions were thoroughly considered in this rigorous evaluation.

Beyond mere technical skill, we emphasized overall effectiveness; players’ big-game performances and versatility were pivotal in the selection process for many of the remarkable talents featured.

While fans might find themselves at odds with some of the selections or their rankings, we assure you that every individual on this list exemplifies world-class ability. So, who’s made the cut? Who can lay claim to the title of the best player in the world? We invite you to share your thoughts with us on @eScored over social media…

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50. Jess Fishlock

Wales’ own Jess Fishlock has etched her name among the all-time greats in women’s football. By eclipsing Gareth Bale as Wales’ leading goalscorer in 2024 with 46 international strikes and boasting an astounding 156 caps, Fishlock’s legacy is formidable.

Her club journey with Reign FC, where she has showcased her talents since 2013, is equally impressive. With over 200 appearances, alongside her triumphs of winning the Champions League twice – once with Frankfurt and once with Lyon – Fishlock’s credentials are beyond dispute.

49. Sjoeke Nusken

The versatile Sjoeke Nusken of Chelsea and Germany earns her spot on this prestigious list, proving essential across the pitch. In the 2023/24 season, she exhibited remarkable adaptability, excelling in every position except goalkeeper for the Blues.

Her multifaceted skill set allows both club and country to adapt seamlessly to various match situations, a significant asset that was instrumental in Chelsea clinching the WSL title during Emma Hayes’ farewell season.

48. Esmee Brugts

Esmee Brugts, currently treading the waters at Barcelona, shows a sky of potential that could see her climb higher on this list in the future. Her adaptation and performances for the Netherlands have been nothing short of stellar, particularly during the intense stages of the 2023 World Cup, where she emerged as a pivotal player.

47. Selma Bacha

Lyon’s Selma Bacha is not just another defender; she’s a multifaceted threat. Her ability to perform meticulously in a back three while consistently launching forward to deliver pinpoint crosses showcases her dynamic style. Rising through Lyon’s youth ranks since her senior debut in 2017, Bacha has celebrated a staggering 16 trophies to date.

Now, as she carves out her place in the French national team since earning her first cap in 2021, her remarkable versatility looms large on the international stage as well.

46. Wendie Renard

The legendary Wendie Renard, an indomitable presence in the Lyon defense, remains a remarkable figure in the modern game. While perhaps not at her zenith, she still commands respect and admiration, with many supporters including her in their starting XI for her unmatched leadership and tactical insight on the field.

Crowned the captain of Lyon, Renard is notorious for her aerial prowess during set pieces, where her headers echo through stadiums, etching her name into folklore. Since joining the club in 2006, she has amassed a staggering 37 trophies, confirming her status as a footballing icon who shows no sign of slowing down.

45. Georgia Stanway

Georgia Stanway has made a name for herself as a tenacious and dynamic force for England, having secured the winner in the dramatic Euros quarter-final against Spain in 2022, propelling the Lionesses to glory. Her evolution reached new heights when she joined Bayern Munich from Manchester City in 2022, yielding immediate success with two Frauen Bundesliga titles and a German cup in her debut season.

44. Athenea del Castillo

Athenea del Castillo, the Spanish forward building her legacy at Real Madrid, carries the torch of skill with her mesmerizing dribbling. Although the silverware may still elude her, her remarkable performances on the international stage, including the World Cup and Nations League triumphs with Spain, are testaments to her abilities.

43. Mariona Caldentey

A product of Barcelona’s illustrious academy, Mariona Caldentey has transitioned into one of the pivotal forces at Arsenal after a decade at Camp Nou, where she netted 22 trophies. As a forward, her role in Spain’s recent World Cup and Nations League triumphs underscores her growing influence in this landscape.

42. Kerolin

Brazilian dynamo Kerolin dazzled spectators with her performances during the 2023 World Cup, subsequently guiding her nation to a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. Known for her deft play, she thrives both on the international stage and with North Carolina Courage, where she has already captured the NWSL Challenge Cup twice since her arrival in 2022.

41. Tabitha Chawinga

Tabitha Chawinga’s rise to prominence is nothing short of sensational, having garnered top-scorer accolades in Serie A during her loan at Inter Milan in the 2022/23 season. Her impressive tally of 23 goals that season sparked a loan to Paris Saint-Germain, where she became the first Malawian to score in the Women’s Champions League. Her brilliance earned her a permanent spot with Lyon in 2024.

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40. Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala, firmly rooted in the annals of Barcelona’s illustrious history, has amassed an incredible haul of silverware, taking home 14 trophies during her five-year tenure at the club. A vital cog in the machinery that built Barça into a powerhouse, her recent move to Bay FC has kept her in the spotlight.

Not only a club hero, Oshoala also represents Nigeria with immense pride. The first player from Super Falcons history to score in three consecutive World Cups, her mark on the international stage is indelible.

39. Kadidiatou Diani

After a prolific spell with Paris Saint-Germain, Kadidiatou Diani now dons the colors of Lyon. Although her approach may not be the flashiest, her efficacy is undeniable, as proven by her recent triumph as the leading scorer in the 2023/24 Women’s Champions League. Diani’s hat-trick against Panama in the 2023 World Cup illustrated her significance to the French national team.

38. Trinity Rodman

Trinity Rodman has emerged as a formidable prowess in her debut NWSL season, seeing her rise to prominence with the Washington Spirit after being crowned Rookie of the Year. Additionally, her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Games, where she helped secure a gold medal for the United States by scoring three crucial goals, showcases her indispensable role in the squad.

And for those who may recognize the name—yes, she is indeed the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman.

37. Melchie Dumornay

Born in 2003, Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay is heralded as one of the brightest prospects worldwide. Possessing mesmerizing passing skills and an innate ability to read the game, her talents flourished when she made the move to Lyon in 2023, where she clinched two trophies in her inaugural season. Surrounded by world-class players at Lyon, she is lauded as Haiti’s finest player.

36. Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith, a dynamic force for the US Women’s National Team, made her international debut in 2020 after an explosive NWSL season, marking her as the first player born in the 2000s to don the national colors. As a key contributor to the USA’s golden run at the 2024 Olympics, she was a standout performer, earning accolades and cementing her status as a future star.

35. Caroline Weir

When it comes to breathtaking long-range strikes, few can rival Caroline Weir. The former Manchester City star, now shining brightly with Real Madrid, has continued to astonish fans with her ability to find the back of the net from outrageous distances. Her signature belters, particularly in high-stakes derbies, have made her a household name.

Though her career faced a setback with an ACL injury in 2023, her remarkable goal-scoring prowess remains intact.

34. Lucia Garcia

Lucia Garcia’s artistry on the ball shone through when she played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s FA Cup victory in 2024. After netting a double in the final against Tottenham, her departure on a free transfer to Monterrey garnered attention, as United lost one of their brightest prospects.

Garcia, who has donned the Spanish national colors since 2018, has opted to set higher standards for the team by making herself unavailable for selection in 2022 and 2023.

33. Pernille Harder

The indomitable Pernille Harder, now plying her trade at Bayern Munich, showcases an enviable pedigree having clinched league titles consecutively across three clubs. More than just a goal-scoring threat, her exceptional ability to unlock defenses renders her an invaluable asset for teams across the board.

Notably, she is Denmark’s all-time top scorer and remains influential both on and off the pitch as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

32. Alexandra Popp

Aly Class= “Popp” has graced pitches across Europe for over a decade, playing a starring role as Germany’s finest player. Her record-breaking tally of 67 goals in 144 appearances speaks volumes, and her unwavering resolve was demonstrated during Euro 2022, where she scored in every match leading up to the final, only to be denied a chance to shine on the Wembley stage due to a pre-match injury.

Currently with Wolfsburg, she has secured an impressive 19 trophies, one of which was the Euro 2022 runner-up medal.

31. Marie-Antoinette Katoto