The Top 20 Female Soccer Players Ever
Artificial intelligence dug deep into decades of tournaments, individual records, and unforgettable moments to highlight these remarkable athletes. They helped push women’s soccer forward by breaking scoring milestones and leading their nations to historic victories. Here are their stories that span different eras and playing styles that share a common thread: they changed how the world views the women’s game.
Kosovare Asllani – Sweden
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A clever through ball often started with Kosovare Asllani. She featured for PSG, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, earning nearly 200 caps for Sweden while playing attacking midfield and forward roles. Her quick feet and soccer intelligence powered Sweden’s runs to multiple World Cup semifinals. Though not overloaded with trophies, her creative style gave teammates opportunities they otherwise might never have had.
Lieke Martens – Netherlands
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When the Netherlands shocked Europe by winning the 2017 UEFA Women’s Championship, Lieke Martens was at the heart of it. Her switch from Barcelona to PSG kept her in the elite tier, where she used quick shifts of direction and accurate strikes to trouble defenders. Over 150 caps later, she remains the most influential Dutch player in recent memory.
Wendie Renard – France
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It’s rare for a center back to score over 100 goals for one club, but Wendie Renard has done exactly that with Lyon. She became a set‑piece weapon while anchoring the defense through 14 straight French league titles and eight Champions League crowns.
Carli Lloyd – United States
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The 2015 World Cup final saw Carli Lloyd score three times in the first 16 minutes, including a strike from the halfway line. That single game marked her reputation as a big‑moment player. Add 316 appearances, two FIFA World Player of the Year awards, and a reputation for tireless training, and it’s easy to see why Lloyd is still spoken about with so much respect.
Homare Sawa – Japan
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A last‑gasp equalizer in the 2011 World Cup final turned Homare Sawa into a national hero. That goal helped Japan win on penalties against a heavily favored United States side. Beyond that match, Sawa earned over 200 caps and guided her country for years with precise passes and calm leadership. Her ability to control a game’s rhythm made her a rare kind of midfielder.
Hope Solo – United States
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Before many goalkeepers became household names, Hope Solo was already setting records. With 102 clean sheets for the U.S. national team, she remains their most reliable stopper in history. She stood firm in two Olympic gold medal runs and the 2015 World Cup victory.
Christine Sinclair – Canada
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Christine Sinclair’s 190‑plus international goals are unmatched by any player in world soccer. She guided Canada through multiple Olympic cycles, finally striking gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Sinclair rarely seeks the spotlight, but her steady scoring and unshakable calm have kept her country competitive for over two decades. Even at 40, she continued to contribute on the field with intelligence and timing.
Ada Hegerberg – Norway
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Few strikers can match Ada Hegerberg’s Champions League resume. With Lyon, she became the first Ballon d’Or Féminin winner in 2018 and averages nearly a goal per match in domestic competition. Her mix of strength and technique makes defenders uneasy, and even after injuries interrupted her career, she returned to high‑level form.
Sun Wen – China
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In 2000, FIFA named Sun Wen the Female Player of the Century and honored her role in China’s rise to the World Cup final and Olympic silver. Her balanced style—vision, passing, and finishing—earned respect worldwide at a time when women’s soccer was still growing. Most of her club career unfolded in Shanghai, but her global influence inspired an entire nation to dream bigger.
Lucy Bronze – England
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Lucy Bronze might be the most complete defender England has produced. Her overlapping runs and defensive interceptions helped England secure the 2022 European Championship and reach a World Cup final. She thrived at clubs like Manchester City, Lyon, and Barcelona and collected Champions League trophies and individual awards.
Abby Dahlkemper – United States
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Rather than dominating headlines, Abby Dahlkemper organized the U.S. defense during their 2019 World Cup triumph. Her clearances, positional awareness, and composure limited opponents’ chances when matches were tight. She also impressed in the NWSL and enjoyed a stint with Manchester City.
Sam Kerr – Australia
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An acrobatic backflip often follows a Sam Kerr goal, and she’s scored plenty. Australia’s all‑time leading scorer also shattered records at Chelsea, where her pace and aerial power became nightmares for defenders. Kerr’s ability to score in different leagues—NWSL and Women’s Super League—demonstrates her versatility. She continues to headline the Matildas’ attack by helping them achieve their deepest World Cup run in 2023.
Megan Rapinoe – United States
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Megan Rapinoe’s pinpoint crosses and clutch penalties fueled two U.S. World Cup titles. She claimed the 2019 Ballon d’Or after leading her team to glory and used that platform to champion equal pay. Her celebrations became iconic images, and her willingness to speak up made her more than just a player.
Mia Hamm – United States
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Mia Hamm scored 158 goals for the United States and led them to two World Cups and two Olympic golds. She became the sport’s most recognized figure in the 1990s. Her records inspired investment in youth programs across the country.
Marta – Brazil
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Marta holds six FIFA World Player of the Year awards and the record for most World Cup goals with 17. She has represented Brazil in five World Cups. Her longevity at the top level—spanning almost two decades—has made her the game’s standard bearer.