The 26 Greatest Women’s Soccer Players, Ranked
Soccer grabs attention on every continent. Kids kick balls in backyards and dream big, and a few actually make it all the way to the top. For years the game was written off as men's domain, but women’s soccer has pushed its way into the spotlight. Who really rises above the rest? We sorted through careers and trophies to find out.
Megan Rapinoe, Champion On and Off Field
Rapinoe became a global name by winning where it matters and speaking up off the pitch. She boasts two Women’s World Cup wins and an Olympic gold from 2012, then used that platform to push for LGBT rights and gender equality. Her wins backed up her voice, giving her cultural impact beyond the scoreline. That mix of trophies and activism makes her impossible to ignore.
Abby Wambach, The Ultimate Goal Machine
Wambach arrived as the top high school recruit and kept producing big moments at every level. She helped Florida claim its first NCAA title and went on to a storied international run. Her 184 goals for the U.S. still stand as the women’s scoring record. Powerful, relentless, and clutch, she defined a scoring era.
Alex Morgan, World Cup Winner and Star
Morgan is one of the most recognizable names in modern women’s soccer, blending goals with a mainstream profile. A World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, she has about 100 goals in roughly 160 caps for the U.S. She crosses into pop culture with TV cameos and a string of soccer books, and even made headlines for planning to compete soon after becoming a mom. Her mix of production and profile keeps her in the conversation.
Christine Sinclair, Canada’s All-Time Scoring Star
Sinclair fell in love with the game as a kid and grew into Canada’s defining player. She has 181 international goals, second only to the top scorer in history, and has been a constant leader for her country. Canada has honored her as an Officer of the Order of Canada and even put her on a postage stamp. Durable, dependable, and vocal, she has been the backbone of her national team for years.
22. Joy Fawcett
Joy Fawcett was a three-time All-American during her time at the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to pursue an equally successful professional career. She is one of the most accomplished soccer players in United States history, leading her country to its first victory in the Women’s World Cup in 1991. In total, she has played in four Women’s World cups and two Summer Olympics, as well as coaching the UCLA women’s soccer team—plus also giving birth to three children!
21. Tiffeny Milbrett
Starting out as a three-time All-American during her college career at the University of Portland, it was clear from the outset that Tiffany Milbrett was destined to be a star. She then made history in 1996 when she represented the United States in the Olympics, scoring the winning goal and bringing home a gold medal. She also is remembered for her role in leading the U.S. national team to victory in the 1999 Women’s World Cup. A true national treasure, Milbrett was named the WUSA Most Valuable Player in 2001.
20. Julie Fleeting
Scottish soccer player Julie Fleeting has the beautiful game well and truly in her blood, as her father and uncles were also professional football players. Clearly not intimidated by her place in what was once considered a boys’ game, Fleeting played alongside boys for most of her childhood, until the age of 12 when mixed playing was banned in Scotland. Fleeting has been a regular fixture on the Scottish national team for 23 years. Long considered a national treasure, Fleeting was honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2008.
19. Julie Foudy
July Foudy found her place on the United States Women’s National Team before she had even graduated high school! During her time at Mission Viejo High, she achieved multiple All-American honors and a spot on the national team at the tender age of 16. Her college career saw even more glory, as a four-time All American at Stanford. In 1991 she was part of the victorious U.S. Women’s National Team in the first-ever Women’s World Cup, and named Soccer America Player of the Year.
18. Kristine Lilly
Forward Kristine Lilly still holds the record for the highest number of caps in the history of both men’s and women’s soccer. Lilly started her career by joining the U.S. Women’s National Team when she was still in high school and went on to appear a whopping 354 times over 24 amazing years. During the early years of her career Lilly won four NCAA championships at the University of North Carolina, as well as taking the U.S. to a victorious penalty shootout at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
17. Lotta Schelin
The reason Swedish player Lotta Schelin makes our list is not just because of her amazing achievements, but the obstacles she had to overcome to get there. Schelin suffers from a spinal condition, which requires extensive physical therapy. But she did not let this hold her back in becoming one of the most successful and prolific soccer players in her country’s history. She has the most goals to her name of any of her contemporaries, with a whopping 88 goals in 185 games. She also has represented her country in three Women’s World Cups and four Summer Olympics.
16. Cristiane
It’s often thought that Brazil is the world capital of soccer, and when you see players with talent such as Christiane, it’s not hard to see why. With a whopping 83 international goals to her name, she holds the record for the highest number of goals in Olympic history, as well as being only one of three women to score a hat trick in the competition. She has represented her country in four Women’s World Cups and four Summer Olympics, and is widely regarded as the most famous and successful women’s soccer player in Brazilian history.
15. Kelly Smith
Regarded by many as the greatest women’s soccer player in England, Kelly Smith is often credited with bringing her country’s team to the fore of the international scene. She has appeared twice for England in the Women’s World Cup, as well as competing in the 2012 London Olympics. With a whopping 46 international goals to her name, she is the leading goal scorer in English women’s soccer. With a career spanning an amazing 20 seasons, she has also been nominated four times for the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award.
14. Michelle Akers
Michelle Akers stormed onto the U.S. soccer scene in her teenage years, being named a three time All-American while still in high school. A member of the U.S. Women’s National Team since its creation back in 1985, 5-foot-10 tall Akers cut an imposing figure on the pitch in more ways than one. She also helped the U.S. win the first-ever Women’s World Cup in 1991, and was named the recipient of the Golden Boot Award in the competition. Akers has a record 105 goals in 153 appearances. That’s 1 goal every 1.5 games!
13. Nadine Angerer
German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer had a late entry into the spotlight, living always in the shadow of iconic goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg. But when Rottenberg was forced out due to injury in 2007, Angerer showed the world that she was a force to be reckoned with on her own accord. That year Angerer took Germany to the Women’s World Cup and did not concede a single goal in the entire tournament, leading her country to victory. In 2013 she was named FIFA World Player of the Year, the first goalie ever to achieve this in both men’s and women’s soccer.
12. Hege Riise
Hege Riise is one of the most successful players in the history of both men’s and women’s soccer, and it’s no surprise that she is so talented and versatile. Growing up in her native Norway, there were no girls’ teams for Riise to play on—so she joined the boys’ team! Riise went on to win a World Cup, a UEFA Championship and Olympic gold medal—one of only three women to achieve this hat trick. She also has won two WUSA Championships, being named the MVP of the squad at the end of both tournaments.
11. Carli Lloyd
Carli Lloyd has made a name for herself as one of the biggest stars in American soccer. A New Jersey native, Lloyd was a two-time Parade High School All-American before heading to Rutgers University. A year after graduating, so joined the U.S. Women’s National Team, and went on to appear in two Olympics and the Women’s World Cup. She actually scored the winning goals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, securing the gold medal for the U.S. Off the pitch, Lloyd has secured a number of high-profile endorsement deals, with brands such as Nike, Visa, and Heineken.
10. Wen Sun
Chinese player Sun Wen started her love affair with the sport early, attending soccer games with her father in her formative years. She went on to carve one of the most successful careers in the history of women’s soccer, appearing in four Women’s World Cups and two Olympics. Sun Wen boasts a whopping 106 goals in 156 matches, and has been honored with both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot Awards. In 2001 she made history when she was nominated for the Asian Football Confederation Player of the Year Award, the first woman ever to be given the nod.
9. Homare Sawa
Japanese midfielder Homare Sawa has been playing soccer for pretty much as long as she can remember. Training with her older brother’s team from the tender age of six, she first played at international level at age 15. Having played in an amazing six Women’s World Cups and four Olympic tournaments, Homare Sawa is one of the most prolific players in history, as well as the most celebrated—she has won the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and FIFA World Player of the Year.
8. Hope Solo
One of the most famous goalkeepers in American soccer, Hope Solo actually started out as a forward during her early high school career. With All-American honors, Solo switched to goalkeeping after she began her studies at the University of Washington, and went on to achieve more All-American honors and the Pac-10 Player of the Year award—the first goalkeeper ever to win this. Solo has one Women’s World Cup win to her name, as well as two Olympic gold medals representing the U.S. Solo reflected on her success in the bestselling autobiography Solo: A Memoir of Hope.
7. Birgit Prinz
German player Birgit Prinz stormed into the international soccer scene by scoring the winning goal in her first ever match for the national team—in the 89th minute! She later went on to win two Women’s World Cups for her native Germany, scoring a whopping 128 international goals in total. A three-times winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award, she has scored an astonishing 282 goals during her time in the German premier league Bundesliga, and is regarded as the greatest female soccer player in her country’s history.
6. Marta Vieiera da Silva
Brazilian soccer player Marta Vieiera da Silva knew from an early age that her passion lay with the sport, despite society trying to hold her back. She wasn’t allowed to play with boys, so she fashioned her own footballs out of old grocery bags. Her incredible determination paid off, and she became the career scoring leader of the 2007 Women’s World Cup, as well as winning two silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Da Silva has been named World Player of the Year a record six times, the highest number in both men’s and women’s soccer history.
5. Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm’s journey to soccer superstardom was not an easy one. As a child, she suffered from a club foot and had to wear corrective shoes. Nonetheless, in 1987 she became the youngest player in USWNA history when she was fielded at the tender age of 15. Hamm quickly became the squad’s star player and reigned supreme for two decades. Her fame and influence reached such heights that she became the face of high profile brands such as Gatorade, Nike, and PowerBar. Hamm retired in 2004, with 158 international goals to her name—the highest in history at the time.
4. Christine Sinclair
Canadian soccer player Christine Sinclair always knew she was destined for a life on the pitch. Her father and uncles were all professional soccer players, and she was already hooked on the beautiful game by the tender age of four. Since then, she has gone on to score an amazing 181 international goals, second only to all-time soccer great Abby Wambach. In her native Canada, Sinclair has been named an Officer of the Order of Canada, as well as having her face on a postage stamp!
3. Alex Morgan
The top three spot goes to Alex Morgan, undeniably one of the most recognizable faces in women’s soccer today. A Women’s World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, Morgan has a whopping 100 goals to her name in 160 caps. She also is a bona fide celebrity in the world of showbiz, with appearances on TV shows such as The Simpsons under her belt, as well as having published her own series of soccer-related novels. She also made headlines when she pledged to compete in the Olympics mere weeks after giving birth to her first child.
2. Abby Wambach
In second place we have the inimitable Abby Wambach. Even during her high school years, it was clear Wambach was destined to be one of the greatest stars of women’s soccer. The top high school recruit of her year, Wambach began her career in 1997 before leading the University of Florida to its first ever victory in the 1998 NCAA Championship. Wambach retired at the top of her game, winning the Women’s World Cup trophy for the U.S. in 2015. Even today, Wambach remains the top scorer in women’s soccer history, with an amazing 184 international goals to her name.
1. Megan Rapinoe
The top spot on our list goes, of course, to ultimate legend and history maker Megan Rapinoe. Recognizable to soccer fans across the globe because of her incredible achievements on the international stage, Rapinoe has made history with victories in two Women’s World Cups and a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. And it’s not just her sporting achievements that has made Rapinoe such a superstar—she is also a dedicated LGBT advocate and gender equality activist. Making history both on and off the pitch, Rapinoe is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and admired stars in the world.
New Stars Upending Expectations
Since this list was shaped, a new crop of midfield maestros and forwards has pushed the conversation forward. Aitana Bonmatí has emerged as a global force, collecting top individual prizes and playing a huge role in both club and country success. Alexia Putellas has also reaffirmed her place among the sport's greats, adding more club honors to an already impressive resume. These developments do not erase the legends on our list, but they do make the debate richer and more interesting.
Sam Kerr, The Goal Machine
Sam Kerr has cemented herself as one of the most lethal finishers on the planet, breaking scoring ground wherever she goes. She stands out for winning top scorer honors in multiple leagues, showing she can carry her goal touch across continents. That kind of consistency changes how we compare generational greats. It is the kind of resume that belongs in any conversation about the game's best strikers.
Sophia Smith's Fast Rise
Sophia Smith has gone from promising rookie to a centerpiece for club and country in a short span of time. Her list of league awards and big-match performances show she is not just a flash in the pan. Young players like her shift the balance of power and force lists like this to evolve. Expect her name to keep popping up in top player conversations.
Lauren James, England's Spark
Lauren James has become one of England's most electric attackers, dazzling with skill and directness. Her domestic trophies and young player awards underline a level of impact that clubs and national teams prize. She is the kind of talent that forces pundits to rethink where modern stars fit on all-time lists. Expect her rise to keep stirring debate about who belongs in the top ranks.
What This Means For Rankings
Women's soccer keeps changing fast, and that means all-time lists are living documents. New major awards and big tournament performances reshape reputations, while established legends remain touchstones for the sport. Fans will argue, players will collect more medals, and future updates will be needed to reflect that. For now, enjoy the debate and watch the next chapter unfold on the pitch.
Bonmatí’s Rise Turned Relentless
Aitana Bonmatí moved from breakout talent to unavoidable force. She piled up the biggest individual prizes while playing a leading role for Barcelona and Spain, even completing a season where club, country and the Ballon d'Or lined up in her favor. That run of top awards turned applause into a new level of expectation. Suddenly midfielders get a louder voice in the all-time debates.
Putellas Keeps Stacking Club Success
Alexia Putellas has added even more club honors while still captaining Barcelona and leading Spain. Her earlier Ballon d'Or milestones were no fluke; she has kept delivering at the biggest moments. That combination of peak awards and steady output makes her a persistent name in all-time lists. Longevity has a way of turning moments into legacy.
Sam Kerr, Goals and Comebacks
Sam Kerr remains the kind of striker defenders hate to face. She is still the only woman to win top-scorer awards across multiple major leagues, and she has battled back from a serious ACL setback to contribute goals and assists when called upon. That mix of scoring range and resilience changes conversations about all-time forwards. Consistency across countries and injuries gives her serious weight in the debate.
Why These Updates Matter
These are more than headline moments. When players collect top individual awards and major trophies close together, the balance on all-time lists shifts quickly. The veterans on our original list still anchor the conversation, but the recent trophy hauls add new, measurable clout to younger names. Rankings will keep changing as those trophies keep piling up.
What To Watch Next
The short answer is tournaments and big seasons. Watch who steps up in the next Champions League runs, who shines for their national team, and who bounces back from injury. Those performances will decide which younger stars truly belong among the legends. For now, expect spirited debate and plenty of highlights.
Bonmatí's Rise Hits New Heights
Aitana Bonmatí has moved from breakout talent to unavoidable force, collecting top individual prizes and a World Cup Golden Ball while playing a lead role for club and country. She even piled up a run of Ballon d'Or wins in succession, turning applause into a new level of expectation. That kind of sustained peak changes how midfielders are weighted in all-time conversations. Fans and voters have clearly noticed.
Putellas Keeps Stacking Club Success
Alexia Putellas has followed up earlier Ballon d'Or milestones by continuing to win major club honors while captaining Barcelona and leading Spain. She has turned peak awards into steady output, the kind of combination that keeps a name alive in all-time lists. Longevity plus top moments gives her real staying power in the legacy debate. Coaches and critics keep taking note.
Marta's World Cup Marks Stand Out
Marta still stands out for World Cup production, holding the record for the most goals in FIFA World Cup play and for scoring across five separate World Cup tournaments. Those milestones add weight to her six World Player of the Year awards and long running influence. When people debate the game's greats, those tournament numbers matter a lot. Her story keeps setting a bar for strikers everywhere.
Sinclair's Career Earns Rare Honors
Christine Sinclair's long career has kept adding chapters, including leading Canada to Olympic gold and earning a FIFA special award for career achievement. She remains a national icon, honored at home with formal recognition and public tributes. Those honors reinforce why she sits among the sport's most durable leaders. Her presence reshapes how we measure longevity and influence.
Small Updates, Big Ranking Ripples
These updates are not trivia. Consecutive Ballon d'Ors, fresh club trophies, tournament scoring marks and special career awards all tilt the scales in tight debates. Veterans on the list still anchor the conversation, but the recent runs give younger names measurable clout. Expect lists to keep shifting as those trophies and tournament moments pile up.
