Soccer is called a beautiful game, and rightly so. It has the power to bring people together, regardless of their age, gender, or geography.
Although we see men at the forefronts of soccer, women have also challenged stereotypes by proving their soccer skills. Professional women’s soccer leagues are now thriving in many countries around the world. And, at the international level, the FIFA Women’s World Cup is one of the most popular sporting events in the world.
Women soccer players are inspiring a new generation of girls and women to be active and to pursue their dreams. They are showing the world that women can be just as successful as men in any field, including soccer.
Top 10 best women soccer players of all time
From the world-renowned stars of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to the up-and-coming players, there are many amazing women players of soccer.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the most wonderful women soccer players that we have ever seen. We will highlight their accomplishments, unique skills, and their contribution. We hope this list will be an example to every girl that they can achieve anything that they set their hearts to.
10. Alexia Putellas (Spain)
29 years old Alexia Putellas is Midfielder at FC Barcelona. She is also a part of the Spanish national team and has represented her country in FIFA Women’s World Cup & UEFA Women’s Euro.
She is renowned for her exceptional ball control, playmaking abilities, and goal-scoring abilities. Putellas is also an advocate for gender equality and the growth of women’s soccer.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2021)
- UEFA Women’s Player of the Year (2021)
- Ballon d’Or Féminin (2021)
- UEFA Women’s Champions League winner (2021)
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9. Sun Wen (China)
Sun Wen is nothing sort of a legend in women’s soccer. Born in January 6, 1973, she was introduced to the sport at a young age and displayed a natural talent for soccer. Most of her career, she played Forward for clubs like Atlanta Beat, and Shanghai SVA.
Now retired, Sun Wen is ambassador for women’s soccer in China and still works with various football associations.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2002)
- AFC Women’s Player of the Year (2002, 2003)
- Women’s Asian Cup winner (2002)
- Olympic silver medalist (1996)
8. Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach is an American former professional soccer player who played as a forward. She is the all-time leading scorer for the United States women’s national team with 184 goals.
Wambach is known for her incredible heading ability, her powerful shot, and her work ethic.
Professional Achievements:
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist
- FIFA Women’s World Cup champion (2015)
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2012)
7. Michelle Akers (USA)
Michelle Akers is an American former professional soccer player who played as a defender. Born in 1966, Michelle began her soccer journey at a time when women’s soccer was still in its infancy. Her exposure to the game was influenced by her father, who was a coach.
Her dedication and exceptional skill played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of this sport.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (1999)
- USWNT Player of the Year (1993, 1995, 1998)
- FIFA Women’s World Cup winner (1991, 1999)
- Olympic gold medalist (1996)
6. Homare Sawa (Japan)
43 years old Homare is a former professional footballer. She mostly played as a forward or a midfielder. She is known for her precise passing, technical proficiency, and leadership on the field.
In a career spanning two decades, she has achieved great success at both national and club level.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2011)
- AFC Women’s Player of the Year (2011, 2013)
- FIFA Women’s World Cup winner (2011)
- Olympic gold medalist (2011)
5. Hope Solo (USA)
Hope Solo is a former American professional football goalkeeper who played for the United States women’s national team from 2000 to 2016. Solo is known for her athleticism, her shot-stopping ability, and her leadership. Solo is also a vocal advocate for equal pay for women in sports.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA Women’s World Cup champion (2015)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012)
- FIFA World Cup Golden Glove winner (2011, 2015)
- CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup champion (2006, 2014)
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4. Carli Lloyd (USA)
39 years old Carli Lloyd is an American former professional soccer player who played as a midfielder. Lloyd is known for her incredible work ethic, her powerful shot, and her ability to score big goals in big moments.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
- CONCACAF Women’s Player of the Year (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
- FIFA Women’s World Cup winner (2015, 2019)
- Olympic gold medalist (2012)
3. Birgit Prinz (Germany)
Brigit Prinz is a former German soccer player. She was born on October 24, 1977 in Frankfurt.
Prinz started playing during her childhood and joined local clubs to develop her skills as a Forward. She made her debut at the German national team at 16.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2005, 2006)
- UEFA Women’s Player of the Year (2004, 2005)
- FIFA Women’s World Cup winner (2003, 2007)
- Olympic gold medalist (2000, 2004)
2. Mia Hamm (USA)
Mia Hamm was born in Selma, Alabama, on March 17, 1972. She has been a gifted player since childhood. At the tender age of 15, she made her debut for the United States women’s national team. She was the youngest player to ever play for the team.
Hamm retired from professional football in 2004. She is considered to be one of the greatest female footballers of all time. She was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2001, 2002)
- USWNT Player of the Year (1994, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2002)
- FIFA Women’s World Cup winner (1991, 1999)
- Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2004)
- All-time leading scorer for the United States women’s national team (158 goals)
Honorable Mentions
Michelle Akers
Professional Achievements:
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- FIFA Women’s World Cup champion (1991)
- Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year (1991, 1992)
- Olympic gold medalist (1996)
Christine Sinclair (Canada)
Professional Achievements:
- Olympic bronze medalist (2012, 2016)
- All-time leading scorer for the Canadian women’s national team (190 goals)
- CONCACAF Women’s Championship winner (2010, 2018, 2022)
- Algarve Cup winner (2016, 2017)
1. Marta (Brazil)
Number one on the list of best soccer player women of all time is Marta!
Marta Vieira da Silva is one of the most iconic figures in women’s football. Born on February 19, 1986, her love for soccer began at a young age. Brazil is a soccer loving country, which had an influence on her too. Recognizing her skills, her family admitted her to a local team.
She left her hometown to join a professional football club in Rio at the tender age of 14. By 2004, she had already joined the Brazilian national team! Soon she became a key player for the team and even helped Brazil win the 2004 Olympics Game.
She has also played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Santos, Umeå IK, FC Rosengård, Western New York Flash, and Orlando Pride.
Marta currently plays for the Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She is also the captain of the Brazil women’s national team.
Professional achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018)
- CONMEBOL Footballer of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- All-time leading scorer at the FIFA Women’s World Cup (17 goals)
- Olympic silver medalist (2004, 2008)
Conclusion
These women are an inspiration for girls and women everywhere! Players like these keep the beautiful game thriving and ever so enjoyable. Do you agree with our list? Please comment your thoughts below.
