Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player? Top 10 Rising Stars Revealed

As I was catching up on the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament tipping off this Saturday, it struck me how much attention traditional sports still command while women's soccer continues its quiet revolution. Having followed women's football across multiple continents for over a decade, I've witnessed this shift firsthand - from nearly empty stadiums to sold-out crowds at last year's World Cup. That's why I feel particularly excited to share my personal take on who's rising through the ranks right now.

Let me start with someone who's completely captured my attention - Trinity Rodman. At just 21, she's already demonstrating what I believe to be the most explosive combination of technical skill and raw athleticism in the game today. Her 2023 NWSL season with Washington Spirit was nothing short of spectacular, contributing 7 goals and 6 assists while maintaining a 85% passing accuracy in the final third. What really sets her apart in my view is her defensive work rate, something most attacking players at her age typically neglect. Then there's Alyssa Thompson, the 19-year-old phenom who made me literally sit up straight during her debut for Angel City FC. I remember watching her first professional match where she completed 12 dribbles - a number that would be impressive for any veteran player, let alone a teenager. Her fearlessness in taking on defenders reminds me of a young Megan Rapinoe, but with what I'd argue is even more refined ball control.

The European scene has been equally thrilling to watch unfold. Salma Paralluelo's transition from track athlete to football star is one of the most fascinating developments I've seen in recent years. Her pace is obviously incredible - I clocked her at 34.2 km/h during Barcelona's Champions League match against Chelsea - but what truly amazed me was her soccer intelligence. For someone who switched sports relatively recently, her positioning and decision-making are remarkably advanced. Meanwhile, Jule Brand at Wolfsburg has developed into what I consider the most complete young midfielder in Europe. Her versatility allows her to play anywhere across the midfield, and I've counted her creating at least 3-4 clear chances per game this season. The 21-year-old German represents what I love about the new generation - technical proficiency combined with tactical flexibility.

What's particularly exciting from my perspective is how these rising stars are emerging from diverse footballing backgrounds. Linda Caicedo's journey from Colombia to Real Madrid at just 19 exemplifies the globalized nature of modern women's soccer. Having watched her debut against Manchester City in the Champions League, I was blown away by her composure under pressure - she completed 92% of her passes while being constantly pressed by experienced defenders. On the other side of the world, 20-year-old Mary Fowler at Manchester City has developed what I believe to be the most improved first touch in the Premier League. Her ability to control difficult passes in tight spaces is something I've been particularly impressed with, having seen her complete 89% of her first touches successfully in crowded midfield areas.

As I reflect on these emerging talents while following traditional sports like the UAAP basketball tournament, it's clear to me that women's soccer is undergoing its own exciting season of discovery. These players aren't just future stars - they're already reshaping the game as we know it. The diversity of skills, backgrounds, and playing styles among these young athletes suggests we're entering what I consider the most technically sophisticated era of women's football yet. Having watched generations of players develop, I can confidently say we've never seen such depth of talent at such young ages, and that's what makes following their journeys so personally rewarding for someone who's been around this sport as long as I have.