Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player in the World Right Now?

As I sit here contemplating the world of women's soccer while simultaneously keeping tabs on the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament that tipped off this Saturday, I can't help but draw parallels between how we evaluate greatness across different sports. The debate about who currently reigns as the best female soccer player globally has become increasingly complex, and honestly, I've found myself changing my opinion multiple times throughout this season. What fascinates me most is how this conversation has evolved beyond just goal-scoring statistics to encompass leadership, consistency under pressure, and the ability to elevate entire teams - much like how we analyze standout performers in basketball tournaments.

When I really break it down, three names consistently dominate my personal shortlist: Sam Kerr, Alexia Putellas, and Aitana Bonmatí. Kerr's athleticism is simply breathtaking - her vertical leap reminds me of those explosive basketball players who seem to defy gravity. I recently rewatched her performance against Sweden in the 2023 World Cup semifinal, and her movement off the ball created at least four clear chances that her teammates unfortunately couldn't convert. The Chelsea striker has maintained a scoring rate of approximately 0.78 goals per game over the past 18 months, which becomes even more impressive when you consider she's often marked by two or even three defenders simultaneously. Her ability to create something from nothing reminds me why I fell in love with football in the first place.

Then there's Alexia Putellas, whose 2022 Ballon d'Or win wasn't just about statistics but about her transformative effect on Barcelona's entire system. I've had the privilege of watching her live three times, and what struck me most wasn't her technical ability - which is obviously sublime - but her football intelligence. She consistently makes decisions that seem to anticipate plays two or three moves ahead, similar to how great point guards control basketball games without necessarily topping the scoring charts. Her ACL injury in 2022 was devastating, but what's remarkable is how she's returned operating at about 92% of her pre-injury level according to the metrics I've seen, yet her leadership qualities have somehow intensified.

The emerging force that has genuinely captured my attention recently is Aitana Bonmatí. Her 2023 season was nothing short of historic, with her completing an astonishing 94.3% of her passes in the final third during the Champions League knockout stages - a statistic that still boggles my mind when I really think about it. What makes Bonmatí special in my view is her versatility; she can dictate tempo, break lines with her dribbling, and has developed a scoring instinct that saw her net 19 goals last season. Watching her evolve reminds me of how young basketball prospects develop into complete players in collegiate tournaments like the UAAP, adding new dimensions to their game each season.

If you pressed me for my current pick, I'd lean toward Bonmatí by the slimmest of margins, though I acknowledge this is somewhat subjective. Her impact across multiple competitions last season - including leading Spain to their first World Cup while winning the tournament's Golden Ball - demonstrates a consistency at the highest level that I believe edges out her competitors. That said, Kerr's explosive match-winning capabilities and Putellas' enduring class mean this conversation will likely continue evolving throughout 2024. What's clear is that women's football is experiencing a golden era of individual talent, making this debate both endlessly fascinating and ultimately subjective, much like arguing about MVP candidates in basketball seasons. The beauty lies not in definitively crowning one player, but in appreciating the extraordinary level each brings to the beautiful game.