Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player? Our Top 10 Rankings Revealed

As I sit down to compile this list of the world's best female soccer players, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically women's football has evolved. While the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament tips off this Saturday in the Philippines, drawing attention to collegiate sports, I've been completely captivated by the incredible talent emerging in women's soccer globally. Having followed the sport for over fifteen years and attended multiple World Cup tournaments, I've witnessed firsthand how these athletes have redefined what's possible in the game.

The conversation about who tops the list inevitably begins with Sam Kerr. The Australian striker's performance in the 2023 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 5 crucial goals and creating 12 significant chances for her team. What makes Kerr exceptional isn't just her technical ability but her incredible athleticism - she consistently reaches speeds of 21.5 km/h during matches, outpacing most defenders with ease. I've always admired how she performs under pressure, particularly in high-stakes matches where she's scored 18 game-winning goals throughout her international career. Her movement off the ball is simply brilliant, creating spaces where none seem to exist.

Then there's Alexia Putellas, the Spanish magician whose comeback from injury has been remarkable. Watching her control the midfield feels like witnessing artistry in motion. She maintains a passing accuracy of 89.3% even in crowded situations, which is just insane when you consider the pressure she's under. I remember watching her in the 2021 Champions League final where she completed 67 passes in the opposition half alone. Her vision and creativity make Barcelona's entire system tick, and honestly, I think she's the most technically gifted player in women's football today.

Megan Rapinoe, though nearing the end of her career, deserves special mention for her lasting impact. Beyond her 68 international goals, what sets Rapinoe apart is her big-game mentality. I was at the 2019 World Cup final when she scored that incredible penalty, and the confidence she displayed was absolutely breathtaking. She's converted 92% of her penalties throughout her career, a statistic that speaks volumes about her mental fortitude. While some might argue she's past her prime, I believe her leadership and experience still make her invaluable to any team.

The younger generation is equally impressive, with players like Sophia Smith making waves. At just 23, she's already scoring at a rate of 0.84 goals per game in the NWSL, which is frankly ridiculous for someone so young. I watched her development closely through the US youth system, and her progression has been staggering. She combines raw power with technical precision in ways that remind me of a young Mia Hamm, though I'd argue Smith might have even higher potential given her physical attributes and modern training advantages.

What's fascinating about compiling this list is realizing how global the talent pool has become. We're seeing exceptional players emerge from countries without strong historical soccer traditions, like Asisat Oshoala from Nigeria, who's scored 32 international goals while playing against Europe's best defenders week in and week out. Her journey from Lagos to Barcelona represents the expanding pathways in women's football that simply didn't exist a decade ago.

As I reflect on these incredible athletes, it's clear that we're in a golden era of women's soccer. The technical quality, athleticism, and tactical sophistication have reached levels I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. While debates about rankings will always be subjective, what's undeniable is that these players have elevated the game to new heights, creating a product that's increasingly captivating global audiences. The future looks bright, and I genuinely believe we'll see even greater achievements in the coming years as investment and development continue to accelerate worldwide.