Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player? Top 10 Rising Stars in 2024

As I sit down to analyze the rising stars in women's soccer this 2024 season, I can't help but draw parallels with the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament that's kicking off this Saturday. Just like those six teams preparing to showcase their talents on the court, we're witnessing an incredible generation of young female footballers ready to make their mark on the global stage. Having followed women's soccer for over fifteen years, I've never been more excited about the depth of talent emerging across different leagues and national teams.

The conversation about who's truly the best young player right now is fascinating because we're not just talking about one standout performer but rather an entire cohort of exceptional athletes. Take Salma Paralluelo from Spain – at just 20 years old, she's already demonstrating why many consider her the complete package. What impresses me most isn't just her 18 goals last season with Barcelona, but her incredible versatility having competed in athletics at international level before focusing solely on football. Then there's England's Lauren James, whose technical ability at 22 reminds me of her brother Reece's quality but with even more creative flair. I've watched her develop through Chelsea's system, and her ball control in tight spaces is simply breathtaking.

What's particularly exciting about this generation is how they're breaking physical barriers while maintaining exceptional technical standards. American talent Alyssa Thompson, though only 19, plays with the confidence of a veteran, having already made her World Cup debut while still in high school. I remember watching her first professional match for Angel City and being struck by her fearlessness taking on defenders. Similarly, Brazil's rising star Kerolin, despite her recent ACL injury, has shown why North Carolina Courage paid what I believe was around $1.2 million for her transfer – a significant fee in the women's game that demonstrates her perceived value.

The European scene continues to produce remarkable talents like Germany's Jule Brand, whose work rate and intelligence at 21 remind me of a young Megan Rapinoe but with more defensive discipline. Having tracked her development at Wolfsburg, I'm convinced she'll be the cornerstone of German football for the next decade. Meanwhile, in France, I've been particularly impressed with Vicki Becho's development at Lyon – her acceleration and decision-making in the final third are exceptional for a 20-year-old.

What makes 2024 particularly special is that we're seeing talents emerge from traditionally underrepresented football nations too. South Africa's Linda Caicedo has already captured global attention with her performances at the World Cup while battling cancer diagnosis, showing resilience that goes far beyond athletic achievement. At just 19, she's carrying the hopes of a continent on her shoulders. Similarly, Japan's Maika Hamano is developing beautifully at Manchester City, displaying that unique blend of technical precision and spatial awareness that characterizes Japanese football at its best.

As we look toward upcoming tournaments and league competitions, these players aren't just future stars – they're already shaping the present landscape of women's football. The investment in youth development across clubs and federations is clearly paying dividends, creating a competitive environment where talents can flourish earlier than ever before. While comparing players across different positions and leagues will always involve some subjectivity, what's undeniable is that women's football is experiencing its most talented generation yet. The quality, diversity, and sheer excitement these players bring to the game suggests we're witnessing a golden era in the making, one that promises to inspire countless young girls to pursue their football dreams.