15 Best Female Soccer Players In The World (2025)

In the world of soccer, the spotlight often shines brightest on the male players.

However, that narrative is fading as the top women’s soccer players in the world are now getting the recognition they rightly deserve.

During the usual women’s soccer tournaments, the best female soccer players are always on display at the tournament; and, unknown female soccer players emerge.

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, Copa America Femenina, and Africa Cup of Nations will all take place this summer.

In this article, we will be profiling the best female soccer players in the world as of 2025.

We will be looking at their accomplishments, playing style, strengths and weaknesses on the field, and how they contribute to their team’s success.

Having said all of that, let’s take a look at the ten best female soccer players to look out for in 2025.

1. Aitana Bonmatí – Barcelona & Spain

There is a reason why Spanish female football is on the rise and why the Barcelona women’s team has been one of the best woman’s club sides in the world in the last three years.

One of them is the array of stars and quality players on the team; Aitana Bonmati is one of them.

Bonmati was a nominee for the 2022 Ballon d’Or award and also made the official team of the tournament for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.

She then took center stage at the 2023 World Cup, where Spain clinched the title and she was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Her exceptional performances continued into the 2024 UEFA Women’s Nations League Finals, where Spain triumphed once more and she was named Player of the Finals.

In 2024, she further cemented her legacy by winning the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year, becoming the first footballer ever to receive this prestigious honor.

Including a player who became a three-time Ballon d’Or winner last year hardly needs justification.

Whether playing for Barcelona or Spain, Aitana Bonmatí consistently delivers when it counts, not just offensively, but defensively as well.

Arguably the most well-rounded midfielder in the women’s game, her ability to make crucial defensive plays and her eagerness to contribute at both ends of the field make her an indispensable asset to any team.

Still among the world’s elite, but her Ballon d’Or chances took a hit after Barcelona lost the Champions League final.

She remains a key player for both club and country, but her dominance is now challenged by Arsenal’s stars

2. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal & Spain)

Mariona Caldentey had a standout first season at Arsenal, leading the team to a shock Champions League win over Barcelona.

She scored 21 goals and provided 16 assists, coming up big in important games against Real Madrid and Lyon.

Her performances earned her the WSL Player of the Year award and made her a favorite among Arsenal fans.

Mariona’s creativity and knack for clutch moments set her apart this year.

With Spain heading into the Euros as contenders, Mariona is now firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. She’s proven she can deliver at the very top level.

3. Alessia Russo (Arsenal & England)

Alessia Russo was huge for Arsenal this season, scoring 17 goals and notching 14 assists as the club won the Champions League.

She delivered in big matches, especially with her two goals against Real Madrid and a strong showing versus Lyon.

Russo’s movement, pressing, and link-up play made her a constant threat up front. She’s grown into one of the best strikers in the world.

Now set to lead the line for England at the Euros, Russo is in top form and a real Ballon d’Or contender. Arsenal and England fans both know how important she is.

4. Alexia Putellas – Barcelona & Spain

Hardly is there anyone who hasn’t heard of Alexia Putellas, the Barcelona women’s team captain and the first female player to win two consecutive Ballon d’Or.

In addition to that, she won the FIFA Best Women’s player in 2022; the diminutive forward player suffered an ACL injury just before Spain’s opening game at the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022.

Nonetheless, anyone who doubted Alexia Putellas’ ability to return to her Ballon d’Or-winning form after a challenging period with injuries was proven wrong in spectacular fashion.

She capped off Barcelona’s third Champions League triumph in May 2024 with a sublime finish to secure victory over Lyon.

Returned to top form after injury, but had a quieter season compared to previous years.

5. Mary Earps — England & PSG

Mary Earps distinguished herself as the standout goalkeeper during England’s triumphant 2022 Women’s Euro campaign and their journey to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

Her stellar performances on such grand stages have solidified her reputation as a world-class player.

Demonstrating remarkable consistency at the club level with Manchester United, before her recent move to Paris Saint-Germain, Earps frequently delivers saves that are both astonishing and awe-inspiring.

After her move to PSG, she has  continued to impress, especially in international tournaments.

Her performances at the 2025 Women’s Euros kept her among the top goalkeepers globally

6. Kadidiatou Diani — France & Lyon

Few forwards in the women’s game are as electric, dynamic, and productive as Kadidiatou Diani.

Whether she’s beating full-backs to deliver perfect crosses, being the goal threat herself, or acting as the focal point of an attack, the Lyon star truly does it all, and has been doing so for years.

Despite her exceptional talent, Diani struggled for recognition at PSG, where the team often played second fiddle in French women’s football.

However, her summer move to Lyon after six seasons in the capital has boosted her chances of winning trophies and earning individual accolades.

While she may not have matched last year’s Golden Boot-winning goal tally, which she achieved as a center-forward with PSG, Diani has excelled in her preferred wide role at Lyon.

Not only did she lead in assists domestically, but she also won the Golden Boot in the Champions League and made the team of the season.

Her pivotal goal in a 2-1 victory over PSG secured Lyon’s league triumph, underscoring her impact and versatility.

Remained a standout at Lyon, but did not hit the same heights as last year.

7. Salma Paralluelo – Spain & Barcelona

Last summer’s World Cup catapulted Salma Paralluelo into the limelight, and she has only improved from there.

At just 20 years old, she is having an outstanding season with Barcelona, already surpassing her goal tally from the previous year and vying for the Golden Boot in Liga F.

Despite a quieter performance in the Champions League final, her overall contributions have been significant.

Paralluelo’s impact extends to the international stage as well, where she has played a crucial role in Spain’s success, including their Nations League victory this year.

Remarkably, she is the first player to have won all three World Cups: the 2023 FIFA World Cup, the 2022 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the 2018 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Her combination of skill, athleticism, consistency, and versatility makes her one of the best female soccer players in the world today.

8. Caroline Graham Hansen – Barcelona & Norway

Caroline Hansen scored 21 goals and 18 assists last season as Barcelona again went on to win La Liga.

She has consistently been one of the most outstanding wingers in women’s soccer for years, yet she surprisingly lacks the individual accolades that her trophy-laden career with her clubs would suggest.

Her performances for Norway didn’t help much at the UEFA Women’s Euros championship last year.

Throughout the 2023-24 season, Graham Hansen has been one of the best players in Europe, boasting other-worldly statistics.

Her influence was pivotal as Barcelona achieved a historic quadruple, highlighted by her electrifying display in the Champions League final. Once again, she proved her ability to shine on the biggest stages, cementing her status as one of the top players in the world.

The 29-year-old has had 46 goals in 105 matches since 2011 for the national team.

9. Selma Bacha – France & Lyon

Remarkably still just 23 years old, Selma Bacha continues to be one of the most consistent and game-changing performers for one of the top teams in women’s soccer.

Primarily a left-back for Lyon, she has played a crucial role in four Champions League triumphs, and her ability to excel further forward only enhances her world-class reputation. Few players possess a left foot as potent and precise as hers.

Nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022, Bacha’s exceptional left foot has contributed to numerous assists this season and delivered a stunning goal in the Champions League semi-finals, undoubtedly catching the attention of any remaining skeptics.

Although she couldn’t help Lyon secure another European crown, she was undoubtedly one of the standout performers of the past campaign.

She is also regarded as one of the best defenders in women’s soccer at the moment.

Maintained her reputation as one of the best left-backs, with another strong season for Lyon and France.

10. Patri Guijarro – Barcelona & Spain

Anyone who has played with Patri Guijarro knows she is one of the most intelligent footballers in the game. As a holding midfielder for Barcelona’s dominant team, her role is crucial yet often goes unrecognized.

The trust placed in her to anchor such an attacking side speaks volumes about her skill, given the complexity of her position.

Although she does not always grab the headlines, Guijarro was a Ballon d’Or nominee last year, finishing eighth, partly due to her two-goal performance in the Champions League final.

This recognition was particularly notable as she did not play for Spain in the World Cup.

This season, she continues to excel, and hopefully, her outstanding contributions will lead to more individual accolades.

11. Vivianne Miedema – Arsenal & Manchester City 

Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema is a big bag of goals; the 28-year-old is one of the stars of the Netherlands’ golden generation of female footballers.

The Netherlands won the 2017 Women’s Euros Championship, and Miedema won the silver boot in the competition and helped the team to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was named as part of the tournament team.

When Vivianne Miedema left Arsenal this summer for Manchester City, she did so with an impressive record of 125 goals and 50 assists in just 172 appearances.

The Netherlands star is renowned for her clinical finishing, holding the record for the most goals scored by any player for the Dutch national teams, male or female.

Furthermore, her vision and playmaking ability make her exceptional at creating opportunities for others.

Regularly cited as one of the greatest strikers in modern women’s football, Miedema is the all-time leading scorer in the FA WSL.

Known for her modesty and not celebrating goals, she attributes her grounded approach to the down-to-earth nature of her hometown.

Her move to Manchester City paid off as she played a pivotal role in City’s strong domestic campaign.

However, Arsenal’s Champions League win means her former club’s players are now getting more attention.

12. Lauren James — Chelsea & England

Lauren James began her senior career with Arsenal in 2017 before joining Manchester United in 2018, where she won the Championship.

Since moving to Chelsea in 2021, she has won the WSL and FA Cup twice and was named PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year for the 2022–2023 season.

This season, Chelsea only won the WSL, a result that, while commendable, fell short of the club’s high standards. In the 2023-24 season, James has scored 19 goals and provided eight assists.

Regardless of Chelsea’s injury woes, the 22-year-old has stepped up, delivering crucial goals in key moments.

James’ game is characterized by excellent close control, balance, dazzling dribbles, and a powerful shot with either foot.

Also, her ability to create opportunities for teammates has reached new heights, showcasing her improved vision and awareness.

As a winger, she has always excelled at setting up teammates with precise crosses and clever plays, but her playmaking skills have recently become even more pronounced.

The 23-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best female soccer players in the world today.

Had another excellent season with Chelsea, but the club did not reach the Champions League final. Still one of the best young attacking talents.

13. Tabitha Chawinga — Malawi & PSG

In 2023-24, Tabitha Chawinga scored 27 goals and provided 14 assists, playing a crucial role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Coupe de France victory.

Although PSG fell short of dethroning Lyon in the French league, they secured their fifth major honor by defeating Fleury in the Coupe de France final, with Chawinga being instrumental in their success.

The Malawi international scored two vital goals in the narrow semi-final win over Paris FC, without which PSG would have been eliminated.

Her outstanding performances across all competitions have resulted in her cementing her status as one of the best women’s soccer players.

Tabitha Chawinga’s playing style is characterized by her exceptional speed, agility, and clinical finishing. She excels in one-on-one situations, using her quick footwork and sharp instincts to outmaneuver defenders.

14. Sophia Smith – Portland Thorns FC & United States 

Sophia Smith is a world-class goal-scorer whose ability to create for others often goes under the radar, the American continues to excel in what promises to be an extraordinary career.

Still only 23, her trophy cabinet already includes MVP and Golden Boot awards from the NWSL, along with every domestic honor available in the United States, highlighting her exceptional talent.

In the 2023-24 season, Smith has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists, and she played a key role in the USWNT’s CONCACAF W Gold Cup victory at the start of the year.

Her electric form has continued into the NWSL season, where she has amassed eight goals and six assists in just 10 appearances for the Portland Thorns.

15. Sam Kerr – Chelsea & Australia

The amazing Sam Kerr has been one of the best female soccer players for many years now.

The captain of the Australia women’s national team joined Chelsea in 2020 and has so far won 8 trophies with the club.

This includes back-to-back-to-back Women’s Super League titles, as well as helping the team reach the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in 2021.

She has also scored a remarkable 87 goals in 109 league appearances for Chelsea.

Among the few undisputedly world-class footballers in the women’s game, Sam Kerr stands out.

Her goal-scoring prowess is well-documented, with Golden Boots from three different continents.

However, it’s her all-round play for Chelsea and Australia, combined with her remarkable leadership, that cements her status as one of the best players in the world.