Women’s soccer is exploding in popularity around the globe, with elite leagues and tournaments drawing huge crowds. The level of talent and competition across women’s teams has risen sharply. Let’s explore some of the most popular female soccer players commanding attention on the pitch today.
Read on to discover this fantastic collection of 39 soccer queens commanding attention on the pitch today.
The World’s Biggest & Most Popular Female Soccer Players
In no particular order, here are 39 sensational women’s soccer stars you need to know. From European legends to rising international talents, this diverse group of phenomenal athletes has earned their place among the most revered names in the game.
Let’s dive in!
The Top 10 Most Popular Female Soccer Players in the World
First, look at the 10 most popular female soccer players. Ready?
1. Lucy Bronze
Name: Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze
Date of Birth: 28 October 1991
Age: 31 years old
Birthplace: Berwick-upon-Tweed, England
Career Start: 2002
Current Club: Barcelona Femení (Spain)
Two of her popular awards: UEFA Women’s Player of the Year (2019), The Best FIFA Women’s Player (2020)
Lucy Bronze plays as a right-back both for England and at Barcelona. You’ll know her for her marauding runs up the flank. Roberta Tough is considered one of the best defenders in women’s football. Bronze currently stars for Barcelona after successful stints at Lyon and Manchester City.
2. Ella Toone
Name: Ella Ann Toone
Date of Birth: 2 September 1999
Age: 23 years old
Birthplace: Tyldesley, Wigan, England
Career Start: 2005
Current Club: Manchester United
Awards: FA Women’s Super League Top Assist Provider (2022), FA Women’s Super League Player of the Month (2021)
The creative midfielder burst onto the scene as a teenager and is now a rising star for Manchester United and England. Her magical goal in the Euro 2022 final cemented her status as an impact player.
3. Alexia Putellas
Name: Alexia Putellas Segura
Date of Birth: 4 February 1994
Age: 29 years old
Birthplace: Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Career Start: 2001
Current Club: Barcelona Femení
Awards: Ballon d’Or (2021 & 2022), UEFA Women’s Player of the Year (2021 & 2022)
This Spanish playmaker is the current Ballon d’Or winner, thanks to her world-class midfield skills. Patellas is the captain and heartbeat of all-conquering Barcelona.
4. Alex Morgan
Name: Born Alexandra Patricia Morgan. Now known as Alexandra Morgan Carrasco.
Date of Birth: 2 July, 1989
Age: 34 years old
Birthplace: San Dimas, California, US
Career Start: 2007
Current Club: San Diego Wave
Awards: CONCACAF Female Player of the Year (2018), ESPY Best Female Athlete (2019)
Morgan is one of America’s most popular players. She’s a clinical finisher and four-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner. This prolific striker currently stars for the San Diego Wave.
5. Sam Kerr
Name: Samantha May Kerr
Date of Birth: 10 September 1993
Age: 30 years old
Birthplace: East Fremantle, Western Australia
Career Start: 2009
Current Club: Chelsea
Awards: PFA Australian Women’s Footballer of the Year( 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year (2022, 2023)
Australian legend Kerr is the undisputed best striker in England, terrorizing WSL defenses with her athleticism and ruthless finishing for Chelsea. Kerr is among the most famous gay female footballers in the world.
6. Katie McCabe
Name: Katie Alison McCabe
Date of Birth: 21 September 1995
Age: 28 years old
Birthplace: Kilnamanagh, Dublin, Ireland
Career Start: 2011
Current Club: Arsenal
Awards: Arsenal Women Player of the Season (2022,2023), Ireland Player of the Year (2022)
Skillful left winger McCabe captains the Irish national team and is a key contributor in attack for Arsenal with her dangerous crossing ability.
7. Asisat Oshoala
Name: Asisat Lamina Oshoala
Date of Birth: 9 October 1994
Age: 29 years old
Birthplace: Ikorodu, Nigeria
Career Start: 2009
Current Club: Barcelona Femení
Awards: CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022), BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year (2015)
Nigerian speedster Oshoala terrorizes defenses with her pace and clinical finishing. She was the first African player to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Barcelona in 2021.
8. Racheal Kundananji
Name: Rachel Kundananji
Date of Birth: 3 June 2000
Age: 23 years old
Birthplace: Zambia
Career Start: 2018
Current Club: Madrid CFF
Kundananji is an attacking midfielder with pace and creativity who drives her team forward. She plays in Spain’s national league.
9. Millie Bright
Name: Millie Bright
Date of Birth: 21 August 1993
Age: 30 years old
Birthplace: Chesterfield, England
Career Start: 2009
Current Club: Chelsea
Awards: PFA Women’s Super League Team of the Year (2018, 2020, 2022), FA Women’s Super League Player of the Month: December, 2019
A powerful center back, Bright marshals Chelsea’s defense with her strength, positioning, and distribution out of the back. She was England’s defensive rock at Euro 2022.
10. Rachel Daly
Name: Rachel Ann Daly
Date of Birth: 6 December 1991
Age: 31 years old
Birthplace: Harrogate, England
Career Start: 2009
Current Club: Aston Villa
Awards: PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year (2022–23), WSL Golden Boot (2022–23)
Versatile English wingback Daly terrorizes defenders with her direct overlapping runs and aerial threat. A prolific scorer, she was the 2022 NWSL MVP before returning to Aston Villa.
This list follows no order whatsoever. Having looked at the top 10 most popular female soccer players, who are the top 20? Here they are.
Let’s dig in!
11. Marta
Name: Marta Vieira da Silva
Date of Birth: 19 February 1986
Age: 37 years old
Birthplace: Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Brazil
Career Start: 2000
Current Club: Orlando Pride
Awards: FIFA World Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,2018), FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot (2007)
Legendary Brazilian Marta is considered one of the greatest female players ever, thanks to her dazzling skills and scoring prowess. She currently plays for Orlando Pride in the NWSL.
12. Megan Rapinoe
Name: Megan Anna Rapinoe
Date of Birth: 5 July, 1985
Age: 38 years old
Birthplace: Redding, California, USA
Career Start: 2002
Current Club: OL Reign
Awards: Ballon d’Or Féminin (2019), The Best FIFA Women’s Player (2019)
Flamboyant American winger Rapinoe is renowned for her creativity, crossing ability, and knack for spectacular goals. She was the heartbeat of the USWNT’s 2019 World Cup win.
13. Alisha Lehmann
Name: Alisha Debora Lehmann
Date of Birth: 21 January 1999
Age: 24 years old
Birthplace: Tägertschi,, Switzerland
Career Start: 2010
Current Club: Aston Villa
Skillful Swiss forward Lehmann is a rising star in England’s WSL known for her solo attacking skills. She helped West Ham earn promotion before joining Aston Villa.
14. Mary Earps
Name: Mary Alexandra Earps
Date of Birth: 7 March 1993
Age: 30 years old
Birthplace: Nottingham, England
Career Start: 2007
Current Club: Manchester United
Awards: FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Glove (2023), The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper (2022)
First-choice England goalkeeper Earps produced player of the tournament performances at Euro 2022. Her shot-stopping and distribution make her one of the world’s top keepers.
15. Khadija Shaw
Name: Khadija Monifa “Bunny” Shaw
Date of Birth: 31 January 1997
Age: 26 years old
Birthplace: Spanish Town, Jamaica
Career Start: 2011
Current Club: Manchester City
Awards: Bundesliga Top Scorer (2020-21), CONCACAF Women’s Best XI (2018)
Jamaican striker Shaw earned the nickname “Bunny” for her goal-poaching instincts in the box. Her lethal finishing helped City win the FA Cup in 2022.
16. Alex Greenwood
Name: Alex Greenwood
Date of Birth: 7 September 1993
Age: 29 years old
Birthplace: Bootle, Merseyside
Career Start: 2010
Current Club: Manchester City
Awards: FA Women’s Super League Team of the Year (2016, 2022, 2023), FA Young Player of the Year (2012)
England left-back Greenwood is known for her defensive toughness, passing range, and attacking threat down the flank. She is the vice-captain at Manchester City.
17. Georgia Stanway
Name: Georgia Marie Stanway
Date of Birth: 3 January 1999
Age: 24 years old
Birthplace: Barrow-in-Furness, England
Career Start: 2014
Current Club: Bayern Munich
Awards: PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year (2019), FA Women’s Super League Goal of the Month: December 2021
Creative midfielder Stanway orchestrates England’s midfield with her vision and well-rounded game. In 2022, she joined German giants Bayern Munich from Manchester City.
18. Mana Iwabuchi
Name: Mana Iwabuchi
Date of Birth: 18 March 1993
Age: 30 years old
Birthplace: Musashino, Tokyo, Japan
Career Start: 2005
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Awards: Nadeshiko League Best Young Player (2008), Asian Young Footballer of the Year (2008, 2009)
Japanese playmaker Iwabuchi manipulates tight spaces and creates chances with her close control and passing range. She currently stars for Spurs in the WSL.
19. Lauren James
Name: Lauren Elizabeth James
Date of Birth: 29 September 2001
Age: 22 years old
Birthplace: London, England
Career Start: 2010
Current Club: Chelsea
Awards: PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year (2022-2023), London Football Awards Women’s Young Player of the Year: 2023
Exciting English winger James has emerged as a considerable talent for Chelsea and England. Her flair and dribbling ability make fans buzz with excitement.
20. Daniëlle van de Donk
Name: Daniëlle van de Donk
Date of Birth: 5 August 1991
Age: 31 years old
Birthplace: Valkenswaard, Netherlands
Career Start: 2006
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Awards: Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau: 2017
Skillful Dutch midfielder Van de Donk is a creative force who links play between midfield and attack. She was instrumental in the Netherlands’ Euro 2017 win.
There goes our top 20 most popular female players. Haven’t seen your star yet? Check these remaining 19 most popular female soccer players. But first, here are the top 30 most popular female soccer players.
Who is among the top 30 most popular female soccer players? Let’s find out!
21. Olga Carmona
Name: Olga Carmona García
Date of Birth: 12 June 2000
Age: 23 years old
Birthplace: Seville, Spain
Career Start: 2006
Current Club: Real Madrid Femenino
Awards: FIFA Women’s World Cup Final Player of the Match (2023)
Exciting winger Carmona is a rising star for Spain’s national team and Real Madrid Femenino. She was the star who scored a match-winning goal for the Spain national women’s team to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
22. Linda Caicedo
Name: Linda Lizeth Caicedo Alegría
Date of Birth: 22 February 2005
Age: 18 years old
Birthplace: Cali, Colombia
Career Start: 2021
Current Club: Real Madrid Femenino
Awards: FIFA Women’s World Cup Goal of the Tournament (2023), Copa América Femenina Golden Ball (2022)
Teenage prodigy Caicedo took the recent 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by storm with her dribbling skills and finishing. Colombia’s skillful striker has a huge future ahead.
23. Jenni Hermoso
Name: Jennifer Hermoso Fuentes
Date of Birth: 9 May 1990
Age: 33 years old
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Career Start: 2002
Current Club: Pachuca
Awards: FIFA Women’s World Cup Silver Ball (2023), Primera División Top scorer (2015–16, 2016–17, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21)
Prolific Spanish striker Hermoso is a consistent scorer who starred for Barcelona before joining Mexican club Pachuca in 2022.
24. Sophia Smith
Name: Sophia Olivia Smith
Date of Birth: 10 August, 2000
Age: 23 years old
Birthplace: Windsor, Colorado, United States
Career Start: 2015
Current Club: Portland Thorns
Awards: US Soccer Female Player of the Year (2022), NWSL Most Valuable Player (2022)
American striker Smith is a physical forward who excels at getting on the end of chances in the box.
25. Sherida Spitse
Name: Sherida Spitse
Date of Birth: 29 May 1990
Age: 33 years old
Birthplace: Sneek, Friesland, Netherlands
Career Start: 2005
Current Club: Ajax
Awards: Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau (2017)
World-class midfielder Spitse is the creative heartbeat of the Dutch national team. She dictates play with her passing skills and set-piece delivery.
26. Esther González
Name: Esther González Rodríguez
Date of birth: 8 December 1992
Age: 31 years old
Birthplace: Huéscar, Spain
Career Start: 2000
Current Club: NJ/NY Gotham FC
Prolific Spanish striker González has an eye for goal and impressive work rate.
27. Ramona Bachmann
Name: Ramona Bachmann
Date of Birth: 25 December 1990
Age: 32 years old
Birthplace: Malters, Switzerland
Career Start: 2006
Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Skillful Swiss winger Bachmann torments defenders with her pace and dribbling ability. She currently plays in France’s Division 1 Féminine for PSG.
28. Fridolina Rolfö
Name: Fridolina Rolfö
Date of Birth: 24 November 1993
Age: 30 years old
Birthplace: Kungsbacka, Sweden
Career Start: 2006
Current Club: Barcelona Femení
Awards: Fotbollsgalan Diamantbollen (2021, 2022), Fotbollsgalan Swedish Forward of the Year (2021, 2022)
Swedish midfielder Rolfö is a creative dynamo capable of slicing defenses open with her runs and through balls. She helped Barcelona win the 2021 Champions League.
29. Pernille Harder
Name: Pernille Mosegaard Harder
Date of Birth: 15 November 1992
Age: 30 years old
Birthplace: Ikast, Denmark
Career Start: 2007
Current Club: Bayern Munich
Awards: UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award (2018, 2022), Danish Football Player of the Year (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Versatile Danish striker Harder is one of the most complete forwards in the game. Her technique, movement, and finishing make her a handful for any defense.
30. Signe Bruun
Name: Signe Kallesøe Bruun
Date of Birth: 6 April 1998
Age: 25 years old
Birthplace: Randers, Denmark
Career Start: 2013
Current Club: Real Madrid Femenino
Awards: Danish Breakthrough Player of the Year (2017), Danish Football Player of the Year (2021)
Rising Danish striker Bruun is excellent at finding space in the box and finishing chances with composure. She joined Real Madrid in 2023.
Last but not least, here are the final 9 most popular female soccer players in the world. Let’s get to know them.
31. Kadidiatou Diani
Name: Kadidiatou Diani
Date of Birth: 1 April 1995
Age: 28 years old
Birthplace: Ivry-sur-Seine, France
Career Start: 2005
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Awards: Division 1 Feminine Best Player (2020-21), FIFA Women’s World Cup Silver Boot (2023)
French winger Diani torments fullbacks with her explosive pace and dribbling skills. At Lyon, she’s developing into one of the most dangerous wide players in the world.
32. Kenza Dali
Name: Kenza Dali
Date of Birth: 31 July 1991
Age: 32 years old
Birthplace: Sainte-Colombe, France
Career Start: 2005
Current Club: Aston Villa
Skillful playmaker Dali pulls the strings for Aston Villa with her vision and passing range. She was part of the French national team squad that made the 2019 World Cup quarterfinals.
33. Wendie Renard
Name: Wendie Thérèse Renard
Date of Birth: 20 July 1990
Age: 33 years old
Birthplace: Schœlcher, Martinique, France
Career Start: 2006
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Awards: eight-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star Team (2015)
Towering French defender Renard captains Lyon and the national team with her supreme confidence and leadership. She’s won a record eight Champions League titles.
34. Eugénie Le Sommer
Name: Eugénie Anne Claudine Le Sommer-Dariel
Date of Birth: 18 May 1989
Age: 34 years old
Birthplace: Grasse, France
Career Start: 2007
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Awards: France National Championship Best Striker: 2009–10, 2011–12, 2016–17, FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star Team: 2015
Stellar French forward Le Sommer is Lyon’s all-time top scorer with over 95 goals. Her finishing instincts, work rate, and link-up play make her world-class.
35. Hannah Wilkinson
Name: Hannah Lilian Wilkinson
Date of Birth: 28 May 1992
Age: 31 years old
Birthplace: Whangarei, New Zealand
Career Start: 2005
Current Club: Melbourne City
Awards: Burridge Cup (2008, 2009), 2011 NZF Young Player of the Year
New Zealand striker Wilkinson is a consistent goal-scorer known for her aerial threat and off-ball movement. She scored the New Zealand World Cup goal, earning them their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup win against Norway.
36. Valentina Giacinti
Name: Valentina Giacinti
Date of Birth: 2 January 1994
Age: 29 years old
Birthplace: Trescore Balneario, Italy
Career Start: 2005
Current Club: Roma
Awards: AIC Best Women’s XI (2019)
Lethal Italian striker Giacinti lives for scoring goals with her poacher’s instincts and tenacity. She was Serie A top scorer three times before joining Roma in 2022.
37. Lindsey Horan
Name: Lindsey Michelle Horan
Date of Birth: 26 May, 1994
Age: 29 years old
Birthplace: Golden, Colorado, USA
Career Start: 2012
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Awards: NWSL Second XI (2017), NWSL Championship MVP (2017)
Dominant American midfielder Horan imposed herself in France with PSG before joining Lyon. Her all-around midfield game makes her one of the world’s elite.
38. Alessia Russo
Name: Alessia Mia Teresa Russo
Date of Birth: 8 February 1999
Age: 24 years old
Birthplace: Maidstone, England
Career Start: 2007
Current Club: Arsenal
Awards: UEFA Women’s Championship Goal of the Tournament (2022), FA Women’s Super League Player of the Month: March (2022)
Talented English striker Russo emerged as a United and the Lionesses star in 2022 with her natural finishing instincts and creativity. She recently joined WSL side Arsenal, making her one of the female soccer players to watch out for in the WSL.
39. Ada Hegerberg
Name: Ada Martine Stolsmo Hegerberg
Date of Birth: 10 July 1995
Age: 28 years old
Birthplace: Molde, Norway
Career Start: 2009
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Awards: UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe: 2016, BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year (2017, 2019).
Talented Norwegian striker Hergerberg emerged as a star for Lyon and Norway with her natural finishing instincts and creativity.
Final Whistle
And there you have it – 39 most popular female soccer players in the world. These phenomenal women’s players are lighting up leagues and tournaments worldwide with their brilliant talents. From European mainstays to rising international stars, women’s soccer is overflowing with skill and determination.
Let’s keep cheering on these amazing athletes as they make football history. The future of the beautiful game is in excellent hands. Who do you think I kept out intentionally, maybe?
