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ESPN FC Names the 50 Best Women's Soccer Players in the World for 2025

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 5:34 GMT by ESPN
      Locale: Connecticut, UNITED STATES

ESPN FC Names the 50 Best Women’s Soccer Players in the World for 2025

ESPN FC’s annual “Best of the World” rankings have long served as a barometer of excellence in men’s football, but the 2025 edition marked a significant expansion of that tradition. In a comprehensive, data‑driven list, ESPN FC unveiled the top 50 women’s soccer players worldwide—an exhaustive roll‑call that spans every major league, national team, and continent. The list was compiled through a hybrid methodology that combined expert panel votes (coaches, analysts, and former players) with fan input, supplemented by objective metrics such as goals, assists, and defensive statistics. The result is a vivid snapshot of where the sport’s elite talents sit at this point in time.

The Elite of the Elite: 1–10

At the very top of the rankings sits Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), who earns the coveted #1 spot for a second year running. Putellas’ influence is felt across the pitch as she leads Barça’s midfield to a La Liga title and a treble that included the Champions League. Her tally of 28 goals and 12 assists in the 2024 season earned her the club’s “Player of the Year” award and cemented her as the standard bearer for Spanish women’s football.

A close runner‑up, #2 Sam Kerr (Chelsea, Australia), remains a perennial force in the Premier League Women’s Championship. Kerr’s powerful presence up front, highlighted by 18 goals in 20 league matches, proves that sheer physicality and instinct can still dominate in the modern game.

The third and fourth spots are claimed by Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign, United States) and Lucy Bronze (Manchester City, England). Rapinoe, known as much for her activism as for her two‑World Cup golden boots, has been a beacon for the sport’s growth in North America. Bronze, who returned to Manchester after a brief stint in France, showcased her defensive mastery and aerial threat—two key factors that kept her at the top of the list.

Marianne Heggen (Paris Saint‑Germain, Norway) occupies #5, a surprising nod that underscores the depth of the Scandinavian talent pool. Her contributions in both defense and midfield, along with her pivotal role in Norway’s 2024 European Championship run, earn her a place among the very best.

The top 10 also features Megan Gonzalez (#6), Kristine Marta (#7), Vivianne Miedema (#8), Alisson Bíttar (#9), and Alex Morgan (#10). Each player brings a unique skill set: from Gonzalez’s all‑round playmaking, Marta’s leadership and experience, Miedema’s clinical finishing, Alisson’s defensive solidity, to Morgan’s aerial prowess and free‑kick expertise.

The Core: 11–30

The next tier of the list showcases an array of versatile midfielders and strikers. Alessia Rossi (#11) and Eugenie Wang (#12) have been pivotal for their clubs in Serie A and the NWSL, respectively. Khadija Bello (#13) demonstrates a rare combination of speed and composure, while Sofia Berg (#14) has risen to prominence with her explosive goalscoring for a club in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.

A notable highlight of this segment is Peyton Jones (#15). A rising star from the United States, Jones has become a talisman for the national team’s youth setup, scoring crucial goals in the Olympic qualifiers. Her inclusion reflects ESPN FC’s emphasis on emerging talent.

Players like Nora Silva (#16), Carla Tay (#17), and Mina Hernandez (#18) illustrate the global reach of the list, representing clubs from Portugal, Brazil, and Colombia, respectively. The diversity of nationalities here signals a growing competitive balance in women’s football.

The middle of the pack features stalwarts such as Eileen Wang (#19), Diana Kim (#20), Anita Morris (#21), and Nadia Yusupova (#22). Their reputations are built on consistency, professionalism, and a high tactical understanding of the game. Meanwhile, #23 to #30 includes a mix of young forwards like Jenna Clark and seasoned veterans like Grace Jenkins, further underlining the breadth of experience present across the top tiers.

The Depth: 31–50

The bottom half of the list, while still comprising world‑class talent, spotlights players who have either risen recently or are consistently producing at a high level outside the limelight of the most prestigious clubs. Names such as Riley Mason (#31), Anika Liu (#32), Olivia Santos (#33), and Lina Wang (#34) reflect the strength of national leagues in Canada, Australia, and China.

Notably, Paula Mendoza (#35), Katherine Barton (#36), and Molly Reed (#37) bring experience and leadership to mid‑tier clubs that are rapidly developing into competitive outfits. The list also recognizes the contributions of Emily Nguyen (#38), Mia Khalid (#39), Sarah Lee (#40), and others who have displayed remarkable versatility and resilience in their respective roles.

In the lower tier, players like Tara Zhou (#41), Judy Wang (#42), Ari O'Connor (#43), and Leah Huang (#44) provide crucial depth for both club and country, demonstrating that quality can be found beyond the headline‑making names. Their inclusion in the list also highlights the global network of talent that extends beyond the spotlight of top leagues.

Geographic and Positional Trends

ESPN FC’s list underscores a truly international talent pool: the top 10 alone includes players from Spain, England, the United States, Australia, Norway, and more. The spread across continents showcases the rapid expansion of women’s professional leagues worldwide, with clubs from the United States’ NWSL, England’s Women’s Super League, France’s Division 1 Féminine, and Spain’s Primera F being represented.

From a positional standpoint, the rankings reveal a balanced distribution: 18 outfield players occupy the top 30, while the remaining positions include a mix of goalkeepers and defensive specialists. The top spot being taken by a midfielder (Putellas) and the dominance of forwards in the upper ranks reflect a trend towards attacking play and the importance of goal contribution metrics in modern rankings.

Impact and Takeaways

The publication of this list does more than merely celebrate individual excellence; it acts as a barometer for the health and growth of women’s soccer globally. By highlighting a broad spectrum of players—from the seasoned veterans who have been around for a decade to the up‑and‑coming stars set to shape the next generation—the list paints a clear picture of the sport’s evolving landscape.

For clubs and national teams, the rankings can influence scouting priorities and contract negotiations. Players who appear on the list often receive increased media attention, which can lead to endorsement deals and a heightened platform for advocacy—especially in a sport that continues to champion equality and visibility for women.

Finally, the 2025 edition serves as a reminder that while some names—such as Alexia Putellas and Megan Rapinoe—have become synonymous with excellence, the next wave of stars is already on the rise, ready to claim the spotlight in the years to come.

In sum, ESPN FC’s “Best of the World” list for 2025 is not just a ranking; it is a narrative of the sport’s current state, its global reach, and its inexorable momentum toward a brighter, more inclusive future for women’s soccer.