Women’s soccer has produced legendary players who have shaped the sport’s history. Their skill, dedication, and achievements have inspired millions worldwide. This article highlights the greatest female soccer players of all time, showcasing their contributions and legacy.
1. Marta Vieira da Silva
Marta, often called the “Pele in skirts,” stands as one of the greatest players in soccer history. She has dominated the game with her incredible dribbling, goal-scoring ability, and leadership. Born in Brazil, she began her professional career at an early age and quickly rose to stardom.
Marta holds the record for the most goals in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, surpassing legends from both men’s and women’s soccer. She has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award multiple times, proving her consistent excellence. Her ability to create chances, score from impossible angles, and lead her team makes her an icon of the sport.
2. Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm revolutionized women’s soccer in the United States. She became a household name in the 1990s, inspiring a generation of young girls to pursue the sport. Hamm played a crucial role in the USWNT’s dominance, helping them win two FIFA Women’s World Cups and two Olympic gold medals.
She held the international goal-scoring record for years, showcasing her lethal finishing ability. Beyond statistics, Hamm influenced soccer’s popularity in the U.S., paving the way for future stars. Her speed, vision, and leadership cemented her status as a soccer legend.
3. Birgit Prinz
Birgit Prinz led Germany’s dominance in international soccer. She played a crucial role in Germany’s back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. Her physicality, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess made her a nightmare for defenders.
Prinz won three FIFA World Player of the Year awards and consistently delivered for her club and country. She retired as one of the top goal scorers in international soccer and remains a respected figure in the sport.
4. Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach stands as one of the most dominant forwards in soccer history. Her aerial ability, physicality, and leadership propelled the USWNT to multiple international titles. She scored crucial goals, including a legendary header against Brazil in the 2011 World Cup quarterfinals.
Wambach finished her career as the all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer, a record she held until Christine Sinclair surpassed her. She won an Olympic gold medal and a FIFA Women’s World Cup title, solidifying her place among the greats.
5. Michelle Akers
Michelle Akers played a vital role in the early years of women’s soccer. She dominated as a midfielder and forward, helping the USWNT win the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991. Akers scored ten goals in that tournament, displaying her attacking prowess.
Despite battling chronic fatigue syndrome, she remained a top player and led the U.S. to another World Cup title in 1999. Her toughness, technical ability, and leadership set the standard for future generations.
6. Christine Sinclair
Christine Sinclair holds the record for the most international goals scored by any player in history. She has carried Canada’s national team for over two decades, leading them to Olympic and World Cup success. Sinclair’s ability to score in crucial moments and her consistency make her one of the greatest.
She won multiple championships at the club level and has served as a role model for young Canadian players. Her humility, leadership, and skill ensure her legacy in women’s soccer.
7. Homare Sawa
Homare Sawa became a national hero in Japan after leading the country to its first FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2011. She won the tournament’s Golden Ball and Golden Boot, proving her impact on the game.
Her intelligence, vision, and technical skill made her one of the best midfielders in history. She played a vital role in Japan’s style of play, inspiring a generation of young female footballers in Asia.
8. Carli Lloyd
Carli Lloyd built a reputation as a clutch player. She scored some of the most memorable goals in Women’s World Cup history, including a hat trick in the 2015 final against Japan. Her long-range strike from midfield remains one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
Lloyd won FIFA World Player of the Year twice and helped the USWNT secure multiple international titles. Her work ethic, leadership, and ability to deliver in crucial moments make her an all-time great.
9. Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith remains England’s greatest female soccer player. Her technical skill, creativity, and goal-scoring ability set her apart. She played a key role in raising the profile of women’s soccer in England.
Despite injuries limiting her career, Smith still made a massive impact on the sport. She led England to deep runs in major tournaments and dominated club football. Her influence continues to inspire future generations of English footballers.
10. Sun Wen
Sun Wen played a crucial role in China’s rise in women’s soccer. She won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot in 1999, leading China to the final. Her technical skill, vision, and leadership made her one of the best attacking players of her generation.
She remains an iconic figure in Chinese football, inspiring young girls to take up the sport. Her contributions helped elevate women’s soccer in Asia.
11. Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr continues to dominate modern women’s soccer. Her athleticism, finishing ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals make her one of the most feared strikers in the game. She has excelled in leagues across the world, winning multiple Golden Boots.
Kerr leads Australia’s national team and has played a significant role in their rise on the international stage. Her ability to perform under pressure ensures her place among the best.
12. Formiga
Formiga represents longevity and excellence in women’s soccer. She played in seven FIFA Women’s World Cups, a record unmatched by any player. Her ability to adapt, lead, and perform at the highest level for over two decades makes her a true legend.
Her work rate, tactical intelligence, and leadership inspired generations of Brazilian footballers. She remains a symbol of dedication in the sport.
13. Nadine Angerer
Nadine Angerer stands as one of the greatest goalkeepers in women’s soccer. She led Germany to the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup title, keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament. Her shot-stopping ability, leadership, and consistency set her apart.
Angerer won the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2013, proving that goalkeepers can receive the highest individual honors. Her legacy in women’s soccer remains unparalleled.
Conclusion
The women on this list shaped the history of soccer. Their skills, determination, and leadership inspired millions worldwide. They broke barriers, shattered records, and left lasting legacies in the sport. As women’s soccer continues to grow, new stars will rise, but these legends will always hold a special place in the game’s history.
