Ranking the 10 Best Female Football Players in the World | 2025

In recent years, women’s football has seen a drastic change, be it on the field coverage or off the pitch. Gone are the days when football was dominated by male footballers only. Thanks to all the football associations who gave chance to women to show their skills on the pitch. 2025 has proven to be a significant year for the development of women’s football with jaw-dropping goals, assists, historic transfers, and most importantly, a huge increase in crowds. We can say that women’s football has arrived on the global scene. From the roaring arenas of Europe to the passionate stands of South America and the rising powerhouses in Asia and North America, the talent pool has never looked more exciting, or we can say more competitive.

What’s even more inspiring is how these players are redefining the boundaries of the game. Many are not just stars for their clubs or countries but global icons speaking for equality, inspiring the next generation, and commanding money-driven sponsorships. You can take the example of women’s footballers of FC Barcelona, Chelsea, and Arsenal. As we assess the best female football player in the world (2025), it’s important to understand that this isn’t just about the best female soccer players who score the most goals or provide the most assists. It’s about consistency, impact, versatility, and the ability to show up when it matters most.

So, to keep the ranking transparent for our readers, we have listed our ranking factors below. So, whether you’re a long-time supporter or just beginning to explore the beauty of the women’s game, this list will be a compilation of the 2024/25 season for the 10 best female football players in the world.

Criteria for Deciding the Best Female Football Players

Individual Performance: We know in football, most of the time, numbers are enough to tell the whole story in a matter of a few seconds. We have used this factor to determine whether the contribution was really helpful for the team or not. We have considered stats like G/A (Goals + Assists) for forwards and midfielders, while defensive stats are used to evaluate the performances of defenders, and similarly, goalkeeping stats for goalkeepers. In evaluating top female footballers from all around the world, consistent contributions to the team’s scoresheet, especially in big matches and tournaments, weigh heavily. Players who can turn tight games with a moment of brilliance or set up the winner are often the heartbeat of their teams.

Market Value: A player’s market value is more than just numbers. It’s a reflection of their skill, potential, brand appeal, and overall impact on the sport. In the ever-growing women’s football market, players with increased market value often represent the best in talent in the sport and commercial influence. Clubs and agents determine this value by seeing the age, contact duration, the brand appeal she will come with, international success, and Injury records. The more valuable a player, the higher her rank on our list of the top 10 best female footballers of all time

Impact & Trophies: Raw numbers can’t always capture the contributions of a player, for example, how can you assess a midfielder? She does not have goals and assists compared to those of a forward, nor is her defensive stat strong enough to beat a complete defender. So, to assess this type of position, you have to consider the impact on the team & trophies won by the player. Are they the go-to player when the team needs a lift?

Do they inspire others, control the tempo, or carry their side through tough games? These questions help measure more than just stats, they examine mentality and presence. Champions League medals, World Cup triumphs, and League honors all signify a player’s ability to perform and deliver at the highest level. In evaluating the best female footballers in 2025, trophies won in the past few seasons are a strong indicator of excellence and influence.

Top 10 Best Female Football Players in the World Right Now

Before we start the list, we want to notify you that you are going to see a lot of players from FC Barcelona Femení. This does not mean the list is biased, but in fact, the club has performed exceptionally well with its great set of players in recent times. Without giving anything away just yet, let’s dive into the elite circle of women footballers who have earned their place among the top 10 in the world despite the challenges of the game and the society.

10. Wendie Renard – Defender

One of the most renowned teams in the women’s footballing world is Lyon, and one of the reasons is its strong defense. Wendie Renard remains a stalwart in Lyon’s strong defense. Her leadership and aerial prowess have been key components of the team’s defensive solidity. Renard’s experience and consistency continue to be an invaluable asset as Lyon competes at the highest levels of European Championships and domestic leagues year after year. We have seen that defenders are not given so much importance in big awards, but with her brilliant performance, she made sure to get recognized by the world.

The French defender has not only contributed to defense this season but also occasionally in attack with 8 goals and 1 assist. Her current market value is around €225,000, a pretty good value for the players in the defensive position. Renard is in her last leg of her career, and from here she wants to make the most out of the remaining games.

9. Lauren James – Forward

Lauren James is a 23-year-old striker who plays for the Chelsea Women’s football team. She can be spotted on the flanks for Chelsea W, showing commendable pace. Her pace helps her to outpace the opponent’s defensive players. Due to injury, her appearances are restricted to 20 as of now, but on the basis of the performance she showed in these 20 games, we have ranked her higher.

The English woman has scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists for her team. Lauren James’ market value is around €360,000 at just 23 years of age, The player has a lot to play in the coming years and dreams of winning the UCL with her team. Her combination of creativity and flair makes her stand apart from other strikers in the league. The best of Lauren James is yet to come, but the glimpses so far have been breathtaking.

8. Alexandra Popp – Forward

Alexandra Popp plays for the VfL Wolfsburg women’s team. She is known for her headers, game intelligence, and leadership qualities. The German international has been a consistent performer for both club and country. With a market value of approximately €200,000, she stands shoulder to shoulder with the game’s top-ranked players at the age of 34.

Popp captains VfL Wolfsburg, where her experience and goal scoring instincts have been crucial in leading the team from the front.. Whether in high competitive matches of Champions League clashes or Bundesliga title battles, she performs well under pressure. For the German national team, Popp brings unmatched tenacity. Her standout performance in UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, where she finished as joint top scorer, is enough to tell the whole story of the player.

7. Kadidiatou Diani – Forward

Kadidiatou Diani has been a revelation for Olympique Lyonnais since her move from Paris Saint-Germain. In the 2024–25 season, she has scored 17 goals and bagged 10 assists for Olympique Lyonnais, making her one of the standout forward players in France. Her speed, dribbling, and ability to score golazos from a variety of positions make her an ever-present threat on the right flank or as a central forward when required.

At 30, Diani is at her peak and continues to play with the hunger of a rising star, making her one of the most feared forwards in the women’s game. The current market value of the player is around €350,000 which makes her one of the highest valued striker in France. Diani continues to be a mainstay in the French national team, often seen as one of the leaders in a squad that is brimming with talent.

6. Keira Walsh – Midfielder

Keira Walsh completed her transfer from FC Barcelona Femeni to Chelsea FC in February 2025, after playing for only 2.5 years for FC Barcelona. The player controlled the tempo for FC Barcelona and does the same now for Chelsea. Walsh played a significant role in helping her team reach the semi-final of the Women’s Champions League. The midfielder has scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists for both club and country.

Keira Walsh’s current market value is around €300,000, which makes her one of the most expensive midfielders in the world. Keira also had the record of the most expensive signing in the history of football when FC Barcelona signed her from Manchester City for 400,000 pounds, These monetary values are enough to tell how much the player is in demand by the top clubs.

5. Fridolina Rolfo – Forward

Fridolina has been a key player for FC Barcelona despite facing challenges in the initial stage of the league due to a thigh injury. The player has been exceptional for FC Barcelona Femení on the left flank. The Swedish player can be seen performing as a left winger and left back on some occasions. Despite challenges, she came back and contributed 8 goals and 10 assists for both club and country.

Fridolina has a market value of €325,000, which is somewhat considered higher in the Primera Division. Pace and physicality are the strongest points of the player. Her powerful runs on the left flank, long-range shots from outside the penalty box, and ability to stretch opposition defenses to make space for other players have been vital in unlocking compact and stubborn setups.

4. Sophia Smith – Forward

Sophia Smith continues to shine in the National Women’s Soccer League of the USA. During the current season, i.e, 2024, Sophia has scored 12 goals and provided 6 assists. The woman player has shown her attacking prowess in the American League and made his name in the soccer world. She is known for her pace and smooth dribbling, which helps her drive past defenders without any hassle. Player performance was impacted by an injury lately.

Not only for her club, but she is a crucial player for her national side also. She is a striker who loves to connect with positions like midfielders and forwards by playing deep. She still has a long footballing career ahead and is set to become one of the best female footballers in the world. Her versatility allows her to play as a central striker or on either wing. In a transitional period for U.S. soccer, Smith represents the new era. The whopping market value of €380,000 makes her one of the most valuable strikers in the world.

3. Caroline Graham Hansen – Forward

First of many from FC Barcelona – Caroline Graham Hansen is renowned for her exceptional, smooth dribbling and unpredictable playmaking abilities. In the 2024–25 season, she has a goal contribution of 24 in less than 40 appearances for Barcelona, playing a crucial role in their domestic and European successes. She has the ability to drive past defenders without any hesitation and provide crucial crosses, and sometimes she likes to cut inside and open goal-scoring chances for her and her teammates.

With her market value surging past €600,000, the player has become more valuable. The numbers are enough to speak for Caroline Graham Hansen. Credit goes to the Spanish side also. The team includes top players, providing everyone with good chances to capitalize on. Age has started to show its effect, making the player slower, but we still think the Barcelona player has 3-5 years left in her career.

2. Alexia Putellas – Midfielder

One of the most renowned Spanish players in the world Alexia Putellas played a major role in uplifting the women’s football scene in Spain. The FC Barcelona Femini captain has cemented her legacy in football as one of the most successful footballers in the world. The Spanish footballer has scored 21 goals and provided 15 assists. Underscoring her unique ability to influence the game from deep while still posing a major goal-scoring threat.

Alexia Putellas has further cemented her legendary status with an extraordinary 2024–25 campaign. The FC Barcelona Femení captain became the club’s all-time leading league goal scorer with 149 goals, overtaking former teammate Jenni Hermoso. She also holds the record of winning 2 consecutive Ballon d’Ors in the history of women’s football. Later on, the feat was achieved by her teammate Aitana Bonmati. With the market value of Alexia Putellas touching the €500,000 mark, she stands tall at the number 2 position in our list of the top 10 best women footballers.

1. Aitana Bonmati – Midfielder

Aitana Bonmatí continues to lead the charge as the best female football player in the world in 2025. Building on her Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best awards in 2023, she has only elevated her game further during the 2024–25 season. Bonmatí, along with Alexia Putellas, is the only female footballer who has won the Ballon d’Or twice in consecutive years. She currently boasts 17 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in 2024/25, emphasizing her threat ability as both a creator and a finisher.

With a €800,000 current market value, the player also tops the list of highest market value. Bonmatí has been instrumental in Barcelona’s dominant performances in the Primera Division and the UEFA Women’s Champions League, controlling tempo and unlocking defenses with surgical precision. With Bonmati as lead, FC Barcelona Femeni are again the contenders in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and other domestic competitions.

List of Best Female Football Players in the World