In a sport dominated by men for centuries, female footballers have slowly but surely made their mark on the beautiful game. From pioneers like Mia Hamm to current superstars like Alexia Putellas, women’s football has produced some incredible talent over the years.
After careful consideration and consultation with experts, we’re proud to present our list of the top 10 best female footballers of all time.
- Marta (Brazil)
Regarded by many as the greatest female footballer of all time, Marta is a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner. With 17 World Cup goals, she’s the all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
- Mia Hamm (USA)
A two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA World Cup winner, Mia Hamm is a legendary figure in women’s football. She’s a four-time NCAA champion and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007.
- Birgit Prinz (Germany)
A two-time Olympic bronze medalist and three-time FIFA World Cup winner, Birgit Prinz is one of the most decorated female footballers of all time. She’s a four-time UEFA Women’s Championship winner and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2003.
- Alexia Putellas (Spain)
The current Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, Alexia Putellas is a dominant force in women’s football. She’s a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and has led Spain to several international titles.
- Abby Wambach (USA)
A six-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, Abby Wambach is a legendary American forward. She’s a four-time Olympic gold medalist and won the FIFA World Cup with the United States in 2015.
- Homare Sawa (Japan)
A 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup winner and four-time Asian Cup winner, Homare Sawa is a Japanese football legend. She’s a four-time Olympian and was named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in 2011.
- Carli Lloyd (USA)
A two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA World Cup winner, Carli Lloyd is one of the most successful American footballers of all time. She’s a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball winner and was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2015.
- Nadine Kessler (Germany)
A UEFA Women’s Champions League winner and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner, Nadine Kessler is a German football legend. She’s a two-time UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe winner and was named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in 2014.
- Kelly Smith (England)
A three-time Olympian and UEFA Women’s Championship runner-up, Kelly Smith is an English football legend. She’s a two-time FA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year winner and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
- Christine Sinclair (Canada)
A two-time Olympic bronze medalist and 14-time winner of the Canadian Player of the Year award, Christine Sinclair is a Canadian football legend. She’s the all-time leading scorer in international football history and was named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in 2012.
These 10 female footballers have inspired generations of women and girls to take up the sport, and their achievements will be remembered for years to come.