Trying to identify the greatest women’s soccer players of all time isn’t simple. Every generation has produced players who defined their generation, inspired millions, and pushed the game to new heights. When artificial intelligence was tasked with ranking the top 15 of all time, the outcome blended nostalgia with modern brilliance. From pioneering legends to today’s superstars, this list captures the story of women’s soccer through those who shaped it most.
#15: Carli Lloyd (United States)
Carli Lloyd’s name will always be linked to that unforgettable hat-trick in the 2015 World Cup final. It was a performance that captured her determination and sense of occasion. Across 316 caps, Lloyd built a reputation for resilience, precision, and an unmatched work ethic. She led by example, often turning tight matches through pure willpower. Even betting markets have reflected her influence, with bettors tracking her form across competitions and checking odds from states like New Jersey and Michigan. Fans are also finding where to bet in Texas and other states with betting restrictions. Through offshore alternatives, fans have the opportunity to place wagers not only on the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team but also on how many goals they think a specific player will score in a specific match event. Given her consistency, she’s been a cornerstone of the USWNT for more than a decade and has always been a fan favorite in betting markets across the U.S. and internationally.
#14: Lucy Bronze (England)
Lucy Bronze’s all-round quality has made her one of England’s finest. Comfortable in defense or pushing forward, her athleticism and technical ability transformed how full-backs are viewed. Bronze’s contributions to England’s European Championship win and their strong World Cup showings made her a national icon. She’s also excelled at club level with Manchester City and Barcelona, showcasing her adaptability and hunger to keep improving.
#13: Hope Solo (United States)
Hope Solo redefined goalkeeping in women’s soccer. Fierce, confident, and commanding, she became the standard by which others were judged. With over 100 clean sheets for her country, Solo was known for sharp reflexes and strong leadership. Her performances helped the USA dominate tournaments throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Goalkeepers often go underappreciated, but Solo’s presence ensured that would never be the case.
#12: Ada Hegerberg (Norway)
Ada Hegerberg has spent her career rewriting records. The Norwegian striker became the first Ballon d’Or Féminin winner in 2018 and remains one of Europe’s most consistent scorers. Her time at Lyon has produced goals by the hundreds and trophies to match. Hegerberg’s finishing instincts and strength make her a nightmare for defenders, and at only 29, she still has time to add more chapters to her story.
#11: Formiga (Brazil)
Formiga’s international career is nothing short of extraordinary. From her debut in 1995 to her final cap in 2021, she represented Brazil across seven World Cups and seven Olympics. Her stamina and intelligence allowed her to stay competitive across four decades. While she never lifted a World Cup, her influence on Brazilian soccer cannot be overstated. She is proof that dedication and passion can transcend generations.
#10: Sam Kerr (Australia)
Sam Kerr’s energy and finishing have made her one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. The Australian forward has broken records in the Women’s Super League with Chelsea and continues to inspire back home with the Matildas. Her acrobatic celebrations and consistent scoring make her a crowd favorite. Not to mention, Kerr’s style of play makes her the kind of forward who can change any game.
#9: Sun Wen (China)
Sun Wen was a superstar before global attention turned toward women’s soccer. The Chinese forward combined creativity, intelligence, and composure, becoming one of Asia’s first world-class players. She led China to the 1999 World Cup final and was named FIFA’s Player of the Century. Sun’s impact went beyond her achievements. She inspired a generation of young girls in Asia to believe they could compete at the highest level.
#8. Alexia Putellas (Spain)
Alexia Putellas has become the face of modern Spanish soccer. As captain of Barcelona, she has led the club through an era of dominance, winning multiple Champions League titles. Her control in midfield, ability to dictate tempo, and eye for goal make her one of the most technically gifted players ever.
#7: Christine Sinclair (Canada)
Christine Sinclair is soccer’s quiet record-breaker. With more international goals than any other player, male or female, she has been the heartbeat of Canada’s national team for two decades. Her leadership helped secure Olympic gold in Tokyo, a crowning moment in a career defined by consistency and humility. She’s a forward who leads by example, letting her soccer speak louder than any words could.
#6: Mia Hamm (United States)
Mia Hamm became the face of women’s soccer in the 1990s. Her blend of speed, control, and finishing made her a nightmare for defenders and an inspiration for millions. Hamm helped the USA to two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals, but her influence ran deeper. She helped transform how the world viewed women’s soccer, showing it could draw crowds and create heroes every bit as memorable as the men’s game.
#5: Homare Sawa (Japan)
Homare Sawa’s 2011 World Cup campaign remains one of soccer’s most emotional stories. Leading Japan to their first title, she scored the crucial equalizer in the final before winning on penalties. Her vision, touch, and leadership made her the perfect captain. The Ballon d’Or that followed was recognition of her grace under pressure and her ability to unite a nation through sport.
#4: Michelle Akers (United States)
Michelle Akers was a powerhouse in every sense. Strong, relentless, and gifted, she dominated the early 1990s and helped lay the foundations for America’s success. Her 10 goals at the 1991 World Cup, including two in the final, set a benchmark that few have reached. Akers was also one of FIFA’s Players of the Century, a testament to her impact on the sport’s development.
#3: Abby Wambach (United States)
Abby Wambach was pure determination. Known for her unmatched heading ability and clutch goals, she was the emotional leader of the USWNT for years. Her 184 international goals made her one of the most prolific scorers in soccer history. Wambach’s fearlessness and leadership inspired both teammates and rivals. She played every match as though it were her last, leaving everything on the pitch.
#2: Birgit Prinz (Germany)
Birgit Prinz was the heartbeat of Germany’s dominance in the 2000s. A two-time World Cup winner and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, she combined intelligence with clinical finishing. Prinz’s balance of power and finesse made her one of Europe’s most complete forwards. Her leadership helped establish Germany as a global force and set a high standard for those who followed.
#1: Marta (Brazil)
No list feels complete without Marta at the top. Her flair, pace, and technical genius have thrilled fans for over two decades. With six World Player of the Year awards and more World Cup goals than anyone in history, Marta’s record speaks for itself. Every touch, every dribble, every goal has carried the spirit of the sport she loves.
