10 Greatest Womens’ Players in Football History [Ranked]

 

Women’s football has witnessed a significant rise in popularity in recent years, continuing to thrive with growing global access to the sport at the grassroots level. However, the evolution of the game wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of trailblazing players from earlier generations.

 

From legendary goalscorers who have outperformed their male counterparts in terms of international goals, to athletes who triumphed over immense challenges in their homelands and led their teams to global success, and even those who adapted their roles on the field due to medical conditions—the journey of women’s football has been extraordinary.

 

Taking a comprehensive view of accomplishments and influence, *GIVEMESPORT* assembled a ranked list of players deemed to have achieved “GOAT” status, based on the following criteria:

 

**Ranking factors:**

 

* Number of major trophies won

* Career statistics—such as goals, assists, appearances

* Duration of international careers

* Overall legacy left on the sport

 

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**10. Alex Morgan**

**International caps – 224**

 

Among the most iconic figures in women’s football, *Alex Morgan* has featured 224 times for the USWNT, ranking fifth on the national team’s all-time scorers list with 123 goals over a remarkable 14-year tenure.

 

She was part of the title-winning squads in both the 2015 and 2019 Women’s World Cups, scoring in the latter’s semi-final against England and celebrating with a now-famous “tea-sipping” gesture. Her accolades also include Olympic gold at the London 2012 Games.

 

While she spent much of her club career in the NWSL—winning the league with Portland Thorns in 2013—Morgan also played for Lyon, winning a treble including the Women’s Champions League. She also briefly joined Tottenham Hotspur in England in 2020.

 

She retired in September 2024 after leading San Diego Wave as captain in her final match, having recorded over 200 goals and 88 assists across 337 games for both club and country.

 

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**9. Hope Solo**

**International caps – 202**

 

Although her career was often marked by controversy, *Hope Solo’s* skill as a goalkeeper remains unquestioned. She is the only woman in her position to have surpassed 200 appearances for her country.

 

A formidable presence, she was integral to the USA’s 2015 World Cup win, where she earned her second Golden Glove award—her first coming in 2011. She also claimed two Olympic gold medals.

 

Over her career, Solo registered 102 clean sheets and conceded only 117 goals. With her guarding the net, the U.S. achieved 153 wins and just 11 losses, solidifying her reputation as one of the finest to ever play the role.

 

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**8. Christine Sinclair**

**International caps – 331**

 

Having just retired following the 2024 NWSL season at 41, *Christine Sinclair* began her international journey at just 16 and accumulated an unprecedented 331 caps, netting 190 goals.

 

That tally makes her the top international goalscorer in football history—male or female—with Cristiano Ronaldo’s 135 trailing behind. With 55 assists and a leading role in Canada’s Olympic gold triumph at Tokyo 2020, her impact was historic.

 

She spent her entire club career in North America, most recently with Portland Thorns, where she retired as their highest scorer. She ranks third in NWSL’s all-time regular season goal tally.

 

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**7. Homare Sawa**

**International caps – 205**

 

A national icon in Japan, *Homare Sawa’s* defining year came in 2011. Months after a devastating earthquake struck Japan, she inspired her nation to their first World Cup title.

 

She scored five goals in the tournament, including a dramatic equalizer in the final’s extra time, and earned both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. She became the first Asian—male or female—to win the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award.

 

She led Japan to Olympic silver in 2012 and won the 2014 Women’s Asian Cup before retiring in 2015 with 83 goals from 205 matches.

 

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**6. Abby Wambach**

**International caps – 255**

 

Once the leading scorer in international football, *Abby Wambach* netted 184 goals across 255 appearances. Debuting in 2001, she concluded her international career in 2015 with a goal.

 

Though she played in four World Cups, victory came only in 2015. She also earned two Olympic golds in 2004 and 2012. Known for her physical dominance and aerial prowess, the 5’11” striker earned six USSF Women’s Athlete of the Year awards and won the 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year honor.

 

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**5. Sun Wen**

**International caps – 163**

 

*Touted as Asia’s greatest women’s player*, *Sun Wen* shared FIFA’s Player of the Century honor with Michelle Akers in 1999. Starting her national career at 17, she appeared in four World Cups.

 

At the 1999 edition, she earned both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball despite China losing in the final. Renowned for her all-around attacking play, she led China to four Asian Cup victories and even came out of retirement in 2006 to win a fifth.

 

She ended her career with 106 goals from 163 caps.

 

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**4. Birgit Prinz**

**International caps – 214**

 

Regarded as Germany’s best-ever female player, *Birgit Prinz* made 214 national appearances and scored 128 times.

 

She primarily played domestically for FSV Frankfurt and 1. FFC Frankfurt, securing nine Bundesliga titles and 10 German Cups. She also featured for Carolina Courage in the WUSA, winning the title with 23 goals in 35 appearances.

 

She played 282 club games and scored 281 goals. She led Germany to two World Cup victories and won the World Player of the Year three times.

 

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**3. Michelle Akers**

**International caps – 155**

 

*Michelle Akers* was the only player to dominate in both attack and midfield. Initially a striker, she shifted to a deeper role after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 1994.

 

She scored 105 goals in 156 appearances, including 39 in 1991 alone—the year she set a World Cup single-tournament scoring record with 10 goals.

 

Despite her illness, she remained a midfield general and helped win another World Cup in 1999. She retired in 2000 after sharing FIFA’s Player of the Century title with Sun Wen.

 

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**2. Mia Hamm**

**International caps – 276**

 

Arguably the most iconic USWNT player, *Mia Hamm* was more than a scorer—she was a leader. Debuting at 15, she racked up 276 appearances, placing fourth all-time.

 

She led UNC to four national titles and was often compared to Michael Jordan in terms of collegiate greatness. By the time she retired in 2004, she had held the world record for goals (158), now third all-time.

 

With 147 international assists and unmatched vision, she excelled in a forward role with a midfielder’s mind. Her World Cup title came in 1999 after two previous attempts.

 

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**1. Marta**

**International caps – 204**

 

Regarded as the ultimate “GOAT” in women’s football, *Marta* is one of the game’s most naturally talented players, embodying the flair typical of Brazilian legends. Often compared to Pelé, her career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

 

Debuting in 2002 at 16, she became the first to score in five Olympics, winning two silvers, and she holds the World Cup goals record (17). She retired from Brazil duty in 2024 with 119 goals—more than any other player in Brazil’s history.

 

Still active with Orlando Pride at 38, she helped them to a historic double in 2024 and signed a new deal through 2025. With six FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a legacy

of brilliance, Marta is a once-in-a-generation star.