Legacy Under Pressure: 25 of the Best Female Footballers in the World

Football is an aggressive and passionate sport, enjoyed by fans worldwide who often see it as a source of pride and identity for their communities. The nature of this sport is so exciting that it segregates people into team loyalties or rivalries. 

Who are the best female footballers in the world? Women’s football has captured the world’s attention, with many players showcasing their incredible talent and skill. It’s truly inspiring to see these athletes earning recognition and starting to join the ranks of legendary footballers. 

Even though supporters of Alexa Putellas and Marta fans might debate about who the GOAT is, there’s no doubt that talent in women’s football is stepping up in a big way. As we look around the world in 2025, it’s clear that the women’s game is filled with outstanding players from every continent. The sport keeps growing, bringing in new stars and raising the bar for skill, teamwork, and excitement with each match. It’s time to look at some of the players taking the game to the next level. We have carefully curated a list of the 25 best female footballers in the world. 

The 2025 Ranking List of Best Female Footballers in the World:

25. Steph Catley

• Country: Australia
• Club: Arsenal
• Net Worth: $2 million (estimated)
• Age: 31
• Position: Left-back

Her inclusion in the list of the best female footballers in the world for 2025 is a must due to her long-standing excellence. Steph Catley remains one of the most reliable defenders in the game, known for her defensive intelligence and ability to stretch the flank with pinpoint delivery. At Arsenal, she’s become integral to build-up play and set-piece execution. Her left-footed crosses remain among the most effective in the Women’s Super League.

For Australia, she stepped up massively during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, wearing the armband when Sam Kerr was sidelined and showcasing composure in high-pressure situations. What separates Catley is her consistency. She plays with positional maturity, brings structure to any backline, and rarely makes errors. While not always spotlighted in highlight reels, her influence is visible to coaches and analysts alike. 

24. Janice Cayman

• Country: Belgium
• Club: Leicester City
• Net Worth: $1.5 million (estimated)
• Age: 35
• Position: Midfielder / Full-back

Janice Cayman is versatile and intelligent. Her contribution to every club she’s played for often goes unnoticed, but not by those who follow the game closely. Her stints with Lyon and Atlético Madrid revealed her value as a tactically adaptable player. In 2025, her move to Leicester brought leadership and depth to the side. Whether operating in midfield or dropping into defense, she reads the game well and allows younger teammates to express themselves. Even at 35, Cayman remains one of Belgium’s most capped and respected players. Her off-ball movement, pressing awareness, and calm passing under pressure are qualities few can match. Cayman’s impact on the sport has earned her a spot among the top female players globally.

23. Georgia Stanway

• Country: England
• Club: Bayern Munich
• Net Worth: $3 million (estimated)
• Age: 26
• Position: Central Midfielder

Georgia Stanway brings relentless energy and drive to Bayern Munich’s midfield, excelling in transitions and protecting the defense while creating chances. Since her Manchester City days, she’s become more tactically versatile, expanding her passing range and adding long-range goals. As the heart of England’s midfield, her grit, clever positioning, and tireless work influence every game. Stanway may not be the flashiest player, but her intelligence and effort make her indispensable, consistently making an impact throughout a tough European season.

22. Guro Reiten

• Country: Norway
• Club: Chelsea
• Net Worth: $2.8 million (estimated)
• Age: 30
• Position: Winger / Attacking Midfielder

Guro Reiten has built a reputation as one of the most dependable creators in European football. Her left foot is precise, and her composure inside the box is outstanding. Reiten’s link-up play with Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby at Chelsea has created nightmares for opposition defenses. She often drifts into central zones to receive possession and either slice through lines or fire from range.

She’s equally crucial for Norway, offering creative output and control from the flanks. While not always the top scorer, her assist stats tell the story of her importance. She’s consistent, unselfish, and rarely puts a foot wrong. At 30, Reiten is at the peak of her game, one of the most creative forces in women’s football and a key reason Chelsea have remained dominant in England.

21. Fridolina Rolfö

• Country: Sweden
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Net Worth: $3.5 million (estimated)
• Age: 30
• Position: Forward / Winger

Rolfö’s success ranks among the best female footballers in the world because she’s helped define what elite-level wide play looks like. Fridolina Rolfö has had a transformative effect at Barcelona, where her power and technical control make her a nightmare for defenders. A natural winger able to drift centrally, she plays with a calmness and control that complements Barça’s possession-based system.

In recent seasons, Rolfö has added crucial goals in crucial games. This proved her value beyond the regular league calendar. She’s a fixture in the starting XI for Sweden and is always looked upon to provide an attacking spark. Her ability to break lines, retain possession under pressure, and make smart decisions in the final third sets her apart from most forwards. 

20. Lauren Hemp

• Country: England
• Club: Manchester City
• Net Worth: $2.7 million (estimated)
• Age: 22
• Position: Forward / Winger

Lauren Hemp has emerged as Manchester City’s standout star, known for her incredible pace and sharp finishing. She consistently challenges defenders with direct runs and brilliant cuts inside to create or score. At Euro 2025, she impressed for England with skill and flair. Her off-the-ball intelligence helps her time run perfectly, pulling defenders out of position to open space for teammates. In her early twenties, Hemp’s explosive style and tactical smarts place her among the world’s best female footballers. Her impact grows every season, fulfilling early expectations.

19. Yui Hasegawa

• Country: Japan
• Club: Manchester City
• Net Worth: $2 million (estimated)
• Age: 25
• Position: Midfielder

Yui Hasegawa transitioned into Manchester City’s midfield with calm confidence. She controls possession with tight perfection and links up play with clarity. She remains the central pivot for Japan, always available for difficult passes or progressive drives. Her decision-making stands out under pressure, reflecting experience beyond her age. Her name may not appear alongside the biggest stars in headlines, but match reports and expert rankings have placed her among the best female footballers in the world. Hasegawa maintains balance and precision even when the tempo of the game shifts.  In 2025, she showed maturity in every competition, contributing defensively and creatively.

18. Mariona Caldentey

• Country: Spain
• Club: Arsenal
• Net Worth: $2.3 million (estimated)
• Age: 28
• Position: Forward / Midfielder

Mariona Caldentey moved to Arsenal from Barcelona and immediately boosted their attacking identity. She alternates between forward and midfield roles effortlessly. She scores essential goals, tracks back willingly, and helps teammates transition. With Spain, her World Cup contributions and Euro performances highlighted precision crossing, smart movement, and technical comfort. Her energy and timing add strength to any lineup. She performs her best without hesitation, even when the pressure intensifies in big matches. In the 2024–25 season, Caldentey helped Arsenal challenge at the top with consistent output. 

17. Marie-Antoinette Katoto

• Country: France
• Club: Paris Saint‑Germain
• Net Worth: $3 million (estimated)
• Age: 24
• Position: Striker

Marie‑Antoinette Katoto made history as PSG’s all-time leading goal scorer at a young age. She anticipates crosses, times her runs, and finishes cleanly. Marie brings style and clinical presence, scoring consistently in qualifiers and tournaments for her country. She often draws multiple defenders, creating space for teammates. Katoto’s impact extends to her technique, first touch, body feints, and improvisation, enabling her to adapt to any defense. That consistency and hunger place her among the best female footballers in the world. In the 2024–25 cycle, she remained among Europe’s most lethal strikers.  Observers note that her maturity in front of the goal and ability to perform under pressure were key to her ranking in the top 25.

16. Ona Batlle

• Country: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Net Worth: $2.2 million (estimated)
• Age: 26
• Position: Full‑back

Ona Batlle brings modern intensity to full-back play. At Barcelona, she combines overlapping runs with precise defensive reads. Her stamina and consistency let her cover vast areas with authority. She delivers accurate crosses, contributes assists, and defends one-on-one effectively. For Spain, Batlle operates in systems that demand both attack and discipline. She reads opposition threats and reacts with timing, cutting out danger before it becomes critical. In high-stakes matches during Euro 2025, her presence down the flank created overloads and balanced Barça’s possession-led structure. Her match ratings and expert praise reflect a player growing in confidence and impact. 

15. Patri Guijarro

• Country: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Net Worth: $2.5 million (estimated)
• Age: 24
• Position: Central Midfielder

Patri Guijarro anchors Barcelona’s midfield with poise. She excels at breaking up opposition play and launching attacks through neat progression. She almost scored from halfway in a Champions League final with her technical skill. Patri shifts between defense and attack, possessing the work rate to support the backline and the vision to create forward opportunities. Her role in Spain’s midfield has been praised for a subtle but critical influence on tempo and shape. Observers call her one of the most underrated players globally. In 2025, Guijarro’s ability to balance control and pressing made her a key reason Barça and Spain remained dominant. 

14. Mapi León

• Country: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Net Worth: $3 million (estimated)
• Age: 29
• Position: Centre‑back

Mapi León redefined what a centre-back can do in modern football. She contributes consistently to attacking sequences, often stepping forward to join the build-up. Barcelona’s ball retention system thrives with her technical confidence. She wins aerial duels, controls space, and accurately starts play from deep. Surely, Barça misses her composure during crucial matches whenever she’s injured or suspended. Observers stress that her ability to break opposition lines and organize the backline speaks to her football intelligence. In 2025, despite intermittent injuries, León remained a staple in elite match lineups and expert rankings. Her presence made Barça’s defense firmer and possession smoother.

13. Trinity Rodman

Country: USA
Club: Washington Spirit
Net Worth: $3 million (estimated)
Age: 23
Position: Forward / Winger

Trinity Rodman is one of the rising stars in football. She is known for her pace, dribbling, and attacking play. Rodman consistently ranks high in goals and assists in the NWSL and is recognized for her relentless work rate and creativity. With the Washington Spirit, she continues to break records for both performance and endorsement contracts, making her one of the most marketable and talented young players in the game.

Rodman’s style and ability to change a match in an instant make her a deserving addition to the list of the best female footballers in the world for 2025. For the USA national team, her impact in major tournaments has been immediate and substantial, quickly earning her a central role among a new generation of American stars.  

12. Mallory Swanson

• Country: USA
• Club: Chicago Red Stars
• Net Worth: $2.8 million (estimated)
• Age: 26
• Position: Forward

At 26, Swanson has shown she can deliver on the biggest stage. Mallory Swanson returned stronger after a serious knee injury, and her performance in the Paris Olympics silenced any doubts. She scored the lone goal in the final to deliver gold for the United States and added four goals with two assists in the tournament. She rediscovered scoring form with flair at club level, combining aerial power with ground pace. Her directness, ability to finish inside the box, and willingness to press defenders make her dangerous whenever she touches the ball. Analysts highlight her comeback story as one of the year’s grand narratives. 

11. Naomi Girma

• Country: USA
• Club: San Diego Wave
• Net Worth: $3.1 million (estimated)
• Age: 24
• Position: Centre‑back

Naomi Girma has been described as unrivaled at the back by top coaches. She combines anticipation, composure, and leadership in a way few defenders worldwide match. A commanding presence who reads the game before it develops, Girma was instrumental in the United States’ Olympic gold cup run and was identified as the top defender by ESPN analysts. She leads a defense that often starts with attacking moves for the San Diego Wave. By 2025, she had become a reference for defensive excellence, making her one of the best female footballers in the world. Her calm in tight spaces and ability to sweep behind make her difficult to beat. Despite her age, she already sets standards for communication and positioning. 

10. Ada Hegerberg

• Country: Norway
• Club: Olympique Lyonnais
• Net Worth: $3.2 million (estimated)
• Age: 29
• Position: Striker

Ada Hegerberg reasserted herself as one of football’s most clinical finishers. After returning from a long injury layoff, she regained form quickly at Lyon and helped them secure domestic titles and deep runs in the Champions League. Her game centers on intelligent positioning, hold-up play, and lethal finishing. She also contributes with timely assists and decisive link-up passes.

Hegerberg leads the line with poise, controlling aerial duels and adjusting runs to exploit defensive gaps. Her consistency across seasons, even in recovery periods, earns her recognition among the best female footballers in the world. Those who study goal-scoring patterns see her work as a perfect example. She reignites every time she steps into the box.  Few strikers effectively combine technique, physicality, and anticipation at this level.

9. Vivianne Miedema

• Country: Netherlands
• Club: Arsenal
• Net Worth: $3.5 million (estimated)
• Age: 28
• Position: Forward

Vivianne Miedema continued to shine as one of Europe’s most productive forwards. With Arsenal, she posted another double-digit goal and assist season, often making space where others couldn’t. She reads defenses well, moves with timing, and executes left-footed finishes with precision. Her football intelligence earns her opportunities; defenses collapse because they know she remains dangerous even with minimal touches. She stayed a fixture in key qualifying matches and tournaments for the Netherlands. Analysts emphasize consistency and teamwork when evaluating her. Vivianne’s intelligence, consistency, and professional discipline define elite forward play.

8. Amandine Henry

• Country: France
• Club: Paris Saint‑Germain
• Net Worth: $2.8 million (estimated)
• Age: 34
• Position: Defensive Midfielder

Amandine Henry continues to control the midfield with calm strength. Though veteran status might suggest slowing down, Henry has delivered key performances in league and cup matches. Her defensive awareness and reading of opposition play provide balance. She handles pressing situations with composure, often intercepting or redirecting attacks. She sets the tempo without drawing attention, precise passing, disciplined positioning, and brilliant transition work. She oversaw the midfield structure for France during key qualifiers and tournament matches. Henry helps younger midfielders build around her intelligence. Technical consistency and leadership are rare, and she embodies both. 

7. Lena Oberdorf

• Country: Germany
• Club: VfL Wolfsburg
• Net Worth: $3.0 million (estimated)
• Age: 21
• Position: Midfielder / Defender

Lena Oberdorf remains one of the most promising talents and among the best female footballers in the world. This is mainly due to her consistency and adaptability. At Wolfsburg, she alternates between midfield and defensive roles easily and maturely. She covers ground tirelessly, presses intelligently, and brings power without losing technical touch. Oberdorf’s ability to disrupt play and drive forward has made her a key figure for Germany. She’s strong in duels, accurate in passing, and composed in high-tempo transitions. Despite her youth, Germany’s coaching staff depends on her in the World Cup and Euro qualifiers. Scouts describe her as a complete midfielder. Few players combine such early achievement with upward potential so clearly.

6. Marta

• Country: Brazil
• Club: Orlando Pride
• Net Worth: $3.4 million (estimated)
• Age: 39
• Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder

Despite her veteran status, Marta continues to produce moments of brilliance. With Orlando Pride, she provides creativity, exceptional dribbling, and seasoned vision. She can still unlock defenses with passing or create space through subtle movement. She remains a leader for Brazil, often guiding younger teammates in major tournaments. Her recent seasons prove she remains competitive, adding goals and assists consistently in high-level matches. Technical quality, adaptability, and football IQ define her continuing presence. Forty is rare in elite football, but Marta’s longevity speaks to her discipline and intelligence. Every return to form reinforces and makes her one of the sport’s most enduring icons.

5. Sam Kerr

• Country: Australia
• Club: Chelsea
• Net Worth: $4 million (estimated)
• Age: 31
• Position: Forward

Sam Kerr remained one of the deadliest striker threats in 2025. With Chelsea, she maintained elite scoring rates and added clutch goals in tight matches. Her movement inside the box offers advantages to crosses and cutbacks. She also finishes with aggression and precision, even headers from distance. Her ability to thrive under pressure and in the final minutes defines her value.

For Australia, she carried standout performances in Olympic qualifiers and tournament stages. Off the pitch, her leadership and advocacy add a layer beyond results. Analysts cite her physicality and mental strength as key traits. She consistently ranks among the best female footballers in the world because she delivers, not just in scoring but in presence, work rate, and game-defining moments.

Read More: Legends Never Retire: The Oldest Professional Soccer Players Still Playing

4. Keira Walsh

• Country: England
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Net Worth: $3.8 million (estimated)
• Age: 26
• Position: Defensive Midfielder

Keira Walsh continued anchoring Barcelona’s midfield with poise. In possession, she keeps shape, intercepts pressure, and starts attacks through precision passing. Her positional awareness provides defensive cover and balance in transition. She helped Barcelona secure another Champions League and league double. For England, Walsh has remained central to midfield strategies, shielding defense, and helping initiate forward motion. Her ability to dictate tempo under pressure is widely praised. Experts highlight her maturity, football intelligence, and efficiency. 

3. Aitana Bonmatí

• Country: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Net Worth: $5.5 million (estimated)
• Age: 27
• Position: Midfielder

Aitana Bonmatí maintained elite levels throughout 2025. She distributes with precision, breaks lines, and controls the speed of attack. She scored pivotal goals in Champions League matches and regularly delivered assists and interceptions. Her World Cup and Euro performances won several awards, including MVP honors. Aitana’s consistency, leadership, and technique make her one of the best female footballers in the world. She balances creative flair with tactical responsibility. Coaches praise her versatility. Bonmatí scans transitions, shifts between creative and defensive tasks, and leads without being vocal. 

2. Sophia Smith

• Country: USA
• Club: Portland Thorns
• Net Worth: $3.2 million (estimated)
• Age: 24
• Position: Forward

Sophia Smith continued to prove herself to be one of the most dynamic attackers globally. She combined pace, body control, and superb finishing to become the most effective forward in the NWSL. She recorded double-digit goals and assists while helping the Portland Thorns win the league. She was key in Olympic qualification and tournament matches with the US national team, adding clutch goals and pressing from the front. Her decision-making in the final third improved, and she showed variety with combination play and off-ball motion. Analysts note Smith’s her timing, leadership in pressing, and ability to force errors under stress make her one of the best female footballers in the world and the leading young talent of her generation.

1. Alexia Putellas

• Country: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Net Worth: $6 million (estimated)
• Age: 31
• Position: Midfielder

Alexia Putellas remains the world’s most complete midfielder. Her 2025 season included majestic passing, key goals, and unmatched game reading. She set personal records in assists and was named Player of the Year in UEFA and FIFA rankings. Her role was central in Spain’s major tournament win and Barcelona’s domestic and European triumphs. Her place at the top of the best female footballers in the world for 2025 is undisputed, reflecting artistry, power, and influence across every level of play.

Analysts highlight her leadership without shouting. Putellas leads by example through positioning, calmness, and football spirit. She remains a benchmark for impact and consistency. Amid many world-class peers, she stands apart in her ability to lift teams through pressure, tactical shifts, and tight conditions. 

The Final Goal 

These 25 footballers represent where the sport has reached with their skill, consistency, leadership, and growth. They reflect that women’s football is no longer hidden. Fans, coaches, clubs, and global tournaments now place them under brighter spotlights than ever before. 

Looking ahead, this era marks the transition from pioneers to standard bearers. As investment continues to grow and media coverage expands, the influence of the best female footballers in the world becomes more visible and lasting. They remain proof that excellence commands attention, and that football, in its most valid form, succeeds when talent is celebrated equally.