At Cochrane Wolves FC, we celebrate the best of soccer, and the history of women’s soccer is full of incredible talent that has shaped the game we love today. The top players in the world have not only dominated on the field, but they’ve also been trailblazers, pushing the sport to new heights and inspiring future generations. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 women’s soccer players of all time, detailing their achievements, stats, and lasting impact on the game.
1. Marta (Brazil)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 122+ goals in 174+ appearances (Brazil)
- World Cups: 5 (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019)
- Awards: 6-time FIFA World Player of the Year
Marta is widely regarded as the greatest female soccer player of all time. Known for her skill, flair, and ability to score at will, Marta has been a dominant force in women’s soccer for two decades. She holds the record for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cup history (male or female) with 17. She has also won numerous individual awards, including six FIFA World Player of the Year titles. Marta’s contribution to Brazil and her club teams has left a lasting legacy on the sport.
2. Abby Wambach (USA)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 184 goals in 256 appearances (USA)
- World Cups: 4 (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015)
- Awards: FIFA World Player of the Year 2012
Abby Wambach is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the history of soccer. With 184 goals, she held the record for most international goals by any player (male or female) until 2020. Wambach’s powerful headers and leadership on the field led the USA to a World Cup victory in 2015 and two Olympic gold medals. Off the field, she has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports.
3. Mia Hamm (USA)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 158 goals in 276 appearances (USA)
- World Cups: 4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003)
- Awards: 2-time FIFA World Player of the Year
Mia Hamm is often credited with bringing women’s soccer to global prominence, especially in the United States. Hamm was an integral part of the USA’s World Cup-winning teams in 1991 and 1999, and her contributions helped lead to the growth of women’s soccer across the globe. She was a complete player, combining speed, skill, and scoring ability, making her one of the sport’s most influential figures.
4. Birgit Prinz (Germany)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 128 goals in 214 appearances (Germany)
- World Cups: 5 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011)
- Awards: 3-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2003, 2004, 2005)
Birgit Prinz was Germany’s most prolific forward and one of the most dominant players of her era. She led Germany to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007 and three European Championship titles. Prinz’s physical presence, leadership, and finishing ability made her a force on the international stage. She won three consecutive FIFA World Player of the Year awards and remains one of the all-time greats.
5. Christine Sinclair (Canada)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 190+ goals in 320+ appearances (Canada)
- World Cups: 5 (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019)
- Olympics: Gold Medal in 2021
Christine Sinclair is a Canadian legend and the all-time leading international goal scorer (male or female) with 190+ goals. Known for her incredible leadership and consistency, Sinclair has been the face of Canadian soccer for more than two decades. She led Canada to a historic Olympic gold medal in 2021 and is revered for her humble yet fiercely competitive nature.
6. Homare Sawa (Japan)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 83 goals in 205 appearances (Japan)
- World Cups: 6 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015)
- Awards: 2011 FIFA World Player of the Year
Homare Sawa is one of the most decorated players in Japanese soccer history. She captained Japan to a historic World Cup victory in 2011, where she was awarded the Golden Ball for being the best player in the tournament. Her vision, passing, and leadership were instrumental in Japan’s rise to prominence on the world stage. Sawa also won an Olympic silver medal in 2012.
7. Kelly Smith (England)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 46 goals in 117 appearances (England)
- World Cups: 4 (1995, 2007, 2011, 2015)
Kelly Smith is widely regarded as the greatest female soccer player England has ever produced. Known for her technical ability, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess, Smith was a trailblazer for women’s soccer in England. She played a crucial role in helping the Lionesses reach the quarter-finals of multiple World Cups and was a standout player in domestic leagues, both in the USA and England.
8. Alex Morgan (USA)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 121+ goals in 200+ appearances (USA)
- World Cups: 3 (2011, 2015, 2019)
- Olympics: 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist
Alex Morgan is one of the most well-known faces in women’s soccer today. A key player in the USA’s 2015 and 2019 World Cup victories, Morgan has combined speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability to become one of the top strikers in the world. Morgan is also a leader off the field, advocating for gender equality and equal pay in sports.
9. Ariane Hingst (Germany)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 10 goals in 174 appearances (Germany)
- World Cups: 3 (1999, 2003, 2007)
- Awards: 2-time World Cup winner (2003, 2007)
Ariane Hingst was a vital part of Germany’s defensive line during their back-to-back World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007. She was known for her calmness under pressure, tactical intelligence, and leadership on the field. Hingst’s defensive stability was key to Germany’s dominance in the early 2000s.
10. Sam Kerr (Australia)
Career Highlights:
- International Goals: 60+ goals in 110+ appearances (Australia)
- World Cups: 3 (2011, 2015, 2019)
- Awards: Golden Boot winner in multiple leagues
Sam Kerr is currently one of the top female soccer players in the world, with her goal-scoring ability making her a standout for both club and country. As the captain of the Australian national team, she has led the Matildas to new heights, and her club career includes stints with top teams like Chelsea, where she continues to rack up goals and awards.
Conclusion
These 10 women have not only set the standard for excellence in soccer but have also used their platforms to inspire millions of young players around the world. From record-breaking goal scorers like Christine Sinclair and Abby Wambach to technical maestros like Marta and Homare Sawa, these players are true legends of the game. Their contributions on and off the field continue to elevate women’s soccer and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
At Cochrane Wolves FC, we celebrate these trailblazing athletes and hope their stories inspire the next generation of soccer stars in our own community!
