The top 10 best women’s football players in the world in 2024 have been rounded up by RadioTimes.com. Honourable mentions go to Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro, Kadidiatou Diani, and Lena Oberdorf, who narrowly miss the cut for this elite selection.
10. Lauren James
At 22, James is one of the most formidable forwards globally and has secured an indispensable spot in Emma Hayes’s Chelsea squad. Her tenacity and exceptional knack for penetrating opponent defenses have earned her the nickname “cheat code” from her England teammates.
9. Mary Earps
Awarded 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, Earps showcased peak performance, propelling Manchester United into Europe for the first time. Throughout the World Cup, she maintained a streak of remarkable displays, highlighted by a big penalty save in the final. Earps rightfully earns the accolade of the top-ranked goalkeeper for 2023.
8. Fridolina Rolfö
Rolfö’s pace, strength, and directness down the left flank are unstoppable when she hits her peak. Her versatility is equally impressive, effortlessly transitioning between left-back for Barcelona and left-winger for Sweden. Although a long-term injury may have interrupted her 2023/24 season thus far, she proves to be an indispensable force integral to the success of her teammates.
7. Caroline Graham Hansen
Few players in the world possess the innate ability to conjure scoring opportunities seemingly out of thin air, quite like the Norway winger. Her impact on the pitch has been undeniable, boasting an impressive tally of seven goals and 11 assists in her initial 10 outings for the club. This remarkable performance not only showcases her extraordinary skill but also underscores her significance as a dynamic force within the team.
6. Linda Caicedo
The Colombian forward’s bold and instinctive style of play consistently left defenders in her wake during the tournament. Her high-profile transfer to Real Madrid sent shockwaves through fans, igniting excitement to witness her prowess on the world stage. It’s evident that Caicedo’s star is on the rise, and her impact on the global footballing landscape is bound to be felt for years to come.
5. Alexandra Popp
The enduring reliability of Popp for a footballing powerhouse like Germany speaks volumes about her indispensable skills and unwavering commitment to the game. Popp possesses a remarkable capability to excel under immense pressure whilst being able to lift those around her to seek new heights. While the World Cup may not have unfolded as brilliantly as she had hoped, Popp remains a formidable force in women’s football.
4. Salma Paralluelo
Paralluelo consistently outperformed even the most formidable defences with her clinical skill. Her scoring spree seems unstoppable, with Paralluelo already tallying 20 goals this season for Barcelona, securing victories and titles along the way. The former 400m runner made her debut for Barcelona in 2022 and marked her debut for Spain with a remarkable hat trick two weeks later.
3. Keira Walsh
Walsh’s sharp vision, unwavering determination, and commanding presence rightfully secured her a spot in the FIFA Women’s World XI. Since the 2022 Euros propelled her into the spotlight, she has become an indispensable and essential figure in England’s midfield.
2. Sam Kerr
Even in a year where she didn’t quite reach her usual extraordinary heights, Kerr remains recognised as one of the top three footballers globally. A calf injury disrupted her home World Cup campaign, yet she still managed to deliver a goal worthy of a Puskas nomination against England in the quarter-final. The first half of Chelsea’s season saw Kerr in peak form before an unfortunate anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury ended her season prematurely.
1. Aitana Bonmati
Bonmati achieved what no other male or female player has accomplished before, clinching victory in the Champions League, World Cup, and Ballon d’Or within the same calendar year. She showcased her prowess as the standout player for Barcelona, leading them to victory in Liga F and the Champions League last season. At 26 years old, she possesses an unrivalled ability to control matches, seldom relinquishing possession, and demonstrates remarkable agility in navigating challenging situations.