Sports

Female footballers who have made history

Discover the female footballers who have left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. From record-breaking goals and international appearances to iconic moments in the Women's World Cup, these athletes have shattered barriers and elevated the profile of women's football. Explore their pioneering achievements and lasting impact on the world's most popular sport. Learn about the figures who have inspired generations and transformed the landscape of women's football globally.

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  1. 1

    Aitana Bonmatí

    28 Global Votes
    • First female player to win three Ballons d'Or

      (+4)

    Considered the best player in the world today (2024-2025), she has won multiple Ballon d'Or awards, The Best FIFA Women's Player award, and the 2023 Women's World Cup. Her dominance in midfield and her impressive list of achievements keep her as the most outstanding player.

  2. 2

    Alexia Putellas

    28 Global Votes
    • Record holder for most Spain appearances

      (+4)

    Captain of FC Barcelona and two-time winner of the Ballon d'Or and The Best FIFA Women's Player award. She remains one of the most influential figures in women's football worldwide, with an impact that transcends the pitch.

  3. 3

    Barbra Banda

    28 Global Votes
    • Africa's all-time top scorer in Olympic football history

      (+4)

    Forward for Orlando Pride and the Zambian national team, she was named to the FIFPRO Women's World XI twice consecutively (2024 and 2025). She is the first African player to achieve this recognition, highlighting her current impact.

  4. 4

    Caroline Graham Hansen

    28 Global Votes
    • Integral to FC Barcelona winning their first league title since 2015

      (+2)

    Right winger for FC Barcelona, recognized for her skill and technical ability. She is ranked #3 in the EA Sports FC 26 Women's Players ranking (2025-2026), underscoring her current relevance.

  5. 5

    Alessia Russo

    28 Global Votes
    • England striker

      (+2)

    An English striker with great potential, she ranks #4 in the EA Sports FC 26 (2025-2026) best players ranking. Her presence in this elite ranking demonstrates her impact and recognition in modern football.

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  7. 6

    Mariona Caldentey

    28 Global Votes
    • Won 25 trophies

      (+4)

    A player for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, she ranks #5 in the EA Sports FC 26 (2025-2026) best players ranking. Her consistency and quality keep her among the elite of women's football.

  8. 7

    Linda Caicedo

    28 Global Votes
    • Won multiple individual awards

      (+4)

    A young and talented Colombian forward, she is the highest-ranked South American player in the ESPN FC Women's Ranking 2025 (No. 14). Her high position in a recent ranking keeps her as a current and promising figure.

  9. 8

    Jenni Hermoso

    28 Global Votes
    • Holds record for most all-time Pichichi trophies (five)

      (+4)

    A historic goalscorer in Spanish football, she has been the top scorer in La Liga five times and holds the record for most goals scored in the competition. Her career solidifies her as a legendary figure.

  10. 9

    Alex Morgan

    28 Global Votes
    • 2x World Cup Champion

      (+4)

    Winner of two consecutive World Cups (2015 and 2019) with the United States Women's National Team. Her continued fame and achievements keep her as a current and historic figure in the sport.

  11. 10

    Marta Vieira da Silva

    28 Global Votes
    • Regarded as the best female soccer player of all time

      (+4)

    Assigned World Player of the Year six times, she is the only player (male or female) to score in five World Cups. Her records and career cement her status as a fundamental historical figure.

  12. 11

    Megan Rapinoe

    28 Global Votes
    • Won Golden Boot and Golden Ball at 2019 FIFA Women

      (+4)

    One of the greatest American players of all time, known for her precise and technical play and her activism off the field. Her impact on the sport and society cements her status as a historical figure.

  13. 12

    Homare Sawa

    28 Global Votes
    • Considered one of the greatest female footballers

      (+4)

    Won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the 2011 World Cup and was named FIFA Women's World Player of the Year 2011. She was the first Asian player to win a major international award, cementing her historic legacy.

  14. 13

    Vero Boquete

    28 Global Votes
    • Played a crucial role in qualifying Spain for their first Women's Euro

      (+4)

    One of the key figures who helped pave the way for women's football in Spain. Recognized as a pioneer and role model in the development and professionalization of Spanish women's football.

  15. 14

    Alharilla

    28 Global Votes
    • Plays as a right back for Levante UD

      (+4)

    A pioneer in Spain, she was renewed by her club (Levante) after announcing her pregnancy, setting an important precedent for motherhood in women's football. Her case is an example of the fight for normalization.

  16. 15

    Lilian "Lily" Parr

    28 Global Votes
    • Offers customized clinics and sessions for teams and clubs

      (+4)

    A star player for Dick, Kerr Ladies FC during World War I, she fought against the ban on women's football in 1921. She is recognized as one of the women who tirelessly fought for the visibility of the sport.