Top 10 best female footballers in the world 2024

Several high-profile female athletes play for Barcelona from this lot.

Women’s football has come a long way since its inception. More so, after the official introduction of the inaugural Women’s Champions League in 2001 which allows us to witness some of the best female footballers around the globe.

Although the first official women’s football game was played in the late 1800 it was not until the 1990’s that it started becoming mainstream. The major women’s football leagues came into existence during this period. Over the years women’s football is slowly gaining traction.

Names of legendary female footballers like Marta, Alex Morgan, Hope Solo, and Megan Rapinoe have become well-known just like their male counterparts. These ladies have added that much-needed flair to the game and increased its popularity and viability across the different demographics.

10. Lauren James

Chelsea forward Lauren James has established herself as one of the leading strikers in women’s football today. James’s talent shone bright courtesy of her epic performance in the 2023 World Cup. She scored three goals and provided three assists in that event which helped England reach the finals.

Coincidentally James’s brother Reece James also plays for Chelsea, making them the first brother and sister to do so in the modern era. The former Manchester United striker has scored 20 goals for Chelsea in 43 appearances and seven goals for her country in 24 appearances.

9. Mary Earps

Another English player on this list. Mary Earps is “Miss Dependable” under the posts with her safe pair of gloves. The Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper was honoured with the 2023 “BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award”.

It was her performance at Manchester United that helped the club qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the 2023-24 season. With a penchant for keeping clean sheets, Earps has also been influential in being the first goalkeeper to be placed fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting.

Mary Earps: Queen of Stops.Leader, match winner, game changer – 2023, what a year! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/UkahKb4CwX

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) December 19, 2023

8. Trinity Rodman

Trinity Rodman is without a doubt one of the most exciting players to watch in the USWNT. Her style of football matches those of the Brazilian football players in their prime because of the sheer command she showcases in her games. Rodman with her classic turns, which is referred to as the “Trin Spin” based on her name, and nutmegs is a menace for any opposing defender.

A regular in the USWNT set-up Rodman hardly misses out on games. So much so that she played every game from the start of 2023 to October 2024. Apart from being a skilful winger, Rodman is equally adept at tracking back to support the fullbacks.

7. Mariona Caldentey

Spaniard Mariona Caldentey is a habitual trophy winner. There is hardly a medal that she hasn’t got in her cabinet. The 28-year-old forward also has three Champions League titles with Barcelona (2021,2023,2024). She was also one of the notable figures behind Barcelona’s quadruple win last season.

Finally, after a 10-year run with the Spanish giants, Caldentey made her way to London and joined Arsenal in 2024 starting a new chapter in her already decorated career. With over 200 appearances for Barcelona, she will definitely go down as a club legend.

6. Khadija Shaw

Khadija Shaw is a goal-scoring machine. The Jamaican international has collected 53 goals in about 62 games since joining Manchester City in 2021. Her goal lust was quite insatiable last season as she scored 21 goals. She won the WSL Golden Boot as a result and was just a goal short of creating a new record in the Women’s Premier League.

Keep in mind that she was sidelined for the final three matches that season because of an injury. Otherwise, who knows where she would have stopped? Nicknamed “Bunny” for her love of carrots as a child, Khadija also has an astounding record of 57 goals in just 44 matches for her national side.

5. Linda Caicedo

Known for scoring the spectacular, Linda Caicedo created a huge hype for herself ahead of the 2023 World Cup and deservingly so. Her striking acumen caught the eye of Real Madrid scouts and she was signed by the legendary club at just 19 years of age.

The Candelaria-born player also happens to be the first Colombian to score goals in the U-17, U-20 and senior women’s World Cup. Caicedo was also part of the Adidas commercial that featured Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman and American football player Patrick Mahomes.

4. Caroline Hansen

Barcelona winger Carolina Hansen has had a fantastic 2024 so far. She scored 21 goals in 25 appearances. As such she was awarded a perfect rating for her flawless performance by the Spanish daily newspaper Sport.

Her incredible year got even better when she was nominated for the Ballon d’Or where she finished second. Despite being a Norwegian, Hansen relies more on technique and finesse rather than brute force and power to beat her rivals.

3. Barbra Banda

Barbra Banda is not someone to be daunted by controversy. The Zambian came under online attacks from trolls and celebrities alike including a certain J.K. Rowling who accused her of being cisgender. However, that is all behind her as the Orlando Pride star is having a dream season in 2024.

Iam out of words to describe the feeling. All I can say is thank you to everyone, the organisers @bbcsport , the experts who chose me for the nominee shortlist and each and everyone of you who voted, thank you.#BB11 #BlessedChild #football pic.twitter.com/ODZHTuNA02

— Barbra Banda (@BarbraBanda11) November 26, 2024

Since joining the club for a record fee of $740,000 she has been unstoppable. She amassed 12 goals and provided five assists in her first 11 starts. Banda was equally leading the fray for the Copper Queens helping them qualify for the 2024 Olympics. She scored a brace which helped Zambia win 3-2 on aggregate against Morocco.

2. Naomi Girma

Naomi Girma is praised by none other than the USWNT coach Emma Hayes for being “the best defender.” Though there might be speculations about the claim after looking at her game it’s hard to go against Hayes’s judgement.

Even though a defender’s game is always overlooked among the other roles her style truly stands out. The Californian is lauded for her distribution and vision. She just knows where to place herself to stop goals. She blocked 22 shots in the NWSL this season.

1. Aitana Bonmati

Aitana Bonmati tops the list as the best of the lot after a great year for both club and country. The Spaniard helped the Catalan club win the quadruple – LaLiga, UEFA Women’s Champions League, Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Supercopa. Bonmati displayed the same form for her country where she collected seven goals.

Aitana Bonmati 🏆 pic.twitter.com/vAYQgjIWm6

— FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona_fra) May 26, 2024

A player for the big games Bonmati always finds a way to dictate the game in crucial stages. Her goal in the Champions League finals helped Barca beat Lyon (2-0). Bonmati is a player who not only finishes but also creates chances in the final third.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.