Anna Maria RichardsThe struggle for civil and political rights among women is intricately woven into the rich tapestry of women’s football history. The sport faced societal and moral opposition, resulting in its prohibition across numerous nations.
Despite years of tenacious perseverance against various challenges and setbacks, women’s football has finally found stability. Yet, it still yearns for additional supporters and enthusiasts to garner the recognition it rightfully deserves.
In 1991, the Women’s World Cup marked the beginning of women’s football in international competitions. Subsequently, in 1996, during the Olympic Games held in Atlanta -Georgia’s capital- the inclusion of women’s football as an official discipline was approved. Since then, a remarkable team has emerged.
The North American squad clinched four Olympic gold medals and achieved three out of seven world championships. Despite their recent early elimination from the Olympics, where they reached the quarterfinals stage, their achievements remain highly commendable.
Recognition and individual international honors followed the highlight. FIFA, after 18 iterations of the competition, initiated the tradition of selecting the most outstanding female player worldwide in 2001. Surprisingly though, even with a decade since its establishment, women’s football is still awaiting significant recognition from the prominent football association.
If you’ve been following the 2023 women’s world cup, you might also want to know more about the incredible players. Therefore, we present our selection of the top five female soccer players in descending order of their respective positions.
5. Hope Solo
Goalkeepers rarely play a role in determining football rankings. However, Hope Solo is an exception to this rule. As an exceptional American goalkeeper, she has achieved every possible title and garnered recognition in the world of soccer. Her remarkable career, marked by two Olympic and World championships and countless impressive saves, justifies her deserving prominence as a symbol of skill and unwavering dedication to her nation.
4. Cristiane
Marta is not the only well-known member of the Brazilian national squad; Cristiane also holds a prominent position. What sets Cristiane apart from others is her record-breaking performance at Olympic Games, where she has scored the highest number of goals.
Not only that, but she has also held the top-scoring position in both Atlanta and Beijing with five goals in each tournament. It is quite evident that Cristiane possesses exceptional skill and unnerving dribbles when facing opponents, making her a dangerous player. Additionally, her accuracy in shooting and remarkable ball control further solidify her reputation as one of the most formidable players globally. One cannot overlook Cristiane’s signature move: a cutting slap into the area’s entry—an unforgettable representation of her deadly playing style.
3. Carli Lloyd
In the United States, the number 10 is a sensation. He has been crowned FIFA’s best player in the world twice and has managed to score more than 100 goals for his national team alone. With remarkable accuracy, he effortlessly takes corners and free kicks, displaying impressive body techniques that seem exclusive to him.
Perplexed opponents find it challenging to anticipate his moves as he controls the tempo of games with finesse, showcasing youthful agility on the field. Carli emerges as a conductor orchestrating success.
2 . Mia Hamm
Mia, an Olympic champion twice and world champion once, boasts an impressive record of 275 appearances and 158 goals for the national team. In 2004, FIFA honored her as one of the 150 greatest players alive and recognized her as the finest player in the world among both men and women.
Her impact reaches beyond sports, inspiring numerous goods, video games, and cultural references worldwide. Notably, she was one of the pioneering athletes to represent a prominent sports equipment brand, revolutionizing her field. Undoubtedly, Mariel Margret (known as Mia) deserves recognition as one of the world’s top athletes in her sport.
A legion of followers worldwide fell in love with the US National Team’s number 9 shirt, and the sport grew alongside Mia’s remarkable career. With her incredible skills and contagious enthusiasm on the field, she led her team to victory. Mia is truly a legendary athlete.
1. Marta
She holds an impressive record in the history of the Globe Cup as the most prolific goal scorer, having scored 15 goals overall. In addition to her remarkable goal-scoring ability, she has received six FIFA awards, solidifying her position as the world’s finest player. Notably, she also holds the consecutive record for winning individual FIFA honors. Moreover, she has significantly impacted the Brazilian national team by becoming their highest goal scorer with over 100 goals.
Her unpredictable playing style on the field makes her a formidable force that challenges opponents at every turn. In seemingly hopeless circumstances, she repeatedly saved Brazil. She produced one of the most magnificent games in history during the storied 2007 semifinal against the United States. In human history, Marta Vieira da Silva is unquestionably the greatest female athlete, disregarding mere physical size or football-related constraints.
