Aitana Bonmatí – Barcelona & Spain
There is a reason why Spanish female football is on the rise, and why the Barcelona women’s team has been one of the best women’s club sides in the world over the last three years. One of them is the array of stars and quality players on the team.
Aitana Bonmati is one of the m. Bonmati was a nominee for the 2022 Ballon d’Or award and also made the official team of the tournament for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.She then took center stage at the 2023 World Cup, where Spain clinched the title, and she was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Her exceptional performances continued into the 2024 UEFA Women’s Nations League Finals, where Spain triumphed once more and she was named Player of the Finals.In 2024, she further cemented her legacy by winning the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year, becoming the first footballer ever to receive this prestigious honor.Including a player who became a three-time Ballon d’Or winner last year hardly needs justification.Whether playing for Barcelona or Spain, Aitana Bonmatí consistently delivers when it counts, not just offensively, but defensively as well.
Arguably the most well-rounded midfielder in the women’s game, her ability to make crucial defensive plays and her eagerness to contribute at both ends of the field make her an indispensable asset to any team.Still among the world’s elite, but her Ballon d’Or chances took a hit after Barcelona lost the Champions League final.She remains a key player for both club and country, but Arsenal’s stars now challenge her dominance
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal &. Spain)
Mariona Caldentey best women’s soccer player in the world 2025. Mariona Caldentey had a standout first season at Arsenal, leading the team to a shock Champions League win over Barcelona. She scored 21 goals and provided 16 assists, coming up big in important games against Real Madrid and Lyon.
Her performances earned her the WSL Player of the Year award and made her a favorite among Arsenal fans. Mariona’s creativity and knack for clutch moments set her apart this year.With Spain heading into the Euros as contenders, Mariona is now firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. She’s proven she can deliver at the very top level.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal & England)
Alessia Russo plays during the match between the women’s national teams of Spain and England in the League A of Group 3 of the Women’s Nations League at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on June 3, 2025. Alessia Russo was huge for Arsenal this season, scoring 17 goals and notching 14 assists as the club won the Champions League. She delivered in big matches, especially with her two goals against Real Madrid and a strong showing versus Lyon .
Russo’s movement, pressing, and link-up play made her a constant threat up front. She’s grown into one of the best strikers in the world. Now set to lead the line for England at the Euros, Russo is in top form and a real Ballon d’Or contender. Arsenal and England fans both know how important she is.
Alexia Putellas – Barcelona & Spain
Alexia Putellas best women’s soccer player of 2023. Hardly is there anyone hasn’t heard of Alexia Putellas, the Barcelona women’s team captain and the first female player to win two consecutive Ballon d’Or.
In addition to that, she won the FIFA Best Women’s Player in 2022; the diminutive forward suffered an ACL injury just before Spain’s opening game at the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022.
Nonetheless, anyone who doubted Alexia Putellas’ ability to return to her Ballon d’Or-winning form after a challenging period with injuries was proven wrong in spectacular fashion. She capped off Barcelona’s third Champions League triumph in May 2024 with a sublime finish to secure victory over Lyon.Returned to top form after injury, but had a quieter season compared to previous years.
Mary Earps — England & PSG
Mary Earps is the best goalkeeper in women’s footballMary Earps distinguished herself as the standout goalkeeper during England’s triumphant 2022 Women’s Euro campaign and their journey to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Her stellar performances on such grand stages have solidified her reputation as a world-class player. Demonstrating remarkable consistency at the club level with Manchester United, before her recent move to Paris Saint-Germain, Earps frequently delivers saves that are both astonishing and awe-inspiring .
After her move to PSG, she continued to impress, especially in international tournaments. Her performances at the 2025 Women’s Euros kept her among the top goalkeepers globally.
Kadidiatou Diani — France & Lyon
Kadidiatou Diani, the best female soccer player, CORK, IRELAND: JULY 16: Kadidiatou Diani #11 of France during the Republic of Ireland V France, UEFA Women’s Euro Qualifier at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on July 16th, 2024 in Cork, Ireland. Few forwards in the women’s game are as electric, dynamic, and productive as Kadidiatou Diani . Whether she’s beating full-backs to deliver perfect crosses, being the goal threat herself, or acting as the focal point of an attack, the Lyon star truly does it all, and has been doing so for years.
Despite her exceptional talent, Diani struggled for recognition at PSG, where the team often played second fiddle in French women’s football. However, her summer move to Lyon after six seasons in the capital has boosted her chances of winning trophies and earning individual accolades.While she may not have matched last year’s Golden Boot-winning goal tally, which she achieved as a center-forward with PSG, Diani has excelled in her preferred wide role at Lyon.
Not only did she lead in assists domestically, but she also won the Golden Boot in the Champions League and made the team of the season.Her pivotal goal in a 2-1 victory over PSG secured Lyon’s league triumph, underscoring her impact and versatility.Remained a standout at Lyon, but did not hit the same heights as last year.
Salma Paralluelo – Spain & Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo, one of the best female soccer players, BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 10: Salma Paralluelo of FC Barcelona poses for a photo with the LigaF Trophy winner after the match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Estadi Johan Cruyff on May 10, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.
Last summer’s World Cup catapulted Salma Paralluelo into the limelight, and she has only improved from there. ,At just 20 years old, she is having an outstanding season with Barcelona, already surpassing her goal tally from the previous year and vying for the Golden Boot in Liga F.Despite a quieter performance in the Champions League final, her overall contributions have been significant. Paralluelo’s impact extends to the international stage as well, where she has played a crucial role in Spain’s success, including their Nations League victory this year.
Remarkably, she is the first player to have won all three World Cups: the 2023 FIFA World Cup, the 2022 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the 2018 FIFA U-17 World Cup.Her combination of skill, athleticism, consistency, and versatility makes her one of the best female soccer players in the world today.
Caroline Graham Hansen – Barcelona & Norway
Caroline Graham Hansen best women’s soccer players in the world. Caroline Hansen scored 21 goals and 18 assists last season as Barcelona again went on to win La Liga. She has consistently been one of the most outstanding wingers in women’s soccer for years, yet she surprisingly lacks the individual accolades that her trophy-laden career with her clubs would suggest . Her performances for Norway didn’t help much at the UEFA Women’s Euros championship last year.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Graham Hansen has been one of the best players in Europe, boasting otherworldly statistics. Her influence was pivotal as Barcelona achieved a historic quadruple, highlighted by her electrifying display in the Champions League final. Once again, she proved her ability to shine on the biggest stages, cementing her status as one of the top players in the world.The 29-year-old has had 46 goals in 105 matches since 2011 for the national team.
Selma Bacha – France & Lyon
Selma Bacha, best women’s soccer, Cor, Ireland – 16 July 2024; Selma Bacha of France during the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship qualifying group A match between the Republic of Ireland and France at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork.
Remarkably still just 23 years old, Selma Bacha continues to be one of the most consistent and game-changing performers for one of the top teams in women’s soccer.
Primarily a left-back for Lyon, she has played a crucial role in four Champions League triumphs, and her ability to excel further forward only enhances her world-class reputation. Few players possess a left foot as potent and precise as hers. Nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2022, Bacha’s exceptional left foot has contributed to numerous assists this season and delivered a stunning goal in the Champions League semi-finals, undoubtedly catching the attention of any remaining skeptics.
Although she couldn’t help Lyon secure another European crown, she was undoubtedly one of the standout performers of the past campaign. She is also regarded as one of the best defenders in women’s soccer at the moment. Maintained her reputation as one of the best left-backs, with another strong season for Lyon and France.
Patri Guijarro – Barcelona & Spain
Patri Guijarro, the best women’s soccer player, rs BARCELONA, SPAIN – JUNE 09: Patri Guijarro of FC Barcelona with the ball during the LigaF match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Feminas at Estadi Johan Cruyff on June 09, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.2024 Anyone who has played with Patri Guijarro knows she is one of the most intelligent footballers in the game.
As a holding midfielder for Barcelona’s dominant team, her role is crucial yet often goes unrecognized.
The trust placed in her to anchor such an attacking side speaks volumes about her skill, given the complexity of her position. Although she does not always grab the headlines, Guijarro was a Ballon d’Or nominee last year, finishing eighth, partly due to her two-goal performance in the Champions League final.
This recognition was particularly notable as she did not play for Spain in the World Cup.This season, she continues to excel, and hopefully, her outstanding contributions will lead to more individual accolades.