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Top 10 Female Football Players in 2026

Top 10 Female Football Players in 2026
Power Ranking

Women's football has seen a remarkable rise in popularity, quality, and visibility since the early 2000s. Stars such as Alessia Russo, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Marta have transformed the sport with their skill and decisive performances. The current 2025–26 season features standout players like Claudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, and Caroline Graham Hansen, with clubs like Barcelona Femeni and the Women’s Super League dominating top positions. These rankings reflect performance, market value, and impact during key moments.

Though men's football often receives more attention, women's football has created its own space with impressive goals, record transfers, and growing attendance. This increased competitiveness allows more talent to shine, changing perceptions around the women's game. Recent Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is a prime example of this shift.

Top 10 Female Football Players

  • Rank 10: Mariona Caldentey – Midfielder – Arsenal W – Spain
  • Rank 9: Patricia Guijarro – Midfielder – Barcelona W – Spain
  • Rank 8: Khadija Shaw – Striker – Manchester City W – Jamaica
  • Rank 7: Caroline Graham Hansen – Right-Winger – Barcelona W – Norway
  • Rank 6: Klara Bühl – Left-Winger – Bayern Munich W – Germany
  • Rank 5: Alessia Russo – Striker – Arsenal W – England
  • Rank 4: Alexia Putellas – Midfielder – Barcelona W – Spain
  • Rank 3: Aitana Bonmatí – Midfielder – Barcelona W – Spain
  • Rank 2: Ewa Pajor – Striker – Barcelona W – Poland
  • Rank 1: Claudia Pina – Left-Winger – Barcelona W – Spain

Spotlight on Top Performers

Spanish midfielder Mariona Caldentey shifted from Barcelona Femeni to Arsenal in 2024 and has become crucial for the Gunners. With 16 appearances and five goals this season, her experience strengthens Arsenal’s midfield presence.

  • Appearances: 16
  • Goals + Assists: 2 + 3
  • Progressive Passes per 90: 9.42
  • Progressive Carries per 90: 3.07

Known as Patri, this Spanish midfielder from Mallorca joined Barcelona at 15 and boasts six Spanish titles and three UEFA Women’s Champions League wins. Her technical skills and goal threats remain vital.

  • Appearances: 12
  • Goals + Assists: 3 + 3
  • Progressive Passes per 90: 12.58
  • Progressive Carries per 90: 1.91

Jamaican striker Khadija Shaw leads the Golden Boot race in the Women's Super League with 18 goals from 18 appearances. Since joining City in 2021, she’s shown powerful finishing and aerial prowess.

  • Appearances: 18
  • Expected Goals (xG): 1.00
  • Goals: 18
  • Assists: 4

Norwegian winger Caroline Graham Hansen is known for dribbling, quick feet, and scoring. Wearing number 10, she contributed 14 goals and eight assists in 17 games this season, making her a Ballon d’Or contender.

  • Appearances: 17
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 8
  • Shot-Creating Actions per 90: 5.35
  • Chance Creation per 90: 3.60

German winger Klara Bühl has been vital for Bayern with 7 goals and 12 assists this season. Known for her speed and creativity on the left flank, she adapts well to multiple attacking roles.

  • Appearances: 16
  • Goals: 7
  • Assists: 12
  • Shot-Creating Actions per 90: 7.68
  • Chance Creation per 90: 5.96

England’s Alessia Russo, a confident striker, leads Arsenal's attack. Having played for Chelsea and Manchester United before, she excels with smart movement and precise finishing.

  • Appearances: 18
  • Expected Goals (xG): 0.46
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 4

Alexia Putellas stands among the greatest female players ever. This Spanish midfielder commands the game with vision and control, adding 14 goal contributions in 20 league matches.

  • Appearances: 20
  • Goals + Assists: 8 + 6
  • Progressive Passes per 90: 9.56
  • Progressive Carries per 90: 2.77

Leading the scoring charts with 17 goals, Claudia Pina is a sharp and confident Spanish forward whose movement and finishing pose constant threats.

  • Appearances: 21
  • Expected Goals (xG): 1.24
  • Goals: 17
  • Assists: 5

Following an exceptional 2024–25, Aitana Bonmatí continues to impress with 6 goals and 3 assists this season. She is Barcelona's all-time leading league scorer and the only woman to win back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Goals + Assists: 6 + 3
  • Progressive Passes per 90: 8.51
  • Progressive Carries per 90: 4.47

Polish striker Ewa Pajor leads the Barcelona attack with poise and intelligence. With 16 goal contributions this season, she excels at converting chances and linking play.

  • Appearances: 18
  • Expected Goals (xG) per 90: 0.82
  • Goals: 16
  • Assists: 4

How Rankings Were Decided

The list considers three main factors:

  • Performance Stats: Goals, assists, defensive work, and goalkeeping stats depending on position.
  • Consistency: Sustained high-level displays, international success, and reliability over time.
  • Impact in Key Matches: Influence beyond stats, including leadership and clutch performances in major tournaments.

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