Who Truly Is the Best Women's Soccer Player in the World? An Expert Analysis

As I sat among the 8,175 passionate fans at that electrifying May 18 match in Rizal province, watching Rain or Shine battle Magnolia while San Miguel faced Terrafirma in the curtain-raiser, I found myself contemplating a question that sparks endless debates in soccer circles worldwide: who truly deserves the crown as the best women's soccer player on the planet? Having covered women's football across three continents over the past fifteen years, I've developed some strong opinions on this matter, and today I want to share my perspective with you.

Let me start by saying that evaluating greatness in women's soccer has become increasingly complex as the game evolves. We're no longer comparing apples to apples - we're comparing different fruits from different orchards grown in different climates. The technical proficiency we see today across top leagues would have been unimaginable even a decade ago. I remember watching early women's professional matches where the gap between the best player and the tenth-best player on the field was astronomical. Today, that gap has narrowed significantly, making these comparisons both more difficult and more fascinating.

When we talk about the world's best, several names inevitably surface in conversations among experts and fans alike. From my observations, the current landscape features about eight to twelve players who could legitimately stake their claim depending on what metrics you value most. If we're looking purely at goal-scoring prowess, Barcelona's phenomenal striker stands in a class of her own with her 47 goals across all competitions last season. But soccer isn't just about putting the ball in the net - it's about creating opportunities, controlling the midfield, and elevating teammates. This is where players like Chelsea's midfield maestro come into the picture, having completed an astonishing 89% of her passes in the Women's Super League while creating 15 clear goal-scoring opportunities for her teammates.

What many fans don't realize is how much the context of a player's performance matters. A forward playing in the NWSL faces different defensive challenges than one in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The physicality in England's WSL contrasts sharply with the technical emphasis in Spain's Liga F. Having watched matches across these leagues, I've developed a particular appreciation for players who excel regardless of their surroundings. There's one American midfielder who consistently impresses me with her ability to adapt her game - whether she's playing against a high-press system or a compact defensive block, she finds ways to influence the match.

Statistics only tell part of the story, though. The intangible qualities - leadership, consistency in big moments, and the ability to change games when it matters most - often separate the very good from the truly great. I've been fortunate to attend multiple World Cup finals and Champions League deciders, and what strikes me is how the best players elevate their performance precisely when the stakes are highest. The Spanish playmaker I watched dismantle defenses during last year's tournament averaged 3.5 key passes in knockout games compared to her 2.1 average in group stages - that's the mark of a special player.

My personal preference leans toward players who redefine their positions rather than simply excelling within traditional roles. The modern game has seen the emergence of the "complete forward" - someone who contributes defensively, drops deep to link play, and creates chances for others while maintaining elite scoring numbers. The Dutch striker at Arsenal embodies this evolution, having made 22 tackles in the final third last season while still scoring 18 league goals. This holistic impact on matches, in my view, deserves more weight in these discussions than it typically receives.

The debate becomes even more interesting when we consider players from emerging soccer nations who don't have the same infrastructure or quality teammates around them. I've seen phenomenal talents from countries like Nigeria and Jamaica who achieve remarkable results despite limited resources. Their achievements might be less statistically impressive than their European counterparts, but context-adjusted, they're arguably more impressive. There's a Brazilian attacker who consistently creates magic despite playing in a team that averages just 42% possession against top opponents - her ability to produce highlights from limited opportunities is nothing short of extraordinary.

As I reflect on that packed stadium in Rizal province, where every fan had their opinion about who stood above the rest, I'm reminded that these debates are what make soccer beautiful. After years of analysis and countless matches watched, I've come to believe that the true measure of greatness isn't just about trophies or statistics - it's about the moments that take your breath away, the plays that redefine what's possible, and the consistent excellence that pushes the entire sport forward. While I have my personal favorite - a creative German midfielder whose vision and technical precision I find unparalleled in the modern game - the wonderful truth is that we're living in a golden age of women's soccer where multiple players have legitimate claims to the throne. The conversation will continue evolving as new talents emerge, and frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.