It’s that time of year again when we review the last 12 months in women’s soccer and celebrate the standout performers. This marks our fifth year of soliciting input from experts to compile ESPN FC Women’s Rank—a list of the top 50 players globally, and competition is fiercer than ever.
This year’s ranking showcases the evolving landscape of women’s soccer: fourteen players are making their debut on our top 50 list, while seven athletes have returned after missing out last year. The battle for the top position was closer than many anticipated.
A highlight of the past year was the UEFA Women’s Euro in Switzerland, which broke attendance records and set a record for the most goals scored in the tournament’s history. A thrilling rematch of the 2023 World Cup final occurred between England and Spain, where England emerged victorious in a penalty shootout.
This year, the UEFA Champions League trophy was claimed by Arsenal, who broke the long dominance of powerhouses Barcelona and Lyonnes, with the Gunners securing their first Champions League title since 2007. The 2025-26 UWCL season is currently underway, and the chase continues for Barcelona and Lyonnes.
In the United States, Gotham FC successfully defended their title to become the NWSL champions, as the league’s competitive landscape continues to grow. Meanwhile, the USL Super League crowned its first champion in Tampa Bay Sun FC, while the Northern Super League launched in Canada.
The rapid growth of women’s soccer made finalizing ESPN FC Women’s Rank into an even more challenging task this year. With notable absences, such as Naomi Girma, Sophia Wilson, Lauren James, and Mallory Swanson, who all missed the year due to injuries or other reasons, we still received votes for 198 different athletes from our voting panel.
Presenting ESPN FC Women’s Rank: The Final Top 50
Written by Emily Keogh, Jeff Kassouf, Yash Thakur, Tom Hamilton, and Sam Marsden. All statistics provided by ESPN Global Research.
Country: Canada
Club: Arsenal
Age: 21
Position: Forward
2024 Rank: N/A (★ debut)
Smith’s inclusion underscores Arsenal’s determination as they secured her signature for a then-world record fee of £1 million last summer. Her impressive performance with seven goals during her breakout year in the WSL, where she led Liverpool in scoring and swept Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, justifies that price tag.
A fine dribbler capable of creating scoring opportunities from nothing, she ranks fifth in the WSL for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (4.95). Smith has rapidly established herself as one of the league’s most sought-after talents. — Keogh
Stat to know: Her eight goals and 42 shots (14 on target) this calendar year lead among all players aged 21 and younger in the Women’s Super League.
Country: Brazil
Club: Kansas City Current
Age: 34
Position: Midfielder
2024 Rank: 26 (▼ 23 spots)
Peak Debinha made a significant impact in 2025, being a key figure in the Kansas City Current’s record-breaking achievements. Despite minor injuries, the 34-year-old was pivotal in Kyrie’s attacking strategy.
She adeptly transitions between roles, showcasing her precision in free kicks, counterattacks, and vision to create chances. — Kassouf
Stat to know: Debinha has 2.03 goals above expected, the seventh highest in the NWSL this season.
Country: Australia
Club: Arsenal
Age: 31
Position: Center back/fullback
2024 Rank: N/A (★ reentry)
Catley was integral to Arsenal’s defensive stability last season, ranking among the top four for total passes completed (1,118). Transitioning from a left-back to center-back early in the season demonstrated her adaptability and composure, contributing to the team’s European campaign.
Her consistent performances earned her a Ballon d’Or nomination and recognition as a top defender. — Keogh
Stat to know: She had zero errors leading to shots or goals in the Women’s Super League throughout the year.
Ranking Methodology and Voting Panel Insights
This year’s competition was fierce, with eight different players receiving votes for the top spot and Mariona Caldentey receiving the most first-place votes. However, Aitana Bonmatí maintained a higher overall average score across ballots, securing her position at the top for the third consecutive year.
The ranked voting system tapped a panel of 25 experts in women’s soccer to determine the top 50 players of 2025. Each rank awarded varying points, with a total accumulation to establish the final ranking.
Bonmatí’s consistency and significant contributions across all tournaments solidify her place among the world’s elite women soccer players.
Full voting panel details are available, covering diverse experts across various roles, including coaches, players, journalists, and analysts, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of talent.