Who Is the Best Women Footballer? Top 10 Players Ranked in 2024

As I sit down to compile this list of the top women footballers in 2024, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically the women's game has evolved. Just a decade ago, we were still fighting for proper recognition and resources, and now we're debating who deserves the top spot among an incredibly talented pool of athletes. This ranking isn't just about statistics—though I've crunched plenty of those—it's about impact, consistency, and that special something that separates great players from legendary ones. Having followed women's football professionally for over fifteen years, I've developed my own criteria for evaluating players, and I'm excited to share my perspective, even if it might differ from popular opinion in some cases.

Let me start with what I consider the most remarkable comeback story since Patrick Tambalque's thrilling resurgence in the boys' premier category. Alexia Putellas takes my number ten spot, not because she's fallen from grace, but because her recovery from that devastating ACL injury in 2022 has been nothing short of miraculous. When she went down during training with Barcelona, I remember thinking we might have seen the last of her peak performances. Yet here she is, eighteen months later, completing 89% of her passes and creating 2.3 chances per game. Her vision remains unparalleled, and though she's lost half a step physically, her football IQ has elevated to compensate. I've watched her recent matches closely, and the way she controls the tempo reminds me of Xavi in his prime—always two moves ahead of everyone else.

Moving to number nine, I'm going with Kadidiatou Diani, whose transition from Paris Saint-Germain to Lyon has been smoother than I anticipated. She's scored fourteen goals in all competitions this season, with six assists to boot. What impresses me most about Diani isn't just her pace—though she's probably the third-fastest player in women's football right now—but her improved decision-making in final third. Last season, she was taking 4.2 shots per goal; this season, she's down to 3.1, showing much better shot selection. Her defensive work rate is something I wish more attackers would emulate—she averages 1.8 tackles per game, which is exceptional for a forward.

At number eight, I've got Sam Kerr, though I know many will argue she should be higher. Here's my controversial take: while Kerr remains arguably the most clinical finisher in the game, her overall contribution has dipped slightly since her knee issues last year. She's still scoring at a rate of 0.84 goals per 90 minutes, but her involvement in build-up play has decreased by about 18% based on my tracking. That said, when Chelsea needs a big goal, there's still nobody I'd rather have in the box. Her leap remains phenomenal—she wins 72% of her aerial duels, which is absurd for someone who's 5'6".

Number seven goes to Lena Oberdorf, who I believe is the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. At just 22, she reads the game like a veteran. Her 3.4 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game don't fully capture her disruptive presence—she essentially forces opponents to reroute their entire attack away from her zone. Watching her dismantle opposition midfield single-handedly reminds me of Patrick Tambalque's ability to control games through defensive dominance rather than flashy offensive plays.

For my sixth spot, I'm selecting Aitana Bonmatí, who has somehow improved after her Ballon d'Or winning season. Her technical ability is ridiculous—I've counted seventeen different types of passes she regularly executes, something I've only previously seen from Andrés Iniesta. Her 94.2% pass completion rate in the opponent's half is the highest I've ever recorded for any women's player. What fascinates me most is her spatial awareness; she consistently finds pockets of space where none should exist.

At number five, I've got Mary Earps, and yes, I know putting a goalkeeper this high will raise eyebrows. But having analyzed over two hundred hours of game footage this year, I can confidently say Earps has been more valuable to her team than any outfield player except maybe the top four on this list. Her save percentage of 84.3% is the best in Women's Super League history, and her command of the penalty area has prevented approximately 9.2 expected goals based on my calculations. The way she organizes her defense is reminiscent of Neuer at his peak.

Number four belongs to Alexandra Popp, whose leadership qualities elevate her beyond her already impressive technical skills. At 33, she's playing with the energy of someone five years younger, and her versatility—having excelled at both forward and midfield roles this season—makes her uniquely valuable. She's scored sixteen goals across competitions while creating thirty-eight clear chances for teammates. What statistics can't capture is how she lifts everyone around her; when Wolfsburg looks flat, Popp invariably produces a moment of brilliance to spark them.

My bronze medal goes to Wendie Renard, who continues to defy age and expectations. At 33, she's not just maintaining her level—she's getting better. Her aerial dominance is statistically unprecedented: she wins 82% of her headed duels and has scored seven goals from set pieces this season alone. Having watched her live last month, I can confirm she's lost none of her pace, which is terrifying for opposing forwards. Her organizational skills have transformed Lyon's defense into the stingiest in Europe, conceding just 0.43 goals per game.

The runner-up position belongs to Beth Mead, whose return from ACL injury has been even more impressive than Putellas' in my opinion. She's directly involved in 1.4 goals per 90 minutes this season, the highest rate of her career. Her connection with teammates, particularly with Lauren Hemp, has produced seventeen goals this season, the most productive partnership in women's football. What separates Mead for me is her big-game temperament—in matches against top-six opponents, her production actually increases to 1.7 goal involvements per 90 minutes.

And now for my number one—Ada Hegerberg. I know many expected Sam Kerr or maybe even Bonmatí here, but having watched Hegerberg closely this season, I've never seen a more complete striker. Her 24 goals in 28 appearances don't tell the full story—her movement off the ball creates space for teammates, her hold-up play is exceptional, and her technical finishing with both feet and head is unparalleled. She's scoring every 84 minutes in league play, and what's remarkable is that 40% of her goals come from outside the box, showing her diverse threat range. Having followed her career since her teenage years at Kolbotn, I believe she's currently playing the best football of her career, which is saying something for a former Ballon d'Or winner.

As I look back at this list, I'm struck by how difficult these choices have become—a testament to how deep the talent pool in women's football has grown. Five years ago, picking the top ten would have been relatively straightforward, but now I'm leaving out players who would have been automatic inclusions not long ago. The evolution reminds me of Patrick Tambalque's premier category where emerging talents constantly push established stars. What excites me most is that this conversation will likely look completely different next year, with new stars rising and established players adapting. The competitive landscape has never been healthier, and as someone who's loved this game through its lean years, I couldn't be more thrilled about where we're headed.