Top 10 Female Football Players in 2026

Women's football has surged in popularity and quality since the early 2000s, establishing itself alongside the men's game. Stars like Aitana Bonmatí, Khadija Shaw, and Alexia Putellas have transformed the sport with skill and key match contributions. The 2025–26 season highlights talents including Claudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, and Caroline Graham Hansen, with Barcelona Femeni and the Women's Super League leading the way.

This list ranks the top ten female footballers today based on performance stats, consistency, and their impact during crucial moments.

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

Who Tops the Chart?

The dominance of FC Barcelona Femeni and the Women's Super League is clear in this list, reflecting the outstanding recent performances of these clubs' players.

Player Highlights and Stats

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal W.F.C.): Former Barcelona midfielder now key for Arsenal with 16 appearances, 2 goals, 3 assists, averaging 9.42 progressive passes and 3.07 progressive carries per 90 minutes.
Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona Femeni): Spanish midfielder with 12 appearances, 3 goals, 3 assists, excelling in passing with 12.58 progressive passes and 1.91 progressive carries per 90.
Khadija Shaw (Manchester City W.F.C.): Leading Golden Boot contender in the Women's Super League with 18 goals in 18 games, plus 4 assists, known for aerial strength and finishing.
Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona Femeni): Norwegian winger with 17 appearances, 6 goals, 8 assists, and strong chance creation stats (5.35 shot-creating actions and 3.60 chance creations per 90).
Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich Women): German left-winger with 16 appearances, 7 goals, 12 assists, showing creativity and versatility with 7.68 shot-creating actions and 5.96 chance creations per 90.
Alessia Russo (Arsenal W.F.C.): England striker with 18 appearances, 6 goals, 4 assists, noted for sharp movement and finishing.
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona Femeni): One of the all-time greats with 20 appearances, 8 goals, 6 assists, 9.56 progressive passes and 2.77 carries per 90, a leader in midfield play.
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona Femeni): Ballon d’Or winner with 11 appearances, 6 goals, 3 assists, 8.51 progressive passes and 4.47 progressive carries per 90, known for game influence and goal threat.
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona Femeni): Polish striker with 18 appearances, 16 goals, 4 assists, an xG of 0.82, praised for clinical finishing and link-up play.
Claudia Pina (Barcelona Femeni): Top scorer in Spanish league with 21 appearances, 17 goals, 5 assists, 1.24 xG, recognized for sharp attacking instincts.

Ranking Criteria Explained

Performance Stats: Goals, assists, defensive and goalkeeping metrics help measure contribution.
Consistency: Regular high-level displays, dependability, and international success are valued.
Impact in Key Matches: Influence beyond stats including leadership and clutch performances in big games.

FAQ

No defenders or goalkeepers appear in this top 10 list.
Lucy Bronze is not included in this ranking.
Alexia Putellas features prominently among the best female footballers.

Top 10 Female Football Players in 2026