10.Ada Hegerberg
Country: Norway
Club: Lyon
Age: 26
Position: Forward
2023 Rank: Not ranked
When Ada Hegerberg suffered an ACL injury in January 2020, little did anyone anticipate that it would mark the beginning of a 21-month hiatus from the sport for this revered star. Compounded by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, her ACL recovery was further hindered when she suffered a tibia fracture shortly after resuming training.
Returning to the pitch after such an extended absence is always uncertain, even for the most accomplished players. However, Hegerberg seamlessly reintegrated with Lyon, showcasing her prowess by returning to goal-scoring form by November. Her performance in the Champions League final underscored her exceptional abilities in front of the net.
Moreover, the break from competitive play afforded Hegerberg the opportunity for introspection. After more than four years of declining national team invitations, she made a triumphant return to the Norwegian squad. Her comeback was not only marked by her goal-scoring prowess but also by her advocacy for gender equality in football, with the Norwegian FA addressing her concerns regarding disparities between men’s and women’s opportunities in the sport.
Just as she did with Lyon, Hegerberg wasted no time making an impact with her national team, notably scoring a hat trick upon her return.
9.Aitana Bonmati
Country: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
2023 Rank: Not ranked
Aitana Bonmati epitomizes the quintessential Barcelona midfielder. Despite her diminutive stature, she compensates with exceptional technical abilities. Renowned for her agility, she effortlessly maneuvers through opposition defenses, forming a formidable partnership with fellow midfielders Putellas and Guijarro. Their seamless one-touch passing and fluid movement have confounded even the strongest opponents, including Arsenal and Wolfsburg.
Moreover, Bonmati’s evolution extends beyond midfield dominance. In both the Primera Division and the Champions League, she showcased her prowess in the final third, netting an impressive 17 goals and providing six assists throughout the season.
8.Jennifer Hermoso
Country: Spain
Club: Pachuca
Age: 32
Position: Forward
2023 Rank: 17
Despite Jennifer Hermoso’s inability to replicate her record-breaking goal-scoring performances that propelled Barcelona to glory in the 2020-21 season, her recent statistics remain impressive. With 16 goals in the league and an additional five in the Champions League, her contributions were vital as Barcelona secured an unbeaten league title and reached the Champions League final.
However, following her remarkable tally of 37 goals across both competitions last season, Hermoso’s slightly reduced output may be perceived as a regression for Barcelona’s all-time leading goal scorer. Transitioning from a traditional striker role to a more creative No. 10 position, Hermoso embarks on a new chapter in Mexico. Following the expiration of her contract with Barcelona, she has joined Liga MX Femenil side Pachuca as a free agent.
7.Marie-Antoinette Katoto
Country: France
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Age: 23
Position: Forward
2023 Rank: 19
In early February, at just 23 years old, Marie-Antoinette Katoto surpassed Marie-Laure Delie to claim the title of Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time leading goal scorer, with an impressive tally of 132 goals in 148 matches. This achievement alone speaks volumes about her exceptional proficiency in front of goal, embodying the archetype of a striker destined to find the back of the net.
Katoto’s prowess extends beyond mere statistics. With a keen sense of timing, impeccable decision-making, and an innate ability to outmaneuver opponents, she exhibits a fluidity in her gameplay that is both effective and captivating. While eyebrows were raised when Corinne Diacre omitted the then 20-year-old striker from France’s squad for the World Cup on home soil, Katoto has since solidified her presence, amassing an impressive record of 24 goals in 28 appearances for Les Bleues.
6.Catarina Macario
Country: United States
Club: Lyon
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
2023 Rank: Not ranked
Catarina Macario makes a remarkable debut at No. 6 on this year’s list, following an exceptional season both domestically and internationally. Widely regarded as the future of the U.S. women’s national team, Macario’s ascendancy appears imminent, pending her recovery from an ACL injury sustained in early June, which will sideline her for several months.
In her inaugural campaign in France’s top league, Macario emerged as Lyon’s top scorer, tallying an impressive 23 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions, including a notable contribution of nine goals and two assists in the Champions League. Furthermore, she played a pivotal role for the USWNT, spearheading the team’s success in winning the SheBelieves Cup and exemplifying a generational shift in talent.
USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski, who is also part of the voting panel, has expressed a clear intention to build the team around Macario’s exceptional abilities. This endorsement underscores her versatility, as she is poised to make an impact either in midfield or as an attacking force.
5.Pernille Harder
Country: Denmark
Club: Chelsea
Age: 29
Position: Forward
2023 Rank: 4
Despite a setback due to a knee injury, Pernille Harder showcased exceptional form during the season, particularly towards its conclusion when Chelsea heavily relied on her contributions. Although she slipped one place in rankings compared to the previous year, her performances notably improved as she acclimatized to her role at Chelsea. Notably, her spectacular solo goal against Manchester United in September exemplifies her prowess and impact on the pitch.
While her limited appearances in the Champions League were disappointing, Harder’s continuous improvement and track record in the competition raise anticipation among rivals. As a two-time UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, her trajectory suggests she is still evolving and reaching new heights. The missed opportunities in the Champions League, where she has historically excelled, potentially hindered her ranking this season, leaving opponents wary of her growing influence.
4.Caroline Graham Hansen
Country: Norway
Club: Barcelona
Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
2023 Rank: 9
Despite being overlooked in major individual awards last season, Caroline Graham Hansen rises to fourth place in ESPN’s rankings following yet another outstanding campaign with Barcelona. Integral to the team’s success, her adept play on the right flank significantly contributes to the scoring prowess of players like Putellas & Co.
Graham Hansen’s agility and strategic movements on the pitch often catch opponents off guard. Whether feinting to cut inside or swiftly maneuvering outside to deliver precise crosses, she consistently creates scoring opportunities for her teammates. Moreover, her goal-scoring abilities, exemplified by her remarkable strike against Wolfsburg in the Champions League semifinal, further highlight her multifaceted skill set. Her exceptional decision-making, influenced by her passion for chess, is evident in her role as a provider, setting up 13 goals in the Primera Division and four in Europe.
Barcelona’s remarkable success since Hansen’s arrival in 2019, winning nine out of twelve possible trophies, underscores her undeniable talent and significant impact on the club’s achievements.
3.Vivianne Miedema
Country: Netherlands
Club: Arsenal
Age: 25
Position: Forward
2023 Rank: 3
Vivianne Miedema undoubtedly belongs among the elite ranks of the greatest strikers in history. In June, she achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first player to contribute to 100 goals in the FA Women’s Super League. Not only does she boast an unparalleled goal-scoring record, but she also displays exceptional selflessness, averaging an assist every two games. Miedema operates like a reliable machine, seldom wavering in her performance.
Despite the allure of clubs like Barcelona, Lyon, and Chelsea, Miedema has remained steadfastly loyal to Arsenal, demonstrating her commitment to the club and its values. Her profound impact extends beyond the pitch, as she increasingly utilizes her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, recognizing the significance of her influence in the world.
2.Sam Kerr
Country: Australia
Club: Chelsea
Age: 28
Position: Forward
2023 Rank: 2
Even amidst the vast coverage of Sam Kerr, the Australian striker continually pushes boundaries, astounding fans and challenging even the toughest defenses. Throughout the 2021-22 season, she achieved remarkable personal milestones alongside significant team successes, as evidenced by her prolific Instagram feed adorned with FA Cups, league titles, and player-of-the-season awards.
Despite facing disappointments with the Matildas during the Asian Cup, Kerr etched her name in history as Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer. In club competitions, she continued to add to her Golden Boot collection, showcasing her unparalleled scoring prowess. Building upon her impressive debut season with Chelsea, Kerr not only maintained her goal-scoring form but also demonstrated a flair for dramatic moments, leaving defenders in her wake.
1.Alexia Putellas
Country: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
2023 Rank: 22
Alexia Putellas solidifies her status as the top player by clinching ESPN’s ranking, following her Ballon d’Or win and being named The Best FIFA Women’s Player. Beyond her exceptional performances on the field, she serves as the face of Barcelona both in and out of the spotlight. Her influence transcends the game, evident in her representation on advertising boards across the city and the countless young fans proudly sporting her name at Camp Nou, contributing to record-breaking attendance figures in women’s football.
Having been an integral part of Barcelona’s journey for the past decade, Putellas continues to elevate her game, guiding the team to three additional trophies this season. Despite the disappointment of a Champions League defeat to Lyon, her determination remains unwavering as she sets her sights on future successes. Notably, she made significant contributions in pivotal moments, scoring crucial goals in sell-out matches at Camp Nou against Real Madrid and Wolfsburg, as well as nearly igniting a comeback against Lyon. With an impressive tally of 11 Champions League goals and 18 league goals from midfield, Putellas epitomizes excellence and leadership both on and off the pitch.