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Top 10 Female Footballers of 2026: Leading Stars in Women's Football

Women's football has come a long way since the early 2000s, gaining popularity and quality alongside the men's game. Players like Alessia Russo, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Marta have reshaped the sport with their talent and impact in big moments. This season, stars such as Claudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, and Caroline Graham Hansen shine, with clubs like Barcelona Femení and teams from the Women’s Super League dominating top ranks.

The sport's growing competitiveness has opened doors for many skilled players to thrive. Big transfers, stunning goals, and rising attendance numbers highlight this era. Names like Russo, Putellas, and Bonmatí have changed how people see women's football by playing with unmatched finesse. Last year, Aitana Bonmatí won the 2025 Ballon d'Or, showcasing her dominance.

Current Top 10 Female Footballers (2026)

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

Leading Players Breakdown

Spanish midfielder Mariona Caldentey moved to Arsenal after a successful spell at Barcelona Femeni until 2024. She has been crucial in Arsenal's midfield in the Women's Super League, bringing experience and skill. This season, she has made 16 league appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists.

  • Appearances: 16
  • Goals + Assists: 2 + 3
  • Progressive Passes (per 90): 9.42
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 3.07

Known as Patri, the Spanish midfielder has been with Barcelona since age 15. She boasts six Spanish titles and three UEFA Women's Champions League wins. This season she has delivered 3 goals and 3 assists in 12 appearances.

  • Appearances: 12
  • Goals + Assists: 3 + 3
  • Progressive Passes (per 90): 12.58
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 1.91

Jamaican striker Khadija Monifa Shaw leads the Women's Super League Golden Boot race with 18 goals in 18 appearances this season. Known for her aerial strength and finishing, Shaw has been a vital player for Manchester City since joining in 2021.

  • Appearances: 18
  • Expected Goals (xG): 1.00
  • Goals: 18
  • Assists: 4

The Norwegian winger is famed for dribbling and creativity. Wearing number 10, she contributed 14 goals and 8 assists in 17 appearances so far this season, helping Barcelona lead the league.

  • Appearances: 17
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 8
  • Shot-Creating Actions (per 90): 5.35
  • Chance Creation (per 90): 3.60

German winger Klara Bühl has been impressive on the left flank with 7 goals and 12 assists in 16 appearances, showcasing speed and versatility.

  • Appearances: 16
  • Goals: 7
  • Assists: 12
  • Shot-Creating Actions (per 90): 7.68
  • Chance Creation (per 90): 5.96

English striker Alessia Russo leads Arsenal’s attack confidently with 6 goals and 4 assists in 18 appearances. She is noted for her movement and clinical finishing.

  • Appearances: 18
  • Expected Goals (xG): 0.46
  • Goals: 6
  • Assists: 4

One of the best ever, Alexia Putellas is a midfield maestro with 14 goal contributions (8 goals, 6 assists) in 20 matches this season. Her vision and control help Barcelona dominate games.

  • Total Appearances: 20
  • Goals + Assists: 8 + 6
  • Progressive Passes (per 90): 9.56
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 2.77

Leading scorer in Spain’s top flight for Barcelona, Claudia Pina has 17 goals and 5 assists in 21 appearances. Known for sharp movement and powerful shooting, she remains a constant threat.

  • Total Appearances: 21
  • Expected Goals (xG): 1.24
  • Goals: 17
  • Assists: 5

Two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Aitana Bonmatí continues to shine with 6 goals and 3 assists in 11 matches this season. She is a deep-lying playmaker who influences every aspect of Barcelona's game.

  • Total Appearances: 11
  • Goals + Assists: 6 + 3
  • Progressive Passes (per 90): 8.51
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 4.47

Polish striker Ewa Pajor has scored 16 goals and added 4 assists in 18 appearances. She’s known for smart positioning and efficient finishing, making her the top female footballer currently.

  • Total Appearances: 18
  • Expected Goals (xG per 90): 0.82
  • Goals: 16
  • Assists: 4

Criteria Behind the Rankings

  • Performance Stats: Goals, assists, defensive actions, or saves depending on position.
  • Consistency: Regular high-level displays over time and reliability.
  • Impact in Key Matches: Influence in important games, leadership, and clutch performances beyond pure statistics.

These factors combine to reveal the best female footballers in the world right now.

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