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Top 10 Female Footballers to Watch in 2026

Women’s football has surged in popularity and quality since the early 2000s, establishing itself as a serious force alongside men’s football. Players such as Alessia Russo, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Marta have reshaped the game with their skill and clutch performances. The 2025–26 season shines a spotlight on talents like Claudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, and Caroline Graham Hansen, with teams like Barcelona Femeni and clubs from the Women’s Super League dominating the scene. Rankings consider stats, market value, and impact during big matches to identify the best female players today.

Despite men's football still commanding most media attention, women’s football is gaining ground fast. Spectacular goals, record transfers, and rising attendances reflect this growth. The competition level has escalated, giving rise to many standout players who challenge the perception of women's football. Last year, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona took home the 2025 Ballon d’Or, cementing her status.

This season, several stars are making strong cases for being the top player. Here we break down the top ten best female footballers based on performance, consistency, and influence in key games.

Top 10 Best Female Footballers (2026)

  • 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

Insights on the Top Female Football Player of 2026

The dominance of FC Barcelona Femeni and the Women's Super League in this list highlights their recent exceptional performances. These clubs boast some of the world’s finest talent, reflected in their squad depth and consistent results.

Profiles of the Elite Players

Spanish midfielder Mariona Caldentey joined Arsenal after a successful spell at Barcelona Femeni until 2024. She’s become vital for the Gunners in the Women's Super League, bringing experience and midfield creativity. This season, she has made 16 league appearances, scoring 2 goals and assisting 3, while averaging 9.42 progressive passes and 3.07 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

Known as Patri, this Spanish midfielder has been a Barcelona mainstay since 2015. She boasts six Spanish titles and three UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies. Guijarro combines precise passing with goal threat. This season, she played 12 matches with 3 goals and 3 assists, delivering 12.58 progressive passes and 1.91 progressive carries per 90.

Jamaican striker Khadija Monifa Shaw leads the Golden Boot race with 18 goals in 18 league games for Manchester City Women this season. Joining City from Bordeaux in 2021, Shaw is known for her aerial strength, smart play, and powerful finishing. She also provides four assists.

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

The Norwegian winger wears number 10 for Barcelona Femeni. Famous for dribbling, speed, and scoring, she had an excellent previous season with 16 goals and 14 assists. This season, she has 6 goals and 8 assists in 17 games. She averages 5.35 shot-creating actions and 3.60 chances created per 90.

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

German winger Klara Bühl plays mainly on the left flank and has been a key offensive presence for Bayern Munich this season. Known for her pace and creativity, she can adapt across attacking roles. She has scored 7 goals and provided 12 assists in 16 appearances, with high involvement in shot-creating and chance creation.

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

The English striker Alessia Mia Teresa Russo leads Arsenal’s attack. After spells at Chelsea and Manchester United, she arrived in North London in 2023 and has over 100 appearances in England’s top flight. Russo impresses with intelligent movement and sharp finishing. This season, she has 6 goals and 4 assists in 18 games.

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

Considered one of the greatest female players ever, Alexia Putellas remains a crucial figure for both Barcelona Femeni and Spain. Her technical skill and vision dominate midfield play. This campaign, she has contributed 14 goal involvements (8 goals, 6 assists) in 20 matches, with strong progressive passing and ball carrying.

  • Appearances: 20
  • Goals + Assists: 14 (8+6)
  • Progressive Passes (per 90): 9.56
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 2.77

At 24, Claudia Pina leads Barcelona’s goal tally with 17 league goals. A sharp and decisive forward, she is a constant threat in attack and creates chances for teammates. Pina has appeared 21 times this season, with an expected goals rate of 1.24 and 5 assists.

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

Following her outstanding 2024–25 season and multiple accolades including two Ballon d’Or awards, Aitana Bonmatí continues to excel as a midfielder. She influences the game from deep but also scores regularly, with 6 goals and 3 assists in 11 appearances this season. She is Barcelona’s top league goal scorer historically and a key player in their domestic success.

  • Appearances: 11
  • Goals + Assists: 9 (6+3)
  • Progressive Passes (per 90): 8.51
  • Progressive Carries (per 90): 4.47

Polish striker Ewa Pajor tops the list with an impressive 16 goal contributions this season for Barcelona Femeni. At 29, her finishing and link-up play make her a constant danger in front of goal. Pajor has featured in 18 games, with an xG of 0.82 per 90, and added 4 assists.

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

How the Rankings Were Decided

The rankings were based on three key factors:

  • Performance Stats: Goals, assists, defensive actions, or saves depending on position.
  • Consistency: Regular high-level displays, reliability, and international success.
  • Impact in Important Matches: Leadership, influence during critical moments, and trophies won.

All stats are sourced from Sportsdunia and Fotmob.

FAQs

  • Are there defenders among the top female footballers in 2026?None appear in this top 10 list.
  • Is any goalkeeper ranked in the top 10 female footballers?No goalkeepers made the list.
  • Is Lucy Bronze included among the best female players?She is not on this top 10 list.
  • Does Alexia Putellas feature in the top female footballers?Yes, she is ranked fourth.

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