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Top 10 Female Footballers to Watch in 2026

Women’s football has grown impressively since the early 2000s, gaining popularity, media attention, and raising its competitive level. Players like Alessia Russo, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Marta have helped shape the sport with their skill and influence in crucial matches. The 2025–26 season spotlights stars such as Claudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, and Caroline Graham Hansen, with teams like Barcelona Femení and the Women's Super League leading the way.

This article ranks the top ten female football players currently based on performance statistics, consistency, and their impact in important games.

Top 10 Female Football Players in 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

Spotlight on the Best Female Player of 2026

The list features many players from FC Barcelona Femení and the Women's Super League, reflecting their dominance rather than any bias.

Player Profiles and Stats

The Spanish midfielder transferred from Barcelona Femeni in 2024 and is a key figure for Arsenal. She has made 16 league appearances this season, 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, she joined Barcelona at 15 and has won numerous titles including three UEFA Women's Champions League trophies. This season, she has been influential with 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

The Jamaican striker leads the Women's Super League Golden Boot race with 18 goals in 18 games, plus 4 assists. Shaw joined City in 2021 and is admired for her aerial skills and finishing.

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

The Norwegian winger wears number 10 for Barcelona and is praised for dribbling and creativity. Last season, she scored 16 goals with 14 assists. So far this season, she has 6 goals and 8 assists in 17 appearances.

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

The German winger stands out for her speed and versatility. In 16 games, she has scored 7 goals and assisted 12 times.

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

The English striker, known for her precise finishing and link-up play, has 6 goals and 4 assists in 18 appearances this season.

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

Considered one of the greatest women's players, Putellas combines vision, ball control, and leadership. She has contributed 14 goal involvements (8 goals and 6 assists) in 20 La Liga matches this season.

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

The Spanish forward tops the league scoring chart with 17 goals in 21 appearances. Known for sharp movements and strong finishing, she also adds 5 assists.

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

After an outstanding previous season, Bonmatí continues to impress with 6 goals and 3 assists in 11 matches. She holds the record as Barcelona’s all-time leading league scorer and is the only woman to win two Ballon d’Or awards consecutively.

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

The Polish striker is having a stellar season with 16 goal contributions (goals and assists combined) in 18 games. Pajor is prized for her ability to finish chances and link up well with Barcelona’s midfield stars.

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

Ranking Criteria Explained

  • Performance Stats: Goals, assists, defensive records, and goalkeeping stats depending on position.
  • Consistency: Regular high-level performances and international success over time.
  • Impact in Important Matches: Influence in decisive games beyond numbers, including leadership and clutch moments.

All statistics come from Sportsdunia and Fotmob.

FAQs

  • Any defenders in the top 10? No defenders are included.
  • Any goalkeepers in the top 10? No goalkeepers are on the list.
  • Is Lucy Bronze among the best currently? No, she is not listed.
  • Is Alexia Putellas on the list? Yes, she is ranked among the best.

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