When people ask me who the best female soccer player in the world is right now, I always take a moment before answering. It's not just about current form or recent trophies—it's about that special quality that separates the great from the truly legendary. Having covered women's soccer for over a decade, I've learned to recognize that unique combination of technical brilliance, mental fortitude, and that almost magical ability to elevate everyone around them. But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet—that phrase keeps coming back to me when I think about certain players who've shattered all expectations and redefined what's possible in women's football.
Let's start with the obvious contenders. Alex Morgan, at 34, continues to defy time with her remarkable consistency. What many don't realize is that she's maintained a scoring rate of approximately 0.68 goals per game over the past three seasons despite playing through various minor injuries. I remember watching her during the 2023 NWSL season where she single-handedly changed the momentum of at least five crucial matches for San Diego Wave. Her game intelligence has evolved beautifully—she's no longer just that lightning-fast striker but has developed into a complete forward who understands space and timing like few others. Still, while Morgan remains phenomenal, I find myself leaning toward younger talents who are pushing the boundaries even further.
The conversation inevitably turns to Sam Kerr, and rightly so. Her 42 goals in 50 appearances for Chelsea last season tell only part of the story. What statistics can't capture is her almost supernatural ability to score when it matters most. I've been in stadiums when she's taken shots that seemed physically impossible—angled drives from positions where most players wouldn't even attempt a shot. There's a fearlessness about her play that reminds me of early Marta, but with contemporary athleticism that makes her devastating in air duels. Kerr's vertical leap measures around 65 centimeters, which explains why she dominates in aerial battles despite not being the tallest forward.
Then there's Aitana Bonmatí, who might just be the most technically gifted player I've ever watched live. Her pass completion rate of 92.3% in congested midfield areas is something I haven't seen since prime Andrés Iniesta. I recall specifically a Champions League match last April where she completed 107 passes in the opposition half—a record for the competition. What makes Bonmatí special isn't just her technical perfection but her spatial awareness; she seems to exist in a different dimension where the game moves slower. While strikers often grab headlines, Bonmatí's influence from midfield makes her Barcelona side tick in ways that statistics struggle to fully capture.
The emerging force that has genuinely surprised me is Salma Paralluelo. At just 20, she's already showing signs of becoming this generation's definitive superstar. Her acceleration data—reaching 0 to 30 km/h in under 3.8 seconds—explains why defenders simply can't handle her explosive movements. But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet applies perfectly to Paralluelo's rapid development. When Barcelona signed her, most expected gradual progress, not this meteoric rise that's seen her score 28 goals in her first full senior season. I've spoken with coaches who work with her daily, and they consistently mention her unparalleled work ethic—often staying after training for extra finishing drills when everyone else has left.
What fascinates me about evaluating these players is how the criteria keeps evolving. Ten years ago, we prioritized pure goal-scoring above all else. Today, the complete player must contribute across multiple dimensions—pressing, build-up play, defensive work rate. When I analyze game footage, I'm increasingly looking at metrics like possession won in final third and progressive carries per 90 minutes. Kerr leads in traditional striking metrics, but Bonmatí's influence in build-up phases and Morgan's leadership intangibles make direct comparisons increasingly challenging.
My personal preference leans toward players who redefine their positions, which is why I'd currently give Bonmatí the slightest edge. Having watched her orchestrate play against Wolfsburg in last year's Champions League semifinal, I witnessed a masterclass in midfield domination that changed how I evaluate the position. She completed 94% of her passes that night while creating eight scoring opportunities—a performance that blended artistic creativity with ruthless efficiency. Still, I completely understand arguments for Kerr's consistent match-winning contributions or Paralluelo's frightening potential.
The beauty of women's football currently is that we're witnessing multiple players operating at historically great levels simultaneously. Just last month, I was compiling data for a scouting report and realized we have at least six players who would have been clear world number ones in previous eras. The competition has never been fiercer, and the quality gap between the very best has never been narrower. This makes picking a single "best" player somewhat subjective, depending on what aspects of the game you value most.
Ultimately, if I must choose—and people always insist that I do—my vote goes to Aitana Bonmatí for her revolutionary impact on midfield play. Her ability to control tempo while contributing significantly to both defensive and offensive phases represents where the modern game is heading. That said, ask me again in six months, and with Paralluelo's development trajectory, I might well give you a different answer. The wonderful uncertainty is what keeps me watching, analyzing, and falling more in love with this sport with each passing season.