Check out the five greatest women soccer player’s in history.
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Today, we celebrate all the Women around the world on International Women’s Day. Among the many prospects, women have set new boundaries while inspiring generations to dream big on and off the field.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and the inspiration they provide to aspiring players worldwide. From leading their nations to World Cup victories to winning the sport’s highest individual honours, these women are leading an example while leaving a legacy.
Among the many who lived their soccer dream and achieved greatness, we will look at the top 5 most successful women’s soccer players in history. These women not only put up impressive numbers but also go in the books as someone who changed the game forever.
The 5 Most Successful Women’s Soccer Players of All Time
Among the many great contributors to women soccer, here is a lot of top 5 most decorated player’s in women soccer:
1. Marta Viera da Silva
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Marta Viera Da Silva can be said ‘the Queen’ of football given her series of achievements and devotion to soccer. Born in Alagos, Brazil, Marta was scouted to join Vasco da Gama’s women’s team at the age of 14.
Appearing for the Brazil national team at the tender age of 16, Marta went on to become the face of women’s soccer in Brazil and globally. She also achieved several individual and team awards for brilliance.
Marta Viera Da SilvaCareer Achievements:
Most goals in Women’s World Cup history (17 goals)
2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup Tournament’s top scorer and Best Player.
Two-time Olympic silver medalist (2004, 2008)
Six-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2018) – the most in history for any male or female player.
Having such a decorated career, Marta has also been highly active in off-field initiatives. She has been vocal about gender equality in football, encouraging young girls to chase their dreams despite obstacles.
2. Abby Wambach
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Mary Abigail “Abby” Wambach is one of the most complete player in Women’s Soccer. Being the youngest of seven siblings, Wambach was raised with a competitive spirit and played sports with her elder brothers. Wambach scored over 140 goals in his high school earning a scholarship from the University of Florida.
Wambach made her U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) debut in 2001. She was quick to rise the ranks and was considered one of the most threatening forwards in football at the time.
Abby Wambach Career Achievements:
2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion
Key player in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2012).
184 international goals – The most in U.S. history and, at the time of her retirement, the most by any player (male or female) in international soccer history.
Along with her achievements in the field, Wambach also led many efforts for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality in sports. The 44-year-old has so written best-selling books, including “Forward: A Memoir” and “Wolfpack”, which empower women to lead fearlessly.
Mariel Margaret “Mia” Hamm was born on March 17, 1972, in Selma, Alabama, USA. Being raised in a military background family, Hamm moved often as she developed her love of soccer at a young age.
At just 15 years old, Hamm became the youngest player ever to join the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) in 1987. She played with the Washington Freedom in the early 2000s leading the foundation for professional women’s soccer.
Mia Hamm Career Achievements:
Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion (1991, 1999)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2004).
158 international goals – World record at the time.
144 assists – Highest in U.S. women’s soccer history.
Two-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2001 2002).
Hamm was one of the first women footballers who gained significant followers as she inspired millions by her career. She also cofounded the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), the first professional women’s league in the U.S.
4. Birgit Prinz
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Former German International Birgit Prinz is one of the most decorated players in soccer. Making her debut in the Bundesliga at just 16 years old, she went on to achieve several individual and team trophies.
Prinz was the backbone of the German International team’s multiple campaigns being active for five FIFA World Cups and four Olympic Games. She helped the side to a significant amount of silverware at the time as well.
Birgit Prinz Career Achievements:
FFC Frankfurt (1998–2011) – (6 Bundesliga titles, 8 German Cups.
Two-time World Cup winner (2003, 2007)
All-time second-highest Women’s World Cup goal scorer (14 goals, tied with Abby Wambach, behind Marta’s 17).
2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Golden Ball winner (Best Player) and Golden Boot winner).
Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year (2003, 2004, 2005).
Pritz’s contributions to the sport earned her millions of fans globally. Her passion and intelligence in soccer made her a significant character in the development of women’s soccer.
5. Christine Sinclair
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Canada-born Christine Sinclair comes from the line of footballer’s as her uncle, Bruce Gant, played professionally. She earned a scholarship to the University of Portland guiding them to two NCAA national championships (2002, 2005). Sinclair also won the Hermann Trophy twice.
Christine Sinclair Career Achievements:
Most international goals in soccer history (190+ goals) – More than any male or female player, surpassing Abby Wambach’s previous record of 184 in 2020.
Olympic Gold Medalist (2021).
Six-time finalist for FIFA Women’s Player of the Year.Named Canada’s Soccer Player of the Year 14 times.
Sinclair is an inspiration not only to her country but to many young girls around the world. Her goal-scoring stats and resilience in front of goal have inspired many to leave her legacy beyond the pitch.
From leading their countries to FIFA World Cup triumphs to winning all the possible individual honours, these players have left a lasting legacy. As we celebrate the past, let’s continue to support the future of women’s soccer. The next generation of female athletes is ready to make history—and they’re doing it on their own terms.
I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!
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