The Story of Women’s Soccer: Famous Female Soccer Players

The history of women’s soccer has been one of growth from informal kickabouts to a global phenomenon that rivals the men’s game today. 

This article highlights the players and moments that have defined the game and evolved it to its present form. We’ll also explore the current dynamics of the women’s game in the U.S., Canada, and globally. 

How Women’s Soccer Grew into a Global Force

The history of women’s soccer paints a story of resilience and passion. The game has evolved and grown even with societal pushbacks and outright bans.

Key Milestones in Women’s Soccer History

Early Pioneers Who Broke the Ground

The pioneering players were not just exceptional athletes; they were trailblazers who fought for the recognition and respect that the game enjoys today. Their talent and determination laid the groundwork for the generations of famous female soccer players who followed.

Mia Hamm (USA)

Mia Hamm is a name synonymous with women’s soccer. A dominant player for the United States national team from 1987 to 2004, she was one of the first women to play soccer professionally on a global scale.

Hamm was known for her incredible skill and scoring ability. For a time, she held the record for most international goals scored by any player (male or female). She was a key member of two Women’s World Cup-winning squads and two Olympic gold medal-winning teams, cementing her legacy as one of the most famous female soccer players ever.

Christine Sinclair (Canada)

A true icon for Canada and the sport as a whole, Christine Sinclair holds the incredible record for most international goals scored by any individual player, male or female (190 goals in 331 appearances). 

She’s been the heart and soul of the Canadian national team for over two decades, participating in numerous Women’s World Cups and Olympic Games. In 2020, she led her team to an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.

Her longevity, leadership, and lethal finishing ability make her a legendary figure in women’s soccer history.

Briana Scurry (USA)

Briana Scurry was a pioneering goalkeeper and a vital part of the iconic 1999 U.S. Women’s National Team. She was the starting shot stopper for both the 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team and the 1999 Women’s World Cup champions.

Her famous penalty save in the 1999 final remains one of the most memorable moments in women’s soccer history. Scurry was also one of the very first Black professional female soccer players to achieve international stardom and has been a strong advocate for mental health and racial equity in the game.

Modern Icons Who Defined the Game

The current era of women’s soccer boasts athletes with unprecedented technical skill and athleticism. These players are not just stars of their club and national teams; they are global superstars.

Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil)

Often referred to simply as Marta, she is broadly considered one of the greatest female soccer players of all time. Below are some of the defining aspects of her career:

• FIFA World Player of the Year: Known for her mesmerizing dribbling skills and creativity, she has been named FIFA World Player of the Year six times.
• World Cup Top Scorer: Marta holds the record for the most World Cup goals scored across men’s and women’s soccer. According to the BBC, she’s netted 17 goals in 23 matches, surpassing second-placed Miroslav Klose of Germany, who scored 16 goals in 24 games. She achieved this milestone during the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.

A true legend of the game, she continues to inspire as a member of the Orlando Pride in the NWSL.

Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands)

Vivianne Miedema is a renowned Dutch professional soccer player who has made a significant impact as a prolific striker for both Arsenal and Manchester City W.F.C., as well as the Netherlands national team.

Key highlights of her career include:

• All-time leading scorer in the Women’s Super League (WSL): She holds the record for most goals in the competition’s history with 91 (as of December 2025), ahead of Bethany England, Beth Mead, and Fran Kirby. Miedema scored the majority of her goals (80) during her time with Arsenal, where she won the Golden Boot twice and set the single-season record of 22 goals, later matched by Rachel Daly.
• Success with the Netherlands: She played a crucial role in the Dutch national team’s victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro in 2017, by scoring four goals in the knockout stages, including two in the final against Denmark. She netted the crucial equalizer and the final goal to secure the 4-2 win and the title, the first major trophy for the Dutch women’s team.

Miedema’s style of play and numerous accolades solidify her status as a key figure in the development and popularity of women’s soccer.

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain)

Aitana Bonmatí is a highly influential soccer player, currently at the peak of her career, who functions as the creative engine for the dominant FC Barcelona club and the Spanish national team.

Bonmatí’s key highlights and attributes that define her impact include:

• Ballon d’Or Féminin Winner: Bonmatí claimed the prestigious award for the 2024/25 season. This triumph marked her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, a historic feat unmatched by any female player.
• FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion: She played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Her exceptional performance earned her the Golden Ball award as the tournament’s best player. She recorded three goals and two assists while starting all seven matches. Her contributions often came in crucial moments, including two goals and two assists in Spain’s 5-1 win over Switzerland in the round of 16.
• Style of Play: Bonmatí is a dynamic and highly intelligent midfielder. Her ability to control the tempo of a game, break lines with her passing, and create scoring opportunities has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest midfielders in the history of the sport, such as Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández.
• Club Success: She’s been central to FC Barcelona’s extraordinary success, winning three UEFA Women’s Champions League titles and six Liga F championships.

Bonmatí displays a vision, technical skill, and work rate that have cemented her status as one of the most exciting and dominant players in modern soccer.

Women’s Soccer Growth: From Local Leagues to Global Stage

The trajectory of women’s soccer has been hallmarked by continuous growth. What began in local leagues and amateur competitions has transformed into a global spectacle.

The introduction of professional leagues, such as the NWSL in the U.S., the WSL in England, and the Northern Super League in Canada, has provided a stable platform for players to thrive and make a living solely from the sport.

Increased investment from sponsors and governing bodies, along with dedicated media coverage, means fans can live stream and watch more games than ever before. This heightened visibility translates into a virtuous cycle of more participation, better quality of play, and a brighter future for the game.

Rising Stars to Watch: The Next Generation

Notable mentions among the up-and-coming next-generation soccer players include Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit), Mary Fowler (Australia, Manchester City), Vicky Lopez (Spain, FC Barcelona), Michelle Agyemang (England, Brighton & Hove Albion, on loan from Arsenal), and Jule Brand (Germany, Lyon).

These players, along with many others, are a testament to the exciting future and rapid growth of women’s soccer globally.

By Juan Pablo Aravena

Updated: 06 Jan 2026, 20:40