The midfield position in women’s soccer has been occupied by some of the most talented and influential players in the history of the sport. These athletes have not only dominated their opponents with exceptional skills, but have also left lasting legacies. Here, you’ll find out who the 10 best women midfielders of all time are, and delve into the history of these legends who shaped women’s soccer.
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Best women’s midfielders of all time
Here’s a look at the history, records and highlights of the careers of the 10 best women’s midfielders of all time.
1. Marta Vieira da Silva (Brazil)
The player who has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award the most times (6 times) and the first player to score in five different World Cups, totaling 17 goals.
She is also the top scorer in the history of the Brazilian national team, considering both men and women, with 119 goals.
Born in Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Brazil, Marta grew up playing soccer in the streets and quickly stood out for her talent. She began her professional career with Vasco da Gama and went on to play for world-renowned clubs.
Career titles
- Umeå IK: Swedish Championship (3), Swedish Cup (2)
- Santos: Copa Libertadores (2), Copa do Brasil (1)
- Tyresö FF: Swedish Championship (1)
- Rosengård: Swedish Championship (3), Swedish Cup (1)
- Brazilian national team: Copa America (3), Pan American Championship (1)
Read also: 25 best Brazilian footballers of all time
2. Homare Sawa (Japan)
Homare Sawa was born in Tokyo, Japan, and started playing soccer as a child. Her career has been marked by success both in Japan and internationally, especially with the Japanese national team.
One of the best women’s midfielders of all time, she scored the decisive goal that led Japan to victory in the 2011 World Cup.
She is also considered one of the best captains in the history of women’s soccer, and the first Asian player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award (2011).
Career titles
- Nippon TV Beleza: Japan League (7), Emperor’s Cup (4)
- Japan national team: World Cup (1), Asian Cup (1)
3. Michelle Akers (United States)
Michelle Akers was born in Santa Clara, California, and started playing soccer at the University of Central Florida. She became one of the first women’s soccer superstars in the USA when she became the top scorer in the 1991 World Cup with 10 goals.
She is the author of several books about her experience in soccer and struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome and is considered one of the most complete players in history.
Career titles
- USA National Team: World Cup (2), Olympic Gold Medal (1)
4. Formiga (Brazil)
Formiga was born in Salvador, Bahia, and started playing soccer for local clubs before making a name for herself with the Brazilian national team and international clubs.
She is the player with the most appearances in World Cups and the Olympics, with no less than seven appearances in each competition.
As well as being one of the best women’s midfielders of all time, Formiga is an example of longevity in sport, having taken part in the 2020 Olympics at the age of 43.
Career titles
- São José: Copa Libertadores (3), Copa do Brasil (1)
- Paris Saint-Germain: French League (1)
- Brazilian national team: Copa América (3), Pan-American Games (1)
Read also: Meet the 10 best female midfielders of all time
5. Carli Lloyd (United States)
Born in Delran Township, New Jersey, Carli Lloyd had a distinguished university career before becoming an international star with the United States national team.
First player to score a hat-trick in a Women’s World Cup final (2015).
In soccer, “hat-trick” refers to a player scoring three goals in a single match.
Career titles
- USA National Team: World Cup (2), Olympic Gold Medal (2)
- Houston Dash: Notable appearances in the NWSL
6. Kristine Lilly (United States)
Kristine Lilly was born in New York and started playing soccer at the University of North Carolina, before becoming one of the most consistent players in the United States national team and becoming the player with the most international caps in soccer history, with a total of 354 games.
She is also known for her durability and consistency, playing for the national team for over 23 years.
Career Titles
- USA National Team: World Cup (2), Olympic Gold Medal (2)
7. Shirley Cruz (Costa Rica)
Born in San José, Costa Rica, Shirley Cruz started playing soccer for local clubs before making a name for herself internationally, especially in Europe.
One of the best women’s midfielders of all time, she became the first player from Central America to win the UEFA Champions League, making her an ambassador for women’s soccer in Central America.
Career titles
- Paris Saint-Germain: French League (1), French Cup (2)
- Lyon: French League (6), UEFA Champions League (2)
8. Ji So-yun (South Korea)
The top scorer in the history of the South Korean national team, born in Seoul, South Korea, Ji So-yun began her career in Japan before moving to Europe and shining at Chelsea FC.
She became the first Asian player to make a name for herself in the English league.
Career titles
- Chelsea FC: Premier League (4), FA Cup (3), FA Super Cup (1)
- Korea national team: Notable appearances in World Cups and Asian Games
9. Amandine Henry (France)
Born in Lille, France, Amandine Henry began her career at CNFE Clairefontaine before becoming a star at Lyon, winning the Ligue 1 title 12 times, and with the French national team.
Considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, she is often included in the Best of the Year selections.
Career titles
- Lyon: French Championship (12), UEFA Champions League (7), French Cup (8)
- French national team: Notable appearances in World Cups and European Championships
10. Louisa Nécib (France)
Born in Marseille, France, Louisa Nécib began her career with CNFE Clairefontaine before making a name for herself with Lyon and the French national team. Nicknamed the “female Zidane” for her technical ability, vision and elegance on the ball.
Career titles
- Lyon: Ligue 1 (9), UEFA Champions League (3), French Cup (6)
- French national team: Notable appearances in World Cups and European Championships
Complete list of the top 10 women’s midfielders of all time
- Marta Vieira da Silva
- Birgit Prinz
- Homare Sawa
- Michelle Akers
- Ant
- Carli Lloyd
- Kristine Lilly
- Shirley Cruz
- Ji So-yun
- Amandine Henry
- Louisa Nécib
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