The top female football stars dominating European football

World-class athletes

Women’s football has come a long way in recent years. There is more investment, bigger crowds, and professional leagues emerging all across Europe. Tournaments like the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the Women’s World Cup have really helped shine a spotlight on some of the best talents in the game. Let’s check out the top ten female players lighting up European football right now.

10. Lindsey Horan

The veteran American midfielder has proven to be a versatile player in multiple midfield roles, always collaborating in both offence and defence. She is frequently regarded as one of the USWNT's most tactically astute players, according to ESPN.

9. Lauren James

Lauren James has become a star for Chelsea and the English national team. Scoring important goals throughout her career, she is regarded as an expert finisher. Injuries have been her worst enemy, however, hampering her progress throughout her career.

Chelsea talent

The 23-year-old forward is nicknamed “Maverick” for her world-class abilities with the ball. “It's a playground for her out there,” shared former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes on ESPN.

8. Fridolina Rolfö

The Swedish veteran winger is truly unstoppable down the left. Her pace, her strength, and her power down the left wing leaves defenders stunned. She swaps between left-back and left-winger for Barcelona Femení and the Swedish national team.

Swedish lightning!

She is regarded as one of the best wingers in La Liga F (female Spanish League). During the 2023-2024 season, the Swedish international registered 5 goals and 2 assists (due to being injured a large chunk of the season), per Football Database.

7. Linda Caicedo

Another winger who boasts flair and class down the flank is Linda Caicedo. Despite her young age, the Real Madrid winger has proven herself as a valuable player within the female squad.

Future Real Madrid star?

The Colombian forward has incredible potential, and she is proving it on the field. Her pace on the ball alongside her great dribbling skills make her one of the most feared wingers in female football. During the 2023-2024 season, she bagged 5 goals and 3 assists in 26 games.

6. Caroline Graham Hansen

Another Barcelona player who deserves to be on this list is Caroline Graham Hansen. The Norwegian forward has proven to be an instrumental piece in Barcelona's hegemony over female football these past five years. She is regarded as one of the most creative and clinical forwards in the world, at just 28 years old.

Norwegian veteran

During the 2023-24 season, she was on fire, scoring a total of 21 goals, 19 assists in 25 Liga F games, reports ESPN. Her former teammate Ella Masa describes her as “one of the rare ones” in world football.

Powerful forward

Shaw claimed the 2023-24 WSL Golden Boot after her great attacking performances throughout the season for Manchester City that same year.

4. Mariona Caldentey

Mariona Caldentey simply can't stop winning in recent seasons, lifting the World Cup in 2023 and three Champions League titles with Barcelona (2021, 2023, 2024). The 28-year-old Spanish forward has a great technical ability, exerting her dominance with the ball.

High-profile move to Arsenal

In 2023-2024, she scored 10 goals and handed 8 assists in 28 games (with her former team — FC Barcelona Femení). She signed for Arsenal in 2024 and so far she has proven to be a key player for the squad.

3. Keira Walsh

Without a surprise, another Barcelona player on our list. Walsh is considered one of the finest midfielders in European football thanks to her impeccable consistency and intelligence on the pitch. Former Barcelona manager Janatan Giraldez described her as a “special” player.

Coming back strong

Following a nasty injury during the 2024 World Cup, Walsh has been sidelined throughout the first part of the 2024-25 season, however, in the 2023-24 season, she scored 1 goal and handed 5 assists in 23 games, according to Football Database.

2. Sam Kerr

Labelled as one of the top three female footballers globally, Sam Kerr has left her mark on European football. The Australian forward has struggled with recurring injuries, even missing out the 2024 World Cup due to calf issues, but she always comes back stronger.

Unstoppable

Her first half of the 2024-25 season was hampered by a nasty ACL injury that saw her sidelined for a long period. Nevertheless, she has proven her skill in the past, scored 4 goals and handed 3 assists in 8 games during the 2023-2024 season, per Football Database.

1. Aitana Bonmati

Bonmati has simply won it all in female football and has celebrated triumph after triumph. The Spanish midfielder is the central pillar of Barcelona and a major reason for their hegemony over European football.