As we inch closer to the highly anticipated 2023 Women’s World Cup next month, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the top-tier talent that the United States will be fielding in the tournament.
These formidable athletes, some World Cup first-timers, have shown their impressive skills on the field, securing their positions as the top 10 U.S. women’s soccer players.
Look at who we picked as the top 10 U.S. women’s players for the 2023 World Cup.
10. Trinity Rodman (Forward, Washington Spirit)
What if we told you one day that Dennis Rodman, aka The Worm, would have a daughter play in the World Cup?
Two years ago, Trinity Rodman became the youngest drafter player in NWSL history when the Washington Spirit chose her for their second pick. After winning Rookie of the Year, she signed one of the most lucrative deals in the league’s fledgling history.
Now, 20-year-old Trinity Rodman is the next face of the USWNT. Her agility, power, and speed make her one of the sure starters for this summer’s World Cup. Dennis, who?
9. Naomi Girma (Center Back, San Diego Wave)
Naomi Girma has rapidly ascended to become a top-tier defender for the team. Her journey with the USWNT kicked off in April 2022, where she made an impactful debut and has since been a formidable presence at the backline. However, her most significant achievements come from her stellar National Women’s Soccer League performance.
In 2022, she was the first player drafted, and she followed up with a standout season earning her both the NWSL Defender of the Year and NWSL Rookie of the Year titles.
8. Alyssa Naeher (Goalkeeper, Chicago Red Stars)
35-year-old Alyssa Naeher is known for an epic save or two. The Chicago Red Stars’ goalie is a brick wall in the back, repeatedly securing the goal on the international stage.
“The only thing I had control over in my entire career was my work ethic every single day in training,” said Naeher on her longevity. Remember, she denied England‘s penalty at the 2019 World Cup semifinals to retain the U.S. lead.
The US went on to win the 2019 World Cup.
7. Megan Rapinoe (Forward, Ol Reign)
The 2019 Ballon d’Or winner may have lost a step, but class is permanent. 37-year-old Megan Rapinoe will take the stage in her fourth World Cup, where she’s still a key player for the USWNT.
The footballing icon Rapinoe is also soccer’s first Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. Along with Julie Ertz and Alyssa Naeher, they could be the first women to win 3 World Cups, tying Pele‘s record.
6. Becky Sauerbrunn (Center back, Portland Thorns)
The national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn will sadly miss this year’s World Cup due to a foot injury. It would’ve been a fourth World Cup for the indomitable defender.
Naomi Girma will wear the #4 shirt, usually worn by Becky Sauerbrunn. And Alex Morgan will most likely take on the captaincy role.
5. Lindsey Horan (Midfielder, Lyon)
After six seasons with Portland, Horan became the third most expensive female football player in history when she made a $274,000 transfer to French side Lyon in 2023. In January 2022, the club welcomed her on a loan deal, and she triumphed in the Champions League later that same year.
The 29-year-old former NWSL MVP will bring excellent ball control and versatility to the U.S. in her second World Cup.
4. Mallory Swanson (Forward, Chicago Red Stars)
25-year-old Mallory Swanson is one of the most prolific footballers on the squad but is still recovering from knee surgery and won’t recover in time for this summer’s World Cup.
Promising midfielder 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson replaces her on the squad.
3. Rose Lavelle (Midfielder, O.L. Reign)
Rose Lavelle starred at the 2019 World Cup, scoring three goals en route to earning the Bronze Ball for the tournament’s third most valuable player.
Known for her technical skill, dribbling, and high I.Q., the Cincinnati native is gearing up to impress again, Down Under.
She’s made 88 appearances, scored 24 goals, and provided 20 assists to date for the national team. Her magical moments will be pivotal to the USWNT’s chances in Australia/New Zealand.
2. Sophia Smith (Forward, Portland Thorns)
22-year-old Sophia Smith is one of the most exciting prospects on the USWNT. The NWSL’s 2022 Most Valuable Player will finally get her chance to suit up, possibly as a central striker, for the Stars and Stripes on the world’s biggest stage.
Smith became the youngest-ever player to reach 30 NWSL goals after snatching her second hat trick of the 2023 season. She leads the league in goals with ten and is second in assists with 5.
1. Alex Morgan (Striker, San Diego Wave)
Alex Morgan has secured the number one spot on the Top 10 U.S. women’s players for the 2023 World Cup list due to her impressive record, consistent performance, and invaluable experience.
Morgan’s pace, skill, and deadly finishing make her a nightmare for defenders. She also has a special knack for being in the right place at the right time, a true poacher’s instinct that’s become part of her 121 goals for the national team. The two-time World Cup champion aims to make it a third triumph in Australia/New Zealand, her fourth World Cup.
Photo: Instagram/Sophsssmith, alexmorgan13, alyssthomp
