The 2025 NWSL season is here, and the stakes have never been higher. The league is deeper than ever, with expansion teams, international stars, and returning veterans. But while rosters are stacked across the board, a handful of players stand out as game changers—athletes who can tilt the season’s balance with their talent, experience, and sheer will to win.
These five players aren’t just stars. They’re the pulse of their teams, expected to deliver when it matters most.
5. Trinity Rodman (Forward, Washington Spirit)
Trinity Rodman plays like she has something to prove. Every game, every touch, every run—it’s all done with an urgency that makes her one of the most electrifying players in the league.
The Washington Spirit forward has built a reputation for relentless attacking, sharp one-on-one skills, and a work ethic that never dips. In 2024, she registered eight goals and six assists as a reliable offensive weapon. At 22, Rodman is still evolving, but one thing is clear: she’s already one of the NWSL’s most dangerous threats.
4. Marta (Midfielder, Orlando Pride)
Marta is the kind of player you don’t take for granted. At 39, she remains the soul of the Orlando Pride, guiding the team with an unmatched combination of leadership, skill, and competitive fire.
Last season, she defied expectations, finishing with 11 goals—the most she’s scored since 2017. With Orlaf a historic NWSL Shield win, Marta enters 2025 determined to chase one last championship. Her vision and ability to dictate the tempo make her a crucial piece of the Pride’s attack. If this is her final act, expect her to leave everything on the field.
3. Mallory Swanson (Forward, Chicago Red Stars)
Few players in the league are as dynamic in front of goal as Mallory Swanson. When she’s fit and firing, defenders struggle to keep up.
Her 2024 season was full of ups and downs. She scored seven goals and added four assists, but personal circumstances kept her out of critical games. With a full preseason behind, she’s poised to reestablish herself as one of the league’s top forwards. The Red Stars need her back at her best, and if she delivers, Chicago could make an unexpected playoff push.
2. Sophia Smith (Forward, Portland Thorns FC)
Sophia Smith doesn’t just score goals. She changes games. The Portland Thorns star is one of the most complete forwards in the world, blending pace, precision, and an instinct for the moment.
In 2024, she found the net 12 times and contributed six assists. Whether leading a counterattack or pressing high in tight spaces, Smith is a nightmare for defenders. She’ll be the focal point of the Thorns’ attack again in 2025, and with an MVP-caliber season, she could carry Portland back to the top.
1. Temwa Chawinga (Forward, Kansas City Current)
No player was more dominant in 2024 than Temwa Chawinga. She didn’t just break records—she rewrote them.
Chawinga finished the season with 20 goals, setting a new NWSL scoring record. She also became the first player to score against 13 NWSL clubs in a single season. The Malawian forward’s finishing is lethal, but her ability to find space and create chances sets her apart.
Kansas City fell short of a championship last year, but with Chawinga leading the line, they’ll be among the favorites in 2025. If she maintains last season’s form, she won’t just be the best forward in the league—she’ll be the best player, period.
