As the anticipation builds for the 2023 Women's World Cup, soccer fans worldwide are already predicting the players who will shine brightest on this global stage Down Under. Let's spotlight the ten best players tipped to deliver standout performances at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
10. Lucy Bronze 🏴
While injured, the right-back Lucy Bronze expects to be ready for England's second match of the World Cup group stages against Denmark. Bronze played an essential role in England's first-ever Euros triumph last summer.
She is an excellent defender and provides a significant threat going forward with her impressive crosses and powerful shots, contributing to the attack.
Given Bronze's high level of play, her experience, and her history of rising to the occasion, Lucy Bronze will likely be among the most impactful players in the 2023 Women's World Cup.
9. Alex Morgan 🇺🇸
The preeminent USWNT striker features in her fourth World Cup, this time as co-captain. She may be 34 years old but still has plenty of gas left in the tank as she looks to pass Carli Lloyd on the all-time scorer's list.
Morgan has been instrumental in the United States' success over the past decade, helping lead the team to victory in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. Her experience in high-stakes, high-pressure games will be invaluable during the 2023 World Cup.
An accomplished forward for both the U.S. Women's National Team and her club team, Morgan has demonstrated a natural ability to find the back of the net and consistently delivers high-quality performances.
8. Debinha 🇧🇷
Kansas City star Debinha personifies Brazilian soccer's dynamic and rhythmic spirit like few others can.
As the FIFA Women's World Cup nears, anticipation builds to see this dazzling football maestro cast her spell “Down under.” Prepare for a breath of joga bonito from this so-called 5'5 female version of Neymar.
7. Ada Hegerberg 🇳🇴
Ada Hegerberg, the Norwegian forward and one of the most prolific goal scorers in women's football, is a strong contender to be one of the standout players of the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Hegerberg has consistently excelled at the club level, particularly with Olympique Lyonnais, winning six UEFA Women's Champions League titles. She's also the UCL's top scorer of all time with 59 strikes.
In 2018, she became the inaugural recipient of the Ballon d'Or Féminin, solidifying her place among the world's best players.
6. Asisat Oshoala 🇳🇬
Asisas Oshoala is a five-time African Footballer of the Year and one of Barcelona Femení's most prolific strikers ever. She remains the first and only African to win the Spanish Women's First Division Golden Boot. In 2021, she became the first African to win the UEFA Women's Champions League.
Oshoala's international experience, proven goal-scoring ability and critical role in the Nigerian team make her a compelling player to watch at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
How far can she take the Super Falcons this summer?
5. Lena Oberdorf 🇩🇪
The German wonderkid Lena Oberdorf is playing in her second World Cup at still just 21 years of age. The defensive midfielder won the best young player at the 2022 Euros, the Champions League Young Player of the Season, and continues to be the rock of Germany's defense and attack.
Can she lead Germany back to World Cup glory?
4. Pernille Harder 🇩🇰
The Danish forward renowned for her lethal goal-scoring ability and technical skills, Pernille Harder merits a spot on any potential standouts for the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Harder couples a deep understanding of the game with precise execution, consistently placing her among the world's top players.
Her performances at both the club and international level are a testament to her prowess. Harder's impact on the pitch is always profound, whether orchestrating an attack, breaking through defenses with her nimble footwork, or finding the back of the net with her clinical finishing.
Surprisingly, this is Harder's first World Cup; still only 30, we don't think it'll be her last.
3. Aitana Bonmati 🇪🇸
Creative midfielder Aitana Bonmati is a two-time Champions League winner with Barcelona. She earned MPV of the 2021 UCL final and most recently earned the Champions League Player of the Season, notching five goals and eight assists.
Following an initial decision to forego her position in Spain's World Cup squad, the 25-year-old Bonmati revised her stance, accepting the call-up in June. This move hints at a reconciliation with head coach Jorge Vilda, overcoming prior disagreements.
2. Alexia Putellas 🇪🇸
Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas recently returned from an ACL injury, keeping her out of last summer's Euros. But she's fundamentally the most talented soccer player on this list and has the most appearances for Spain (101).
The 29-year-old Spain captain is desperate to lead Spain to the top as captain. “I am working little by little, with a lot of excitement of playing the world cup and preparing ourselves for it,” the number 11 said.
1. Sam Kerr 🇦🇺
Aussie forward Sam Kerr has the unique distinction of being the only female footballer to have captured the Golden Boot in three distinct leagues across three continents. She triumphed in the W-League (Australia/New Zealand) during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, dominated the NWSL (North America) in terms of goals for the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons, and secured the top scorer's accolade in the FAWSL (Europe) during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
In a historic first, Sam Kerr graced the global cover of FIFA 23 in 2022, a testament to her significance in the sport.
Her exceptional speed, agility, and innate ability to score have firmly etched her name among the greatest in the sport. At the prime age of 29, she continues to ascend the heights of her career, with ample time to solidify her legendary status further.
The Matildas will aim to surpass their previous best in this tournament, led by captain and star player Sam Kerr.
Photos: Instagram/samanthakerr20, Alexiaputellas, alexmorgan13
