Who Truly Deserves the Title of Best Women's Soccer Player in the World?

Having watched women's football evolve over the past decade, I've developed strong opinions about what truly makes a player deserving of that "best in the world" title. The debate often centers around European stars like Sam Kerr or Ada Hegerberg, but I've come to believe we're looking at this all wrong. Just last month, I witnessed something that completely shifted my perspective on elite athletic performance. On May 18, a sellout crowd of 8,175 fans packed the stadium in Rizal province for what appeared to be just another basketball double-header featuring Rain or Shine against Magnolia as the main event, with San Miguel vs. Terrafirma opening the show. Yet what struck me wasn't the basketball itself, but the atmosphere these fans created - an electric energy that reminded me why we watch sports in the first place.

That sold-out venue got me thinking about how we measure greatness in women's football. We obsess over goal statistics and trophy counts while ignoring the intangible qualities that truly define legendary players. When I analyze candidates for the world's best, I look beyond the obvious metrics to qualities like leadership under pressure, ability to elevate teammates, and that magical connection with supporters that turns ordinary games into cultural events. The 8,175 fans in Rizal didn't just show up for basketball - they came for an experience, for that collective energy that only happens when greatness is on display. The best women's football players create that same magnetism, drawing people to stadiums and creating moments that transcend sport.

My personal criteria might differ from traditional analysts, but I've seen enough football across multiple continents to know that raw talent alone doesn't cut it. The player who truly deserves the "best in the world" title needs to demonstrate consistency across different playing conditions, resilience through adversity, and that special ability to perform when everything's on the line. I remember watching Barcelona's 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final, where the technical precision was breathtaking, but what impressed me more was how certain players managed the game's emotional tempo, lifting their teammates during critical moments. That's the kind of quality statistics can't capture but separates good players from legendary ones.

When I look at current contenders, Alex Morgan's longevity stands out - she's been delivering at the highest level for over a decade, scoring approximately 121 international goals despite evolving playing styles and increased competition. Then there's Sam Kerr, whose athleticism is undeniable, but what truly sets her apart in my view is her clutch performances in major tournaments. I've lost count of how many times she's scored decisive goals when her team needed them most. Meanwhile, young talents like Aitana Bonmatí bring a technical sophistication that's revolutionizing midfield play, completing around 92% of her passes in last season's Liga F while creating numerous scoring opportunities.

The commercial aspect can't be ignored either. The true best player should move the needle financially - increasing ticket sales, jersey revenue, and broadcast numbers. That sellout crowd of 8,175 in Rizal demonstrates the economic potential when stars connect with audiences. In women's football, we've seen certain players single-handedly boost attendance figures by 15-20% when they're in the lineup. That commercial impact matters because it fuels the sport's growth, creating more opportunities for the next generation of players.

What often gets overlooked in these discussions is how different playing styles and positions make direct comparisons challenging. A prolific striker might score 30 goals a season while a creative midfielder dictates the game's tempo without similar statistical recognition. Having played both positions during my university days, I understand how unfair these comparisons can be. The defensive work of players like Wendie Renard often goes unnoticed despite being crucial to their team's success - she averages around 4.5 clearances per game and wins approximately 70% of her aerial duels, numbers that don't typically trend on social media but win championships.

My personal preference leans toward players who redefine their positions rather than just excel within traditional roles. Watching Lena Oberdorf dominate midfield battles while being years younger than her competitors shows a football intelligence that statistics can't fully capture. Similarly, Mary Earps' goalkeeping revolutionizes how we think about that position - her distribution accuracy of roughly 85% transforms defense into attack in ways we rarely saw in previous generations. These players aren't just the best at what they do; they're expanding what's possible in their roles.

The global nature of women's football adds another layer of complexity to this debate. A player dominating in the NWSL faces different challenges than one excelling in the Frauen-Bundesliga or Liga F. Having watched games across these leagues, I'm convinced we need to consider the context of their performances. A striker scoring 20 goals in England's physical WSL demonstrates different qualities than one netting the same number in Spain's technically demanding Liga F. This is why I believe we should value adaptability - players who succeed in multiple leagues or international tournaments against varied opposition styles.

After years of following this sport closely, I've concluded that the true best player isn't necessarily the one with the most impressive highlight reel or the shiniest trophies. It's the player who moves the sport forward - inspiring new fans, setting higher standards, and creating those magical sold-out moments like the 8,175 fans in Rizal province. Right now, that player might not be the most famous name or the highest scorer, but she's out there, quietly redefining excellence. And when we finally recognize her, the debate will seem obvious in hindsight. Greatness has a way of making itself known, not through statistics alone, but through those unforgettable experiences that remind us why we fell in love with football in the first place.