Every summer, GOAL publishes its exclusive list of the 25 players who have proven themselves truly elite by consistently producing top performances
World-class… It's an invisible but important tag, one that separates the good from the great. But it's such a subjective term. Every football fan has their own definition, their own set of criterion, leading to endless but thoroughly enjoyable debates in stadiums, dressing rooms, TV studios, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs all across the world.
So, back in 2023, GOAL decided to get in on the fun by compiling a very exclusive list of the 25 women's players that we felt represented the game's elite, the best of the best, the players that had been producing stellar performances over a sustained period of time.
In order to avoid focusing solely on attackers – which, let's face it, nearly always happens when it comes to individual awards and accolades – we stipulated that there must be at least three players from each position group (goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack), and a maximum of nine from each.
Members are subject to an annual review, and the time has arrived again to decide to gets to stay in the World-Class Club – and who must be politely asked to leave. So, who's made this year's 25 strong-list? Find out below, and be sure to express your approval – or outrage – in the comments…
Getty/GOALGK: Christiane Endler
Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, if not the very best, for at least the last five years, Endler continues to impress as she enters her mid-thirties.
After representing perennial bridesmaids Paris Saint-Germain for three years, a switch to French rivals Lyon in 2021 has given the Chile international a taste of the very biggest matches and she’s regularly delivered in them, especially in the Champions League.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALGK: Hannah Hampton 🆕
Though still 24 years old, that Hannah Hampton has already become the first-choice goalkeeper at Chelsea and England says a lot about how talented she is and how dependable she has become.
It takes something special to usurp a goalkeeper like Mary Earps for the Lionesses, but Hampton lightning reflexes, great footwork and confident commanding of her area has allowed her to do so – and are all qualities which made her a star of England's Euro 2025 triumph.
Getty/GOALGK: Kailen Sheridan
Over the last four years, there’s been no goalkeeper in the NWSL as consistently brilliant as Kailen Sheridan. First with Gotham and now the San Diego Wave, the 30-year-old has not only excelled in every area of her game, but improved, too, to reach new levels.
As such, she’s deservedly become Canada’s No.1, which is no mean feat given the competition for that spot.
Getty/GOALDEF: Selma Bacha
Another young player who has ascended to world-class status already, Selma Bacha continues to be a consistent and game-changing performer for one of the best teams in the world.
Primarily a left-back for Lyon while playing her part in four Champions League triumphs, that the 24-year-old can also excel further forward only adds to her quality. There are few, if any, with a more wicked left foot than the France international.
