As the sun sets on the eve of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, fans worldwide brace themselves for a spectacular display of international football prowess. With co-hosts New Zealand preparing to clash with Norway in the opening encounter on July 20, anticipation reaches a crescendo for an unforgettable summer of exhilarating matches. Amid this electrifying atmosphere, the spotlight shines brightly on ten exceptional players who promise to captivate the audience with their sheer brilliance.
1. Sam Kerr, Australia – The Stellar Dynamo
Brace yourself for the enthralling performance of Australia’s indomitable striker, Sam Kerr. Returning to lead the Matildas after a triumphant season with Chelsea in England, Kerr exudes unwavering confidence. At 29, she played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s Women’s Super League title victory and clinched the Women’s FA Cup with her decisive goal against Manchester United. Boasting over 60 international goals, she emerged as the top-scorer in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and wreaked havoc at the 2019 World Cup with a four-goal spectacle against Jamaica.
2. Marta, Brazil – The Ageless Maestra
Marta, the timeless virtuoso of the game at 37 years old, is preparing for her record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance. This six-time winner of the FIFA World Player of the Year award already holds the record for the most goals in World Cup history across genders, a staggering 17. Despite concerns stemming from a season-ending ACL injury in 2022, she has defiantly secured her place in the squad, ready to illuminate the tournament with her exquisite finesse.
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3. Alex Morgan, United States – The Majestic Icon
The United States’ undisputed football superstar, Alex Morgan, has amassed over 200 caps for her country and netted an astonishing 121 goals in a glittering international career. Boasting two World Cup triumphs and an Olympic gold medal, Morgan’s legacy as an icon remains unmatched. At 34, she continues to exhibit unrivaled prowess, showcased by her winning goal in the 2022 CONCACAF Women’s Championship final, where she was also named the tournament’s standout player.
https://twitter.com/AlexisMonteith/status/1636321682934693889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1636321682934693889%7Ctwgr%5E2aa69e0f92059c7db43f1ce739af00436cfd84ad%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aljazeera.com%2Fsports%2F2023%2F7%2F2%2F10-players-to-watch-out-for-2023-womens-world-cup
4. Khadija Shaw, Jamaica – The Scintillating Bunny
Jamaica’s electrifying forward, Khadija Shaw, sprints into the World Cup on the heels of an awe-inspiring 2022-23 campaign for Manchester City, scoring an astonishing 31 goals in just 30 appearances. Reverently called “bunny” by her fans, this 26-year-old dynamo has etched her name in history as Jamaica’s all-time leading goal scorer, showcasing an impressive tally of 56 international goals.
5. Alexia Putellas, Spain – The Peerless Virtuosa
Regarded as the finest player in the World Cup, Alexia Putellas, at 29 years old, has a formidable collection of accolades, including the Ballon d’Or Féminin, the Best FIFA Women’s Player, and the European Women’s Player of the Year awards in both 2021 and 2022. Overcoming a nine-month hiatus due to a knee injury, she made a scintillating return to FC Barcelona in April, playing an instrumental role in the club’s treble triumph. Her inclusion in the 2023 World Cup squad, despite prior concerns, sets the stage for a grand display of her prodigious talent.
6. Ada Hegerberg, Norway – The Resilient Luminary
Returning to World Cup football after a self-imposed exile from international play during the 2019 tournament, Ada Hegerberg, the revered forward from Lyon, holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Her absence, stemming from her protest against the treatment of women’s football by the Norwegian Football Federation, showcased her unwavering determination. As the all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, her presence on the grand stage will elevate the tournament’s spectacle to unprecedented heights.
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7. Lena Oberdorf, Germany – The Unyielding Prodigy
At a youthful 21 years old, the versatile midfielder Lena Oberdorf, who plies her trade at VfL Wolfsburg, has already captured the admiration of the footballing world. Her exceptional performances earned her the title of the best young player at Euro 2022, along with a place in the tournament’s best XI selected by UEFA coaching staff. With her adeptness in multiple positions, including central defense and full-back, she becomes an invaluable asset to Germany’s formidable team.
🇩🇪 Lena Oberdorf = baller 😎
The #WEURO2022 Young Player of the Tournament 👏@DFB_Frauen | #GER pic.twitter.com/VmqbzgJkg0
— UEFA Women's EURO (@WEURO) August 1, 2022
8. Yui Hasegawa, Japan – The Masterful Enigma
Hailed as a prodigious talent, Manchester City’s Yui Hasegawa possesses the rare ability to excel both in attack and defense. With her impeccable skills, she becomes an indispensable asset for Japan’s formidable Nadeshiko side. At a youthful 26 years old, Hasegawa has already made 65 appearances for her country, scoring 14 goals. Her achievements include triumphs in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and Asian Games in 2018, underscoring her pivotal role in Japan’s pursuit of glory.
Rate Yui Hasegawa's @ManCityWomen career so far out of 🔟! 🤩#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/N4nxUvVeFP
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) February 19, 2023
9. Lucy Bronze, England – The Illustrious Guardian
Lucy Bronze, the revered right-back from Barcelona, has etched her name into the annals of success with her remarkable career. Aged 31, she has claimed Euro 2022 glory with England and has secured an impressive four Champions League triumphs with two different teams. Conquering domestic leagues in England, France, and Spain, Bronze’s experience and unwavering determination epitomize her pursuit of excellence.
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10. Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria – The Dynamic Marvel
Asisat Oshoala, the 28-year-old Barcelona forward, has left an indelible mark on the African footballing landscape. Emerging as the first African player to win the Women’s Champions League in 2021, she reaffirmed her dominance with a second victory two seasons later. Oshoala’s exploits extend to being a five-time African Player of the Year and the first African nominee for the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Her goal-scoring prowess in Nigeria’s previous World Cup campaigns establishes her as the guiding force for a formidable Nigerian side embarking on a quest through a challenging group stage.
The 💎 of Women’s Football! 👑
Asisat Oshoala. A Nigerian icon! #CAFAwards2022 | @AsisatOshoalapic.twitter.com/tkradoIyyi
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 21, 2022
As the curtains rise on the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the stage is set for a dazzling showcase of immense talent, seasoned resilience, and soaring ambition. The aforementioned ten players epitomize the pinnacle of skill, dedication, and fortitude that is sure to leave an indelible mark on the annals of women’s football. Brace yourself for a riveting spectacle as these luminaries take flight, captivating hearts and minds across the globe.
