Aly Wagner’s Top 25 players at 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Just over 730 of the most talented soccer players in the world will compete at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand this summer, but only a handful are capable of being true difference-makers for their countries.
From now until the start of the tournament, Aly Wagner — a two-time Olympic Gold medalist with the United States women’s national team — will be counting down the 25-best players competing for this year’s World Cup.
25. Irene Paredes, Defender, Spain
Paredes brings just what you would expect from a Spanish center back — she is an initiator of the attack.
24. Rasheedat Ajibade, Forward, Nigeria
Ajibade can player anywhere across the frontline with her pace and desire to eliminate defenders on the dribble.
23. Grace Geyoro, Midfielder, France
The French international and PSG captain could solidify herself as the main creator for the perennial-underachieving France.
22. Jill Roord, Midfielder, Netherlands
Roord got a taste of the World Cup four years ago in France. Since then, she’s greatly improved as a player with her experience and growing confidence.
21. Ella Toone, Forward, England
Toone, who played a massive roll off the bench in England’s magical Euro title run last year, will have to take the next step in her development ths summer for the Three Lionesses.
20. Melchie Dumornay, Midfielder, Haiti
One of the young stars in soccer takes the next spot in the countdown. Full disclosure, Dumornay is not a proven talent … yet. But she is worth the gamble and definitely worth a watch.
19. Kadidiatou Diani, Forward, France
The D1 Féminine Player of the Year will lead the line for France this summer in Australia and New Zealand if Marie-Antoinette Katoto is not fully fit.
18. Alex Morgan, Forward, United States
The hero of the 2019 Women’s World Cup semifinals against England is set to play another lead role for the red, white and blue this summer is Australia and New Zealand.
17. Sophia Smith, Forward, United States
Smith’s goal-scoring ability will play a huge role for the USA without Mallory Swanson in the fold due to injury.
United States’ Sophia Smith: No. 17 | Aly Wagner’s Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
16. Bunny Shaw, Forward, Jamaica
Jamaica has never made it out of the group stage of the Women’s World Cup, but with Bunny Shaw leading the line, it has its best chance yet.
15. Lindsey Horan, Midfielder,United States
The box-to-box midfielder has lifted trophies wherever she has played for club and country.
14. Lucy Bronze, Defender, England
The 2019 Silver Ball-winner is back with England and will be looking for more goals in Australia and New Zealand.
13. Fridolina Rolfö, Forward, Sweden
If you watch the 2020 Olympics, then you saw the talent Sweden has its disposal and that starts with the versatile and complete footballer, Fridolina Rolfö.
12. Georgia Stanway, Midfielder, England
Georgia Stanway is set to make her World Cup debut this summer. The Bayern Munich star has got the engine to cover ground as a two-way midfielder.
11 Pernille Harder, Forward, Denmark
Pernille Harder may be bowing out from Chelsea, but her Danish squad is back at the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007.
Brazilian star Debinha’s dribbling skills, speed, creativity and goal-scoring ability land her squarely in the top-10.
9. Rose Lavelle, Midfielder, United States
We have reached our final American on the countdown in Rose Lavelle.
8. Alexandra Popp, Forward, Germany
Alexandra Popp needs to get back on track if Germany is going to reclaim its championship status at the World Cup.
7. Caroline Graham Hansen, Forward, Norway
Noway needs to bounce back from their display at the Euros and for that to happen, Caroline Graham Hansen will have to play a leading role and create space for her fellow star teammate Ada Hegerberg.
Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen: No. 7 | Aly Wagner’s Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
6. Ada Hegerberg, Forward, Norway
The first-ever Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, Ada Hegerberg, is back on the world’s biggest stage.
5. Keira Walsh, Midfielder, England
The Euro 2022 champions have high hopes coming into Australia and New Zealand, and Walsh’s ability is a big reason why.
4. Lena Oberdorf, Midfielder, Germany
The German wunderkind is the top destroying No. 6 in the women’s game right now.
This story will be updated through the start of the World Cup on July 20.
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