FIFA Women's World Cup
Aly Wagner's Top 25 players at 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
FIFA Women's World Cup

Aly Wagner's Top 25 players at 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Updated Jul. 17, 2023 5:10 a.m. ET

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.

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Spain's Irene Paredes: No. 25 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

24. Rasheedat Ajibade, Forward, Nigeria

Ajibade can player anywhere across the frontline with her pace and desire to eliminate defenders on the dribble.

Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade No. 24 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

23. Grace Geyoro, Midfielder, France

The French international and PSG captain could solidify herself as the main creator for the perennial-underachieving France.

France's Grace Geyoro: No. 23 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

Netherland's Jill Roord: No. 22 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

England's Ella Toone: No. 21 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

Haiti's Melchie Dumornay: No. 20 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

France's Kadidiatou Diani: No. 19 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

United States' Alex Morgan: No. 18 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

Jamaica's Bunny Shaw: No. 16 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 Women's World Cup

15. Lindsey Horan, Midfielder,United States

The box-to-box midfielder has lifted trophies wherever she has played for club and country.

USWNT's Lindsey Horan: No. 15 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 Women's World Cup

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.

England's Lucy Bronze: No. 14 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 Women's World Cup

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.

Sweden's Fridolina Rolfö: No. 13 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 Women's World Cup

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.

England's Georgia Stanway: No. 12 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 Women's World Cup

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.

Denmark's Pernille Harder: No. 11 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 Women's World Cup

10. Debinha, Forward, Brazil

Brazilian star Debinha's dribbling skills, speed, creativity and goal-scoring ability land her squarely in the top-10.

Brazil's Debinha: No. 10 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

9. Rose Lavelle, Midfielder, United States

We have reached our final American on the countdown in Rose Lavelle.

United State's Rose Lavelle: No. 9 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

Germany's Alexandra Popp: No. 8 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's 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.

Norway's Ada Hegerberg: No. 6 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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.

England's Keira Walsh: No. 5 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

4. Lena Oberdorf, Midfielder, Germany

The German wunderkind is the top destroying No. 6 in the women's game right now.

Germany's Lena Oberdorf: No. 4 | Aly Wagner's Top 25 Players in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

This story will be updated through the start of the World Cup on July 20.

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