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The 2025-26 season has been a remarkable chapter in European women's football. The UEFA Women's Champions League offered unforgettable moments, with the new league-phase format bringing added excitement before Barcelona triumphed over Lyon in a thrilling final.

Domestic leagues also produced fascinating stories. Manchester City ended a decade-long wait to win the Women's Super League, while Brighton’s run to the FA Cup final was a major highlight. Meanwhile, Barcelona, Lyon and Bayern Munich all continued their dominance by clinching domestic trebles in Spain, France and Germany respectively.

These powerhouse clubs once again showcased their star-filled squads, delivering elite performances and entertainment. It's no surprise that players from these teams feature prominently in GOAL’s list of the top 30 footballers in European women’s football for the 2025-26 season.

30. Clara Mateo (Paris FC)

Paris FC’s steady progress has been admirable, with Clara Mateo at the heart of their success. Her creativity and leadership helped the team reach the Championship play-off final after last year’s Coupe de France triumph. Mateo’s clever assist to Hawa Sangare in the 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain was one of 12 direct goal involvements this season. Her influence has been key in Paris FC’s rise as a genuine challenger to PSG in France.

29. Felicia Schroder (Hacken)

Felicia Schroder’s 2026 campaign may have just begun, but her exploits in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup ensure her place here. The young Swedish forward was the competition’s top scorer with eight goals, including all four in Hacken’s 4-2 aggregate victory over Hammarby in the final. Schroder’s 14 goals and four assists in the final 14 league matches of last season also delivered Hacken the title and earned her the Golden Boot. Chelsea are reportedly pursuing her with a record bid after missing out on Khadija Shaw.

28. Selina Cerci (Hoffenheim)

Selina Cerci has quietly become one of the Bundesliga’s most productive forwards. Matching her 16-goal tally from last season and tripling her assists to nine, Cerci directly contributed to over half of Hoffenheim’s 48 league goals. Her impact has drawn attention from Arsenal, the previous year’s European champions.

27. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)

Mariona Caldentey shifted into a deeper midfield role this season, reducing her goal numbers but enhancing Arsenal’s control and creativity. Her passing vision and composure made her integral to the Gunners’ rhythm. Only one player in the WSL managed more key passes, and Caldentey topped the charts for accurate passes in the final third, underlining her continued importance.

26. Merveille Kanjinga (Paris Saint-Germain)

Merveille Kanjinga’s breakthrough campaign was a bright spot in PSG’s challenging season. With 15 goals and eight assists in all competitions, the Congolese forward adapted remarkably well in her first full year in Europe. Despite PSG’s struggles in the Champions League and domestic cups, Kanjinga’s performances promise a bright future.

25. Tabitha Chawinga (Lyon)

Despite limited minutes, Tabitha Chawinga’s impact was outstanding. Scoring 13 goals with five assists in just 846 minutes, she averaged one goal involvement every 47 minutes. Injuries restricted her Champions League semi-final appearances, but her decisive brace in the Championship play-off final sealed Lyon’s league title and another treble.

24. Camilla Kuver (Wolfsburg)

Camilla Kuver’s resilience has been inspiring. After overcoming injury setbacks, the 22-year-old shone for Wolfsburg, particularly in their Champions League quarter-final win over Lyon. Her solid defensive displays against top opponents like Juventus, Real Madrid, and PSG highlighted her growth. Kuver recently extended her contract, ending speculation of a Barcelona move.

23. Momoko Tanikawa (Bayern Munich)

Momoko Tanikawa’s return from Asian Cup duty with Japan proved pivotal. Coming off the bench against Manchester United, she assisted Bayern’s second goal and scored the third in a 3-2 win. Her 13 goals this season, including one in the DFB-Pokal final, helped Bayern secure a domestic treble. Coach Jose Barcala praised her “independence” and “unpredictability.”

22. Vicky Lopez (Barcelona)

Vicky Lopez seized her opportunity at Barcelona amid injuries and financial challenges. The 19-year-old registered 10 goals and nine assists in 17 starts, standing out particularly in the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Her performances reaffirm her status as one of Spain’s brightest young stars.

21. Jade Rose (Manchester City)

Jade Rose’s debut professional season has been exceptional. The Canadian defender quickly adapted to life in England, leading City in clearances and ranking among the WSL’s best for blocks and interceptions. Her composure on the ball and leadership have drawn high praise, including from teammate Khadija Shaw, who called her a “future world-class defender.”

20. Selma Bacha (Lyon)

Selma Bacha’s return from injury was crucial in Lyon’s Champions League comeback win against Arsenal. Despite limited starts due to rotation, she contributed seven assists in league play and was instrumental in OL’s treble-winning season.

19. Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)

Caroline Weir enjoyed a prolific final season with Real Madrid, tallying 14 goals and five assists in 19 starts. She was also one of the Champions League’s top performers, with five goals and two assists in nine games. Lyon are reportedly eyeing the Scottish playmaker as she seeks new challenges after four years in Spain.

18. Wendie Renard (Lyon)

The legendary Wendie Renard continues to dominate at the highest level. Her defensive partnership with Ingrid Engen was formidable, and her 10 goals across competitions underlined her dual threat. Renard’s leadership and consistency remain unmatched.

17. Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City)

Kerstin Casparij’s attacking full-back play was vital to City’s success. With three goals and seven assists, she became the only defender in the WSL with double-digit goal involvements. Her energy and balance between attack and defence made her indispensable.

16. Romee Leuchter (Paris Saint-Germain)

Romee Leuchter was the standout in France this season, winning the Golden Boot with 18 goals and seven assists in 19 appearances. Her conversion rate was exceptional, scoring nearly twice her expected goals tally. As she enters her contract’s final year, top clubs will test PSG’s resolve to keep her.

15. Claudia Pina (Barcelona)

Claudia Pina’s blistering early-season form helped her claim the Liga F Golden Boot with 31 goals overall. Though her numbers slowed later, she remained key in Barca’s quadruple triumph, scoring in the Copa de la Reina final and contributing heavily in league play.

14. Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City)

Vivianne Miedema’s resurgence was one of the season’s best stories. After years of injury, the Dutch forward returned to top form, scoring freely to help City claim the WSL and FA Cup double. Her brace at Old Trafford and goal in the FA Cup final were standout moments in a defining comeback year.

13. Ingrid Engen (Lyon)

Ingrid Engen flourished under coach Jonatan Giraldez, excelling as a centre-back throughout Lyon’s Champions League campaign. Playing every minute of their 10 matches to the final, her composure and technical skill anchored OL’s defence and build-up play.

12. Mapi Leon (Barcelona)

Mapi Leon’s final season with Barcelona was a masterclass in defensive excellence. Despite an ankle injury, her anticipation, timing, and on-ball quality stood out. Her departure to London City Lionesses marks the end of an era for Barca’s backline.

11. Esmee Brugts (Barcelona)

Esmee Brugts thrived after transitioning from forward to left-back, contributing 11 goals and eight assists. Her performances in the Champions League and domestic finals were crucial to Barca’s quadruple, showcasing her adaptability and attacking flair.

10. Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)

Yui Hasegawa’s intelligence and composure made her the heartbeat of City’s midfield. She ranked among the WSL’s best for interceptions and creative passes, and her crucial assist in the FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea epitomised her impact as City lifted two major trophies.

9. Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona)

Caroline Graham Hansen’s brilliance remained consistent, with 17 goals and 16 assists across competitions. Her decisive displays in El Clasico and the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich reinforced her status as one of the world’s best wingers.

8. Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Alessia Russo’s individual evolution continued impressively. With 29 goals and nine assists, she elevated her game despite Arsenal’s lack of silverware. Her eight Champions League goals underlined her ability to perform in high-pressure matches.

7. Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich)

Klara Buhl contributed 10 goals and 22 assists despite missing two months through injury. Her electrifying performance against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final showcased her world-class dribbling and creativity, cementing her status as one of Europe’s top wingers.

6. Patri Guijarro (Barcelona)

Patri Guijarro’s absence was deeply felt when she missed three months through injury, proving her importance as the metronome of Barca’s midfield. Her defensive intelligence and calmness under pressure make her indispensable, and her contribution in the Champions League final epitomised her influence.

5. Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)

Khadija Shaw was England’s standout player, scoring 27 goals and providing nine assists as City won their first WSL title in a decade. Her all-round game—pressing, link-up play, and defensive work—makes her one of the most complete forwards in world football.

4. Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)

At 33, Pernille Harder delivered one of her finest seasons, leading Bayern to a treble with 20 goals and nine assists in domestic play, plus eight goals in Europe. Her leadership and quality in multiple roles drove Bayern’s deepest Champions League run in five years.

3. Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)

Melchie Dumornay’s transition to midfield under Giraldez unlocked her full potential. Scoring in all three domestic finals and shining in Europe, the Haitian star’s influence was immense. Though Lyon fell short in the Champions League final, Dumornay’s performances confirmed her world-class status.

2. Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)

Ewa Pajor’s 33 goals made her one of Europe’s deadliest forwards. Her brace in the Champions League final secured Barcelona’s title and her the competition’s Golden Boot. Pajor’s consistency and big-game temperament have elevated her to genuine Ballon d’Or contention.

1. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Alexia Putellas crowned her final Barcelona season in style, leading the team to a historic quadruple. With 22 goals and 12 assists, her brilliance was matched by her leadership, particularly as she guided young teammates through injury crises. Her decisive displays in the Champions League semi-final and El Clasico cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.