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U.S. forward Alex Morgan, front, is an Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women's World Cup championDavid Zalubowski/AP Photo
The first women's soccer World Cup was held in China in 1991, and in less than 30 years, the game has developed a rich and storied history.
Players from all over the globe have amazed us with their ability on the pitch and captivated us with their lives away from the game. They are superstar athletes on par with any other sport in the world.
But what separates the best in women's soccers from the rest? It's a combination of individual glory and honors with team accomplishments on the club and international level.
These are the 25 greatest women’s soccer players of all time.
Players from all over the globe have amazed us with their ability on the pitch and captivated us with their lives away from the game. They are superstar athletes on par with any other sport in the world.
But what separates the best in women's soccers from the rest? It's a combination of individual glory and honors with team accomplishments on the club and international level.
These are the 25 greatest women’s soccer players of all time.
25. Louisa Necib
France's Louisa Necib, left, in a 2009 Women's European Championship quarterfinal match against the Netherlands in Tampere, Finland.Matthias Schrader/AP Photo
Country: France
Position: Midfielder
Years played: 2004-16
Teams: CNFE Clairefontaine (2004-06), French national team (2005-16), Montpelier (2006-07), Lyon (2007-16)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star. UNFPA Women’s Player of the Year. Capped 174 times by France.
Bottom line: Louisa Necib, labeled by the French press as the "Female Zidane" — a reference to French star Zinedine Zidane — was an electric playmaker who competed in two Women’s World Cups and the Summer Olympics for France.
Necib’s greatest asset as a player was her ability to play her position so many ways and do it all expertly, showing she can transition between attack, as a central or deep-lying midfielder.
Despite France’s struggles in international play, Necib was a winner on the club level and played on three UEFA Women’s Champions League teams.
Position: Midfielder
Years played: 2004-16
Teams: CNFE Clairefontaine (2004-06), French national team (2005-16), Montpelier (2006-07), Lyon (2007-16)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star. UNFPA Women’s Player of the Year. Capped 174 times by France.
Bottom line: Louisa Necib, labeled by the French press as the "Female Zidane" — a reference to French star Zinedine Zidane — was an electric playmaker who competed in two Women’s World Cups and the Summer Olympics for France.
Necib’s greatest asset as a player was her ability to play her position so many ways and do it all expertly, showing she can transition between attack, as a central or deep-lying midfielder.
Despite France’s struggles in international play, Necib was a winner on the club level and played on three UEFA Women’s Champions League teams.
24. Briana Scurry
United States goalkeeper Brianna Scurry in action against Brazil during a 2007 Women's World Cup semifinal match in Hangzhou, China.Greg Baker/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Goalkeeper
Years played: 1989-2010
Teams: University of Massachusetts (1989-93), U.S. women’s national team (1994-2008), Atlanta Beat (2001-03), Washington Freedom (2009-10)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time Olympic gold medalist. Capped 173 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Briana Scurry was named National Goalkeeper of the Year as a senior at the University of Massachusetts in 1993 and joined the U.S. women’s national team the next year.
Curry started 159 times in 173 appearances for the USWNT and also was the WUSA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2003. Her shining moment came as the goalie for the USWNT during its legendary win at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, where she posted four shutouts.
How great an athlete was Scurry? She almost left soccer to take a shot at playing in the WNBA, and always stated that basketball was her first love growing up in Minnesota.
Position: Goalkeeper
Years played: 1989-2010
Teams: University of Massachusetts (1989-93), U.S. women’s national team (1994-2008), Atlanta Beat (2001-03), Washington Freedom (2009-10)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time Olympic gold medalist. Capped 173 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Briana Scurry was named National Goalkeeper of the Year as a senior at the University of Massachusetts in 1993 and joined the U.S. women’s national team the next year.
Curry started 159 times in 173 appearances for the USWNT and also was the WUSA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2003. Her shining moment came as the goalie for the USWNT during its legendary win at the 1999 Women’s World Cup, where she posted four shutouts.
How great an athlete was Scurry? She almost left soccer to take a shot at playing in the WNBA, and always stated that basketball was her first love growing up in Minnesota.
23. Christie Pearce (Rampone)
U.S. defender Christie Pearce, left, heads the ball against Norway during a soccer game at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics.Ricardo Mazalan/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Defender
Years played: 1993-2017
Teams: Monmouth University (1993-96), U.S. women’s national team (1997-2015), Central Jersey Splash (1997), Buffalo FFillies (1998), New Jersey Lady Stallions (1998), New York Power (2001-03), Sky Blue FC (2009-10, 2013-17), magicJack (2011)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Three-time Olympic gold medalist. Capped 311 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Christy Pearce began to grab headlines as a three-sport star at Monmouth University in basketball, soccer and lacrosse.
She played in five Women’s World Cups and four Summer Olympics for the USWMNT. Pearce made history in 2015 when she became the oldest woman to play in a Women’s World Cup final — or any tournament game — at 40 years old and 11 days.
Pearce notably led Sky Blue FC to the 2009 WPS championship and was named the 2009 WPS Sportswoman of the Year, later revealing she was three months pregnant during the entire playoff run.
Position: Defender
Years played: 1993-2017
Teams: Monmouth University (1993-96), U.S. women’s national team (1997-2015), Central Jersey Splash (1997), Buffalo FFillies (1998), New Jersey Lady Stallions (1998), New York Power (2001-03), Sky Blue FC (2009-10, 2013-17), magicJack (2011)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Three-time Olympic gold medalist. Capped 311 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Christy Pearce began to grab headlines as a three-sport star at Monmouth University in basketball, soccer and lacrosse.
She played in five Women’s World Cups and four Summer Olympics for the USWMNT. Pearce made history in 2015 when she became the oldest woman to play in a Women’s World Cup final — or any tournament game — at 40 years old and 11 days.
Pearce notably led Sky Blue FC to the 2009 WPS championship and was named the 2009 WPS Sportswoman of the Year, later revealing she was three months pregnant during the entire playoff run.
22. Bente Nordby
Norway goalkeeper Bente Nordby defending her team's goal during the third-place match against the United States at the 2007 Women's World Cup in Shanghai, China.Greg Baker/AP Photo
Country: Norway
Position: Goalkeeper
Years played: 1991-2007
Teams: Norwegian national team (1991-2007), Sprint-Jeloy (1995), Athene Moss (1996-2000), Carolina Courage (2001), San Diego Spirit (2001), Kolboton IL (2002-04), Asker FK (2005), Djurgardens (2006-07), Olympique Lyonnais (2008-09)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Capped 172 times by Norway.
Bottom line: Bente Nordby is tied with American Kristine Lilly for the most Women’s World Cups with five each.
Nordby helped lead Norway to a stunning upset of the United States on the way to winning the 1995 Women’s World Cup and followed that up with a gold medal at the 2000 Sumer Olympics.
She was named Swedish Goalkeeper of the Year in 2007, her final season. She was also nominated for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year four times, in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
Position: Goalkeeper
Years played: 1991-2007
Teams: Norwegian national team (1991-2007), Sprint-Jeloy (1995), Athene Moss (1996-2000), Carolina Courage (2001), San Diego Spirit (2001), Kolboton IL (2002-04), Asker FK (2005), Djurgardens (2006-07), Olympique Lyonnais (2008-09)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Capped 172 times by Norway.
Bottom line: Bente Nordby is tied with American Kristine Lilly for the most Women’s World Cups with five each.
Nordby helped lead Norway to a stunning upset of the United States on the way to winning the 1995 Women’s World Cup and followed that up with a gold medal at the 2000 Sumer Olympics.
She was named Swedish Goalkeeper of the Year in 2007, her final season. She was also nominated for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year four times, in 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2007.
21. Joy Fawcett
United States defender Joy Fawcett attempts a shot on goal against China during the 1999 Women's World Cup final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.Kevork Djansezian/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Defender
Years played: 1987-2004
Teams: U.S. women’s national team (1987-2004), University of California, Berkeley (1987-91), San Diego Spirit (2001-03)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Capped 241 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Perhaps the greatest defender in the history of the U.S. women’s national team, Joy Fawcett was a three-time All-American at Cal and joined the USWMNT in 1987, just two years after its inception.
She helped lead the team to the championship in the first Women’s World Cup in 1991, then played every minute of the 1995, 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cups, as well as the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics — a stretch in which she also gave birth to three children.
Fawcett coached the UCLA women’s soccer team from 1993 to 1997.
Position: Defender
Years played: 1987-2004
Teams: U.S. women’s national team (1987-2004), University of California, Berkeley (1987-91), San Diego Spirit (2001-03)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Capped 241 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Perhaps the greatest defender in the history of the U.S. women’s national team, Joy Fawcett was a three-time All-American at Cal and joined the USWMNT in 1987, just two years after its inception.
She helped lead the team to the championship in the first Women’s World Cup in 1991, then played every minute of the 1995, 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cups, as well as the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics — a stretch in which she also gave birth to three children.
Fawcett coached the UCLA women’s soccer team from 1993 to 1997.
20. Tiffeny Milbrett
U.S. forward Tiffeny Milbrett advances the ball during an all-star exhibition game in 1999 in San Jose, California.Susan Ragan/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Forward
Years played: 1990-2010
Teams: University of Portland (1990-94), U.S. women’s national team (1991-2006), Shiroki F.C. Serena (1995-97), New York Power (2001-03), Sunnana SK (2005), Vancouver Whitecaps (2006-08), Linkopings FC (2006-07), FC Gold Pride (2009-10), Bay Area Breeze (2011)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Capped 206 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Oregon native Tiffeny Milbrett stayed local and was a three-time All-American at the University of Portland, where she finished her career with 103 goals.
Milbrett scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. in the Olympic finals in 1996, then led the U.S. in goals during its historic Women’s World Cup victory in 1999.
She also was named the WUSA Most Valuable Player in 2001 and is one of just a handful of players to score 100 goals in international competition.
Position: Forward
Years played: 1990-2010
Teams: University of Portland (1990-94), U.S. women’s national team (1991-2006), Shiroki F.C. Serena (1995-97), New York Power (2001-03), Sunnana SK (2005), Vancouver Whitecaps (2006-08), Linkopings FC (2006-07), FC Gold Pride (2009-10), Bay Area Breeze (2011)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Capped 206 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Oregon native Tiffeny Milbrett stayed local and was a three-time All-American at the University of Portland, where she finished her career with 103 goals.
Milbrett scored the game-winning goal for the U.S. in the Olympic finals in 1996, then led the U.S. in goals during its historic Women’s World Cup victory in 1999.
She also was named the WUSA Most Valuable Player in 2001 and is one of just a handful of players to score 100 goals in international competition.
19. Julie Fleeting
San Diego Spirit striker Julie Fleeting dives for a header against the New York Power in 2003.Denis Poroy/AP Photo
Country: Scotland
Position: Striker
Years played: 1996-present
Teams: Scottish National Team (1996-present), Ayr United Ladies (1996-2002), San Diego Spirit (2002-03), Ross County Ladies (2003), Arsenal Ladies (2004-12), Valur (2006), Kilwinning Ladies (2013), Celtic Ladies (2013-15), Glasgow City (2015-present)
Key stats: UEFA Women’s Cup champion. Scottish Football Hall of Fame. Capped 121 times by Scotland.
Bottom line: Julie Fleeting came from a soccer family in Scotland, with her father and uncles all professional or amateur players. And she was tougher for it — she played with boys teams until mixed playing was banned when she was 12 years old.
She scored an incredible 106 goals in 121 caps and has played for the Scottish national team for 23 years, earning the nickname "Air Scotland" because of her ability to control any ball that went through the air.
In 2008, Prince Charles appointed Fleeting as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, and she was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Position: Striker
Years played: 1996-present
Teams: Scottish National Team (1996-present), Ayr United Ladies (1996-2002), San Diego Spirit (2002-03), Ross County Ladies (2003), Arsenal Ladies (2004-12), Valur (2006), Kilwinning Ladies (2013), Celtic Ladies (2013-15), Glasgow City (2015-present)
Key stats: UEFA Women’s Cup champion. Scottish Football Hall of Fame. Capped 121 times by Scotland.
Bottom line: Julie Fleeting came from a soccer family in Scotland, with her father and uncles all professional or amateur players. And she was tougher for it — she played with boys teams until mixed playing was banned when she was 12 years old.
She scored an incredible 106 goals in 121 caps and has played for the Scottish national team for 23 years, earning the nickname "Air Scotland" because of her ability to control any ball that went through the air.
In 2008, Prince Charles appointed Fleeting as a Member of the Order of the British Empire, and she was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
18. Julie Foudy
U.S. midfielder Julie Foudy leaps over Brazil's Maria De Souza Diaz to control the ball during a 2000 Women's Gold Cup match in Foxboro, Massachusetts.Steven Senne/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Midfielder
Years played: 1987-2004
Teams: U.S. women’s national team (1987-2004), Stanford University (1989-92), Sacramento Storm (1993, 1995-98), Tyreso FF (1994), San Diego Spirit (2001-03)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time Olympic gold medalist. Capped 274 times by U.S.
Bottom line: San Diego native Julie Foudy was on the U.S. women’s national team by the time she was 16 years old and earning back-to-back All-American honors at Mission Viejo High.
She was a four-time All-American at Stanford and was named the Soccer America Player of the Year in 1991 — the same year she helped lead the USWNT to victory at the inaugural Women’s World Cup.
Foudy was the captain or co-captain for the USWNT 14 out of 18 seasons she was on the team. Since 2006, she has been ESPN’s main color analyst for women’s soccer broadcasts.
Position: Midfielder
Years played: 1987-2004
Teams: U.S. women’s national team (1987-2004), Stanford University (1989-92), Sacramento Storm (1993, 1995-98), Tyreso FF (1994), San Diego Spirit (2001-03)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time Olympic gold medalist. Capped 274 times by U.S.
Bottom line: San Diego native Julie Foudy was on the U.S. women’s national team by the time she was 16 years old and earning back-to-back All-American honors at Mission Viejo High.
She was a four-time All-American at Stanford and was named the Soccer America Player of the Year in 1991 — the same year she helped lead the USWNT to victory at the inaugural Women’s World Cup.
Foudy was the captain or co-captain for the USWNT 14 out of 18 seasons she was on the team. Since 2006, she has been ESPN’s main color analyst for women’s soccer broadcasts.
17. Kristine Lilly
U.S. forward Kristine Lilly attempts to pass the ball during a 1996 Olympics women's soccer game against China.Marta Lavandier/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Forward/midfielder
Years played: 1987-2011
Teams: U.S. women’s national team (1987-2010), University of North Carolina (1989-92), Tyreso FF (1994), Washington Warthogs (1995), Delaware Genies (1998), Boston Breakers (2001-03, 2009-11), KIF Orebro DFF (2005)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time Olympic gold medalist. Four-time NCAA champion. Capped 354 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Kristine Lilly still was in high school when she joined the U.S. women’s national team and stayed on the roster for 24 years, becoming the most capped player in history for both men’s and women’s soccer with an astounding 354 caps.
Lilly also won four NCAA championships at the University of North Carolina during that time and made one of the more memorable plays in World Cup history when she cleared a ball that sailed over goalkeeper Brianna Scurry’s head in the 1999 final against China, forcing a shootout that the U.S. won in dramatic fashion.
Position: Forward/midfielder
Years played: 1987-2011
Teams: U.S. women’s national team (1987-2010), University of North Carolina (1989-92), Tyreso FF (1994), Washington Warthogs (1995), Delaware Genies (1998), Boston Breakers (2001-03, 2009-11), KIF Orebro DFF (2005)
Key stats: Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time Olympic gold medalist. Four-time NCAA champion. Capped 354 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Kristine Lilly still was in high school when she joined the U.S. women’s national team and stayed on the roster for 24 years, becoming the most capped player in history for both men’s and women’s soccer with an astounding 354 caps.
Lilly also won four NCAA championships at the University of North Carolina during that time and made one of the more memorable plays in World Cup history when she cleared a ball that sailed over goalkeeper Brianna Scurry’s head in the 1999 final against China, forcing a shootout that the U.S. won in dramatic fashion.
16. Lotta Schelin
Sweden' forward Lotta Schelin, right, plays the ball away from Canada's Christine Latham during a 2006 soccer game in Blaine, Minnesota.Tom Olmscheid/AP Photo
Country: Sweden
Position: Forward
Years played: 2001-18
Teams: Goteborg (2001-08), Swedish National Team (2004-18), Olympique Lyon (2008-16), FC Rosengard (2016-18)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star. UEFA Women’s European Championship All-Star. Capped 185 times by Sweden.
Bottom line: Sweden’s career leader in goals scored in international play with 88 goals in 185 caps, Lotta Schelin almost saw her career end before it started when she was told to give up the game after a spinal condition that developed as a teenager.
She underwent physical therapy to repair the condition and became the career leading scorer for Lyon with 143 goals in 138 matches.
Schelin played for Sweden in three Women’s World Cups and four Summer Olympics, with her best performance at the 2016 Summer Olympics with a silver medal.
She retired in 2018 due to chronic head and neck pain.
Position: Forward
Years played: 2001-18
Teams: Goteborg (2001-08), Swedish National Team (2004-18), Olympique Lyon (2008-16), FC Rosengard (2016-18)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup All-Star. UEFA Women’s European Championship All-Star. Capped 185 times by Sweden.
Bottom line: Sweden’s career leader in goals scored in international play with 88 goals in 185 caps, Lotta Schelin almost saw her career end before it started when she was told to give up the game after a spinal condition that developed as a teenager.
She underwent physical therapy to repair the condition and became the career leading scorer for Lyon with 143 goals in 138 matches.
Schelin played for Sweden in three Women’s World Cups and four Summer Olympics, with her best performance at the 2016 Summer Olympics with a silver medal.
She retired in 2018 due to chronic head and neck pain.
15. Alex Morgan
United States forward Alex Morgan prepares to score a goal against France during a 2007 Women's World Cup semifinal match in Moenchengladbach, Germany.Martin Meissner/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Forward
Years played: 2007-present
Teams: University of California, Berkeley (2007-10), West Coast FC (2008-09), U.S. women’s national team (2010-present), California Storm (2010), Pali Blues (2010), Western New York Flash (2011), Seattle Sounders Women (2012), Portland Thorns FC (2013-15), Orlando Pride (2016-present), Lyon (2017)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Two-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year. Capped 160 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Alex Morgan seems to have taken the place of Mia Hamm as the most recognizable, most marketable women’s soccer player of the current generation. And she has the numbers to back that up.
Morgan starred at Cal, joined the USWMNT in 2010 and has passed the 100-goal mark with 160 caps. She appeared on an episode of "The Simpsons" alongside several USWMN teammates in 2015 and already is a Women’s World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist with possibly a decade left to play.
She’s also a novelist, with a series of youth-themed books called "The Kicks" that have been made into a series on Amazon Prime.
Position: Forward
Years played: 2007-present
Teams: University of California, Berkeley (2007-10), West Coast FC (2008-09), U.S. women’s national team (2010-present), California Storm (2010), Pali Blues (2010), Western New York Flash (2011), Seattle Sounders Women (2012), Portland Thorns FC (2013-15), Orlando Pride (2016-present), Lyon (2017)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Olympic gold medalist. Two-time U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year. Capped 160 times by U.S.
Bottom line: Alex Morgan seems to have taken the place of Mia Hamm as the most recognizable, most marketable women’s soccer player of the current generation. And she has the numbers to back that up.
Morgan starred at Cal, joined the USWMNT in 2010 and has passed the 100-goal mark with 160 caps. She appeared on an episode of "The Simpsons" alongside several USWMN teammates in 2015 and already is a Women’s World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist with possibly a decade left to play.
She’s also a novelist, with a series of youth-themed books called "The Kicks" that have been made into a series on Amazon Prime.
14. Hope Solo
U.S. goalie Hope Solo, in the green jersey, defends the goal against Brazil during the women's soccer gold-medal game at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.Ricardo Mazalan/AP Photo
Country: United States
Position: Goalkeeper
Years played: 1999-2016
Teams: University of Washington (1999-2002), U.S. women’s national team (2000-16), Philadelphia Charge (2003), Kopparbergs/Goteborg (2004), Olympique Lyon (2005), Saint Louis Athletica (2005, 2009-10), Atlanta Beat (2010), magicJack (2011), Seattle Sounders Women (2012), Seattle Reign (2013-16)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Glove winner. Two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Bottom line: Hope Solo was a Parade High School All-American at forward and dominated almost from the start after making the transition to goalkeeper at the University of Washington. With the Huskies, she was a three-time All-American and the first goalie to win Pac-10 Player of the Year.
Solo holds most of the major career records for goalkeepers for the U.S. women’s national team (including most shutouts) and led the U.S. to a Women’s World Cup title in 2015 and to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
Solo, one of the most recognizable women’s athletes in American history, wrote an autobiography, "Solo: A Memoir of Hope" that debuted at No. 3 on the New York Times bestseller List.
Position: Goalkeeper
Years played: 1999-2016
Teams: University of Washington (1999-2002), U.S. women’s national team (2000-16), Philadelphia Charge (2003), Kopparbergs/Goteborg (2004), Olympique Lyon (2005), Saint Louis Athletica (2005, 2009-10), Atlanta Beat (2010), magicJack (2011), Seattle Sounders Women (2012), Seattle Reign (2013-16)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Glove winner. Two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Bottom line: Hope Solo was a Parade High School All-American at forward and dominated almost from the start after making the transition to goalkeeper at the University of Washington. With the Huskies, she was a three-time All-American and the first goalie to win Pac-10 Player of the Year.
Solo holds most of the major career records for goalkeepers for the U.S. women’s national team (including most shutouts) and led the U.S. to a Women’s World Cup title in 2015 and to back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
Solo, one of the most recognizable women’s athletes in American history, wrote an autobiography, "Solo: A Memoir of Hope" that debuted at No. 3 on the New York Times bestseller List.
13. Cristiane
Brazil's Cristiane, right, battles against Brandi Chastain from the United States during the gold-medal women's soccer game at 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.Kevork Djansezian/AP Photo
Country: Brazil
Position: Forward
Years played: 2003-present
Teams: Brazilian national team (2003-present), FFC Turbine Potsdam (2005-06), Vfl Wolfsburg (2006-07), Linkopings FC (2008), Corinthians (2008), Chicago Red Stars (2009-10), Santos (2009-11), WFC Rossivanka Khimki (2011-12), Sao Jose (2012), Daekyo Kangaroos (2013), Centre Olimpico (2013-15), Paris Saint-Germain FC (2015-17), Changchun Zhuoyue (2017-19), Sao Paulo (2019-present)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup runner-up. Two-time Olympic silver medalist. Capped 117 times by Brazil.
Bottom line: Cristiane is the Scottie Pippen to Marta’s Michael Jordan when it comes to Brazilian women’s soccer.
The leading scorer in Olympic history, Cristiane is one of three women (alongside Christine Sinclair and Birgit Pirnz) to score a hat trick in Olympic play. She has 83 goals in international play and has taken the field for Brazil in four World Cups and four Summer Olympics.
She also famously led a player revolt against the Brazilian soccer federation and briefly retired from the game in protest of the firing of coach Emily Lima in 2017.
Position: Forward
Years played: 2003-present
Teams: Brazilian national team (2003-present), FFC Turbine Potsdam (2005-06), Vfl Wolfsburg (2006-07), Linkopings FC (2008), Corinthians (2008), Chicago Red Stars (2009-10), Santos (2009-11), WFC Rossivanka Khimki (2011-12), Sao Jose (2012), Daekyo Kangaroos (2013), Centre Olimpico (2013-15), Paris Saint-Germain FC (2015-17), Changchun Zhuoyue (2017-19), Sao Paulo (2019-present)
Key stats: FIFA Women’s World Cup runner-up. Two-time Olympic silver medalist. Capped 117 times by Brazil.
Bottom line: Cristiane is the Scottie Pippen to Marta’s Michael Jordan when it comes to Brazilian women’s soccer.
The leading scorer in Olympic history, Cristiane is one of three women (alongside Christine Sinclair and Birgit Pirnz) to score a hat trick in Olympic play. She has 83 goals in international play and has taken the field for Brazil in four World Cups and four Summer Olympics.
She also famously led a player revolt against the Brazilian soccer federation and briefly retired from the game in protest of the firing of coach Emily Lima in 2017.
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