Women’s football is growing bigger, and I am here to tell you, it’s just getting started. Female soccer players who once dreamed of just playing professionally now compete for the most prestigious women’s soccer awards on the planet. These awards recognize the top female soccer talent from around the world.
From Paris ceremonies to FIFA galas, the most prestigious women’s soccer awards recognize female soccer players who change games with single touches. Some awards focus on performances in the World Cup. Others celebrate entire seasons of brilliance. Each of these prestigious women’s soccer awards reveals who truly dominates the sport of women’s football.
And they’re not just trophies; these prestigious women’s soccer awards shape careers, influence transfers, and decide who gets remembered in women’s football history.
The female soccer players who win these honors become legends. The ones who chase them push the sport forward.
Let’s explore the most prestigious women’s soccer awards that every player aspires to win.
1. Ballon d’Or Féminin
The Ballon d’Or Féminin stands among the most prestigious women’s soccer awards worldwide. France Football magazine organizes this award, first created in 2018.
The award goes to the best female player in the world every year. The Ballon d’Or evaluates players’ performances for both their club and national teams. The ceremony happens in Paris, France, at the Théâtre du Châtelet, where top soccer stars gather to celebrate.
Now that we know what makes the Ballon d’Or Féminin special, let’s meet the female soccer players who have won the Ballon d’Or.
Ada Hegerberg
In 2018, Ada Hegerberg from Norway won the first Ballon d’Or Féminin. She scored 15 goals for Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her performances for Lyon and Norway’s national team made her the standout player of the season. She currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais.
Megan Rapinoe
In 2019, Megan Rapinoe from the United States won the award for her outstanding performance at the World Cup. She was the team captain, scored six goals, and became known as a strong voice for equality in football. Rapinoe, playing for OL Reign back then, stood out for her leadership as much as for her skill.
Alexia Putellas
Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas, playing for FC Barcelona, won back-to-back Ballon d’Or Féminin titles in 2021 and 2022. She was recognized for her creativity, passing, and leadership as Barcelona dominated Europe. Her back-to-back wins have made her the face of Spanish football.
Aitana Bonmatí
Aitana Bonmatí, also from Spain and FC Barcelona, is now regarded as the best female soccer player in the world. She won the Ballon d’Or Féminin in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, she is again nominated and could become the first woman to win three consecutive awards. Her control in midfield, vision, and consistency make her unmatched today.
2. The Best FIFA Women’s Player
The Best FIFA Women’s Player award has been one of the most prestigious women’s soccer awards since 2016. FIFA gives this honor to the player who performed best all year. They look at club and country games. Winners get celebrated at a big gala with top stars.
Now, let’s take a look at the top female football players who have won the Best FIFA Women’s Player award.
Carli Lloyd (2016)
Carli Lloyd from the USA won the Best FIFA Women’s Player award in 2016. She scored big goals when the U.S. needed them most. Lloyd was known for her long-range shots and clutch performances. She retired in 2021 and now works as a sports analyst for FOX Sports.
Lieke Martens (2017)
Lieke Martens from the Netherlands won the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award in 2017. She helped the Netherlands win the Euro 2017 tournament. Her speed on the wing is unstoppable. Martens played for Barcelona and later moved to PSG from 2022 to 2025.
Marta (2018)
Marta from Brazil won the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award in 2018. People call her “Pele in skirts.” She captained Brazil with skill and experience. Even in her 30s, Marta still scored crucial goals. She re-signed with Orlando Pride in 2025.
Megan Rapinoe (2019)
Megan Rapinoe from the USA won the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award in 2019. She scored 6 goals in the 2019 World Cup. Her penalties were ice-cold under pressure. Her leadership contributed to the U.S. winning the tournament.
Rapinoe retired after the 2023 NWSL season.
Lucy Bronze (2020)
Lucy Bronze from England won the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award in 2020. She was a defensive rock at Lyon and England. Bronze could stop the fastest attackers and then run forward to create chances. She joined Chelsea in 2024.
Alexia Putellas (2021 & 2022)
Alexia Putellas from Spain won the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award in 2021 and 2022. She led Barcelona to a treble victory. Putellas scored 18 goals and made 12 assists in 2021. Her creativity has made Barcelona unstoppable in Europe.
Aitana Bonmatí (2023 & 2024)
Aitana Bonmatí from Spain won the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award in 2023 and 2024. She helped Spain win their first World Cup. She also led Barcelona to Champions League glory. Beyond her talent, Aitana is also the most paid female soccer player 2025.
Barcelona gave her a record contract that shows how far women’s football has come.
3. FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball is among the most prestigious women’s soccer awards. It goes to the best female soccer player at each World Cup. The award looks at goals, assists, leadership, and the impact a player has. It gets announced when the World Cup ends.
Now, let’s take a look at the players who have won this honor.
Megan Rapinoe (2019)
Megan Rapinoe from the USA won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball in 2019. She scored 6 goals, including crucial penalties in knockout games. She also made key assists. Her leadership helped the U.S. win the World Cup. She is retired but remains a football legend.
Aitana Bonmatí (2023)
Aitana Bonmatí from Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball in 2023. She scored 3 goals and made 2 assists. She controlled the midfield and guided Spain to its first World Cup victory. She currently plays for Barcelona.
4. FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot is another prestigious women’s football award. It goes to the female football player who scores the most goals at each World Cup. The award counts goals from the group stages to the final. Winners get celebrated when the Women’s World Cup tournament ends.
Now, let’s take a look at the female football players who have won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot.
Megan Rapinoe (2019)
Megan Rapinoe from the USA did not just win the Golden Ball and Best Player Award. She also won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot, a rare accomplishment known as the “Golden Treble”. She scored 6 goals, including two crucial goals in knockout matches, making her one of the tournament’s top scorers.
Hinata Miyazawa (2023)
Hinata Miyazawa from Japan won the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot in 2023. She scored 5 goals and led Japan’s attack throughout the tournament. Her goals made her a breakout star of the 2023 World Cup.
5. UEFA Women’s Player of the Year
The UEFA Women’s Player of the Year is among the most prestigious awards in European women’s football. It goes to the best player in European competitions. The award looks at domestic league and Champions League performances.
Let’s take a look at the top female football players who have won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award.
Pernille Harder (2018, 2020)
Pernille Harder from Denmark won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2018 for Wolfsburg and 2020 for Chelsea. She scored 23 goals in 2018 and 22 goals in 2020. Her attacking skills made her team dominant in Europe.
Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022)
Alexia Putellas from Spain won in 2021 and 2022 playing for Barcelona. She scored 18 goals and made 12 assists in 2021. She led Barcelona to Champions League and domestic treble wins with her creativity and leadership.
Aitana Bonmatí (2023, 2024)
Aitana Bonmatí from Spain won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024, playing for Barcelona. She was crucial in Spain’s World Cup win and Barcelona’s Champions League title.
She scored key goals, made assists, and controlled the midfield.
6. BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year can’t be left out when we mention the most prestigious awards in women’s football. It started in 2015, and it’s given each year to the best female player in the world.
A panel of experts selects the nominees, and fans worldwide vote to determine the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year winner.
Here are the top female footballers who have won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Ada Hegerberg (2017, 2019)
Ada Hegerberg from Norway won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award twice, in 2017 and 2019. In 2017, she was playing for Lyon and had an incredible scoring record, helping her club dominate in France and Europe. By 2019, she was still with Lyon, where her goals in the Champions League stood out. Her impact on both her club and the Norwegian national team made her a clear favorite.
Lucy Bronze (2018, 2020)
Lucy Bronze from England claimed the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2018 and 2020. In 2018, she was playing for Lyon and stood out in defense for both her club and her country. Her pace, vision, and consistency earned praise across the game. In 2020, she won again while still at Lyon, continuing to shine for England as well. Her skill and leadership made her one of the most respected defenders in the world.
Vivianne Miedema (2021)
Vivianne Miedema from the Netherlands won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2021. She was the standout striker for Arsenal and the Dutch national team. Her record-breaking goals in the Women’s Super League and her influence at the international level made her one of the most admired forwards of her time.
Beth Mead (2022)
Beth Mead from England won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2022. She had a historic European Championship, scoring six goals and providing vital assists to help England lift their first major women’s trophy. At the same time, she continued her strong form with Arsenal. As of 2025, Mead still plays for Arsenal WFC.
Mary Earps (2023)
Mary Earps, the England goalkeeper, won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2023. She was key to England’s run to the Women’s World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand.
Her shot-stopping, composure, and leadership stood out throughout the tournament. At club level, she was also outstanding for Manchester United, helping them compete at the top of the Women’s Super League. Earps is currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France.
Barbra Banda (2024)
Barbra Banda from Zambia won the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award in 2024. Banda is currently playing for Orlando Pride in the NWSL, where she quickly became one of the league’s most dangerous strikers. At the Paris Olympics, she scored four goals—including a hat trick—and became Africa’s top women’s Olympic scorer.
Barbra’s performances not only made her a global star but also earned her widespread recognition as Africa’s best female football player.
7. IFFHS Women’s World’s Best Player
The IFFHS Women’s World’s Best Player is one of the most prestigious women’s soccer awards. The International Federation of Football History & Statistics gives this award. They use statistics to pick the best player each year. The award looks at club and international performances.
Now, let’s see the players whose performances earned this recognition.
Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022)
Putellas from Spain won the IFFHS Women’s World’s Best Player in 2021 and 2022 titles while playing for Barcelona. She led Barcelona to back-to-back Champions League titles. She excelled at scoring, creating assists, and controlling games from the midfield position.
Aitana Bonmatí (2023, 2024)
Bonmatí from Spain won the IFFHS Women’s World’s Best Player in 2023 and 2024, playing for Barcelona. Her precise passing and exceptional vision helped Barcelona achieve historic wins. She has earned her recognition as the world’s top midfielder.
Pernille Harder (2020)
Harder from Denmark won the IFFHS Women’s World Best Player award in 2020, while playing for Chelsea. Her consistent goal-scoring and big performances in domestic and European competitions made her one of the most respected players worldwide.
8. CAF African Women’s Player of the Year
The CAF African Women’s Player of the Year is one of the most prestigious women’s soccer awards in Africa. The Confederation of African Football organizes this award. It honors the top female footballer from Africa each year. Winners get selected based on club and national team performances.
These African female soccer stars have shone brightly on the African continental and global stages.
Perpetua Nkwocha (4 Times)
Nkwocha won four CAF awards (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011) thanks to her exceptional scoring and leadership. She helped Nigeria win multiple African Cup of Nations tournaments. Her goals in big matches made her one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
Asisat Oshoala (6 Times)
Oshoala won the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award six times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023). Her consistent goal-scoring for Barcelona and Nigeria made her unstoppable. She helped her teams win league titles and WAFCON victories. She currently plays for Bay FC.
Babra Banda (2024)
In 2024, Barbra Banda won the CAF African Women’s Player of the Year award. Babra is a striker from Zambia and the captain of her national team. Banda plays for Orlando Pride in the United States. She is known for her speed, power, and goal scoring.
9. FIFA Women’s Player of the Century
The FIFA Women’s Player of the Century is one of the most prestigious women’s soccer awards ever given. It recognizes players who shaped women’s football over many decades. The award evaluates World Cup performances, career achievements, and overall contributions to the sport.
Here are the legendary female soccer players whose careers defined generations of women’s football.
Michelle Akers (USA)
Akers scored 37 World Cup goals and won two World Cups during the 1980s and 1990s. Her dominance in midfield and attack, plus her leadership, made her a global football icon.
Sun Wen (China)
Sun Wen led China to the 1999 World Cup final. She scored 10 goals in World Cup tournaments and was named the best player of the tournament. Her skill and influence left a lasting mark on women’s football.
Final Whistle
The most prestigious women’s soccer awards do more than celebrate individual talent. They inspire young girls worldwide to pick up footballs and dream big.
When Aitana Bonmatí wins the Ballon d’Or, girls in Barcelona see what’s possible. When Asisat Oshoala claims CAF honors, Nigerian and African girls believe they can conquer Europe, too.
These most prestigious women’s soccer awards prove that women’s football has arrived. The sport that once struggled for recognition now crowns queens on the biggest stages.
The players who win these honors become legends. The ones who chase them push the sport forward every single day.
