As I sit here reflecting on the current landscape of women's football, I can't help but marvel at how far the sport has come. Just the other day, I was watching highlights from various football competitions, and I stumbled upon an interesting parallel - while Patrick Tambalque staged that thrilling comeback in the boys' premier category, similar narratives of resilience and dominance are unfolding in women's football today. The women's game has evolved into such a spectacular showcase of talent that it deserves its own spotlight, and today I want to share my perspective on who's truly dominating the global stage right now.
Let me start by saying that identifying the "best" in any sport is always subjective, but having followed women's football religiously for over a decade, I've developed some strong opinions about what separates good players from truly dominant ones. The current crop of women footballers isn't just technically proficient - they're rewriting the rulebook on what's possible in the women's game. Take Barcelona's Alexia Putellas for instance. When she won back-to-back Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2021 and 2022, it wasn't just about the statistics, though her numbers were staggering - 34 goals and 21 assists across all competitions during her first Ballon d'Or season. What truly sets her apart, in my view, is her football intelligence. Watching her control the midfield feels like watching a chess master at work - she's always three moves ahead of everyone else.
Then there's Sam Kerr, whose athleticism continues to blow my mind season after season. I remember watching her play for Chelsea last season and thinking she defies physics sometimes. Her vertical leap is measured at approximately 62 centimeters, which explains why she scores so many spectacular headers. But beyond the physical attributes, what makes Kerr so dominant is her consistency - she's scored 20+ goals in each of her last five professional seasons. That's not luck, that's sustained excellence. The way she positions herself in the box reminds me of traditional number nines from the men's game, yet she brings this unique explosive quality that's entirely her own.
The conversation about dominant women footballers would be incomplete without mentioning the American contingent. While Megan Rapinoe gets much of the media attention, I've always been more impressed with Sophia Smith's rapid ascent. At just 23 years old, she's already showing signs of becoming the next great American striker. Her pace is electrifying - I clocked her at approximately 32 km/h during last year's NWSL championship, making her one of the fastest players in the league. But what really excites me about Smith isn't just her physical gifts; it's her decision-making in final third, which seems to improve with every game she plays.
When we talk about dominance, we can't ignore the defensive side of the game. England's Lucy Bronze has been, in my professional opinion, the most complete full-back in women's football for several years now. Her ability to contribute both defensively and offensively sets a standard that others strive to meet. I've analyzed countless games where her defensive interventions directly led to goal-scoring opportunities at the other end. Her fitness statistics are remarkable too - she consistently covers over 11 kilometers per match, with about 1.2 kilometers of that being high-intensity running. That kind of engine is what separates good players from dominant ones.
The rise of women's football has also seen the emergence of incredible goalkeepers, and Germany's Merle Frohms stands out to me as particularly dominant. Her save percentage of 84.3% during the 2022 EUROs was arguably the main reason Germany reached the final. Having studied goalkeeper techniques for years, I can confidently say that her positioning and reaction time are nearly perfect. She makes difficult saves look routine, which is the hallmark of a truly great goalkeeper.
What fascinates me about the current era is how these dominant players are influencing the next generation. Young players now have multiple role models to look up to across different positions and playing styles. The diversity of dominant players today - from technical maestros like Putellas to physical powerhouses like Kerr - means that aspiring footballers can find inspiration that resonates with their own strengths and aspirations. This variety, I believe, will accelerate the development of women's football globally.
As I wrap up these thoughts, I'm reminded again of that parallel with Patrick Tambalque's comeback story. In women's football today, we're witnessing similar stories of resilience and determination every season. The dominant players I've mentioned aren't just talented - they've overcome barriers, fought for recognition, and pushed through moments of doubt. Their dominance isn't just measured in trophies or statistics, but in how they've elevated the entire sport. While my personal favorites might shift with each season, the collective impact these athletes are making ensures that women's football will continue to captivate audiences and inspire future generations for years to come.
