The FIFA Women’s World Cup is the biggest stage in women’s soccer. Every four years, the best players from around the world compete for glory. Scoring goals at the World Cup is no easy task, yet some players have made it look effortless. These legends have left their mark with record-breaking performances. Let’s take a look at the top Women’s World Cup goalscorers of all time.
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1. Marta (Brazil) – 17 Goals
Marta holds the record for the most goals in Women’s World Cup history. The Brazilian forward has scored 17 goals across six tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023). Known for her skill, dribbling, and finishing ability, Marta has been the face of women’s soccer for decades. Her impact on the game extends beyond goals, inspiring generations of players.2. Birgit Prinz (Germany) – 14 Goals
Birgit Prinz was a dominant force in women’s soccer. The German forward scored 14 goals across five World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011). She helped Germany win the 2003 and 2007 World Cups. Her strength, intelligence, and leadership made her one of the greatest strikers in history.3. Abby Wambach (USA) – 14 Goals
Abby Wambach was a goal-scoring machine for the United States. She scored 14 World Cup goals in four tournaments (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015). Her aerial ability and physical presence made her a nightmare for defenders. She played a key role in the USA’s 2015 World Cup victory, ending her career as one of the most influential players in the sport.4. Michelle Akers (USA) – 12 Goals
Michelle Akers was a pioneer in women’s soccer. She scored 12 goals in just two World Cups (1991, 1999). She was instrumental in the USA’s first-ever World Cup win in 1991, scoring 10 goals in that tournament alone. Her combination of skill, power, and determination made her one of the most dominant players of her era.5. Cristiane (Brazil) – 11 Goals
Cristiane has been one of Brazil’s most consistent goal-scorers. She has scored 11 goals in five World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019). Her ability to finish from any position and her technical skills have made her one of Brazil’s greatest players. Her hat-trick against Jamaica in 2019 showed her timeless quality.6. Sun Wen (China) – 11 Goals
Sun Wen was China’s greatest-ever female player. She scored 11 goals in four World Cups (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003). She led China to the 1999 World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to the USA. Her vision, creativity, and goal-scoring ability made her a global star.7. Bettina Wiegmann (Germany) – 11 Goals
Bettina Wiegmann was a key player for Germany in the 1990s and early 2000s. She scored 11 goals in four World Cups (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003). Her leadership and goal-scoring ability helped Germany establish itself as a powerhouse in women’s soccer.How to Use Bodyweight Exercises to Build Soccer Strength
8. Megan Rapinoe (USA) – 10 Goals
Megan Rapinoe has been one of the USA’s most iconic players. She has scored 10 World Cup goals across four tournaments (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023). She played a crucial role in the USA’s 2015 and 2019 World Cup victories, winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in 2019. Her skill, confidence, and leadership have made her a global star.9. Pia Sundhage (Sweden) – 10 Goals
Pia Sundhage was one of Sweden’s most talented forwards. She scored 10 goals in three World Cups (1991, 1995, 1999). Her ability to find space and finish with precision made her a dangerous attacker. After retiring, she became a successful coach, leading the USA to two Olympic gold medals.10. Alex Morgan (USA) – 10 Goals (and counting)
Alex Morgan continues to add to her World Cup legacy. She has scored 10 goals across four tournaments (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023). She played a crucial role in the USA’s back-to-back World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019. With her speed, finishing ability, and experience, she could climb higher on this list in future tournaments.Honorable Mentions
Many other great players have left their mark on the Women’s World Cup. Players like Carli Lloyd (USA), Homare Sawa (Japan), and Nadine Angerer (Germany) have also played crucial roles in their teams’ success. While they may not hold the record, their impact on the game is undeniable.The Future of World Cup Goalscoring
The Women’s World Cup continues to grow, and new stars are emerging. Players like Sam Kerr (Australia), Sophia Smith (USA), and Alessia Russo (England) have the potential to break records in future tournaments. The competition is fiercer than ever, and the next generation is ready to make history.Conclusion
Scoring in the Women’s World Cup is a true test of greatness. These legends have set records that will be tough to break. From Marta’s record-breaking goals to Michelle Akers’ historic 1991 tournament, each player has left a unique legacy. As new tournaments unfold, the race for the top goalscorer continues. Who will be the next queen of World Cup goals?UEFA Champions League 2023: A Year of Thrills, Surprises, and History
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