My Top 25 NWSL Players to Watch (2025-2026)
I recently saw my favorite podcaster and soccer icon, Sam Mewis, was putting together her top-player list for the upcoming NWSL season, and honestly, I couldn't resist creating my own.
As a soccer crazed girly who spends way too much time watching highlights and scrolling soccer TikToks and reels, here's my take on who will shine brightest this year. Now, I know some of your favorites aren't here. Forgive me—it's tough narrowing it down!
1. Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC)
Last season Kundananji scored 5 goals for Bay. Watching her play in Houston left me absolutely blown away. She plays with such style and fierceness and I truly think this 2025 season will be her standout season. She’s known league-wide for smiling through entire matches—what a vibe.
Racheal Kundananji. (Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire)
2. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
Scored 13 goals in the regular season and 17 total including the postseason in her debut NWSL season, while also making history as Zambia’s Olympic hero in 2020. She’s already proving to be a game-changer with 2024 being her first year in the league. I can only imagine what 2025 has in store for this star.
3. Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
She set a new league record by scoring 20 goals during the regular season and claimed the 2024 Golden Boot, continuing her dominance after excelling in China and Europe. Her pace and finishing ability make her one of the most dangerous forwards in the league. I swear, It doesn’t even look like she’s trying.
4. Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals FC)
A rookie sensation, Sentnor scored 3 goals and 4 assists last season, making a name for herself as a former U.S. youth captain. With her SheBelieves Cup breakout star experience, she’s poised for a shining season as one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
5. Marta (Orlando Pride)
Still dazzling, Marta scored 9 goals last year and remains the all-time World Cup top scorer. Her technical skill, vision, and ability to create chances make her one of the most gifted players the game has ever seen.
6. Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current)
LaBonta racked up 6 goals and 1 assist last year while cementing herself as the NWSL’s celebration queen. Since 2015, her midfield leadership has been instrumental to her team’s success.
Lo’eau LaBonta viral twirk celebration
7. Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash)
With 6 assists and 5 goals, Ryan is Houston’s creative spark. Her versatility and consistency make her a key player for the Dash and a rising star for the U.S. Women’s National Team. I can’t wait to see her shine this season!
8. Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)
The Nigerian superstar netted 8 goals last season and has won African Player of the Year six times. A proven goal machine for both club and country, Oshoala is simply one of the best in the game.
9. Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC)
Finished second in the league in assists, with 5 goals and 7 assists in 2024. A fun fact? She debuted for the U.S. National Team at just 17 years old. A young star coming into her own at Angel City.
10. Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage)
Racked up 6 goals and 6 assists last season and was named U.S. Soccer’s Young Player of the Year in 2022. This move to a new club feels like the perfect next step for her career.
11. Manaka Matsukubo (North Carolina Courage)
With 2 goals and 1 assists last season, Matsukubo was crucial to Japan’s U-20 World Cup third-place finish. She’s technically savvy, and an intelligent player who can change the game in an instant. A total game changer who I think is going to have a rocking season.
12. Savy King (Angel City FC)
A rookie standout for Bay FC last season, she started 22 games and captained UCLA to an NCAA Championship. Now at Angel City FC, she’s definitely one to watch.
Savy King on the field for Bay FC in 2024
13. Gabi Portilho (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
A new face in the league, Portilho has yet to make her NWSL debut, but she’s one to watch. At Corinthians, she helped win five Brasileiro titles and three Copa Libertadores trophies.
14. Jane Campbell (Houston Dash)
Campbell has been a grounding force for Houston since 2017 and earned an Olympic bronze medal in 2024. The 2023 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, she’s now competing for a USWNT spot while remaining a star for the Dash. Of course I had to put her on MY list. I think she’s going to have a great year.
15. Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
A true international star, Rodman scored 8 goals last year for the Spirit and was in the 2024 NWSL Best XI. Her dynamic playmaking and club-and-country dominance make her one of the most exciting players in women’s soccer. I would be crazy not to put her on my list!
16. Emily Sams (Orlando Pride)
Emily Sams turned defense into an art in 2024—locking down strikers, scoring clutch goals, and racking up 7 clean sheets to win NWSL Defender of the Year. No mercy! She’s a rock star.
Emily Sams on the field for the Pride during the 2024 season.
17. Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC)
A set-piece specialist, DeMelo scored 5 goals and had 2 assists last year. Her pinpoint passing, goal-scoring ability, and defensive work rate make her an absolute force in midfield.
18. Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)
Tara went from scoring goals to stopping them, leading Washington Spirit’s backline in 2024 with 110 clearances. Proof that strikers-turned-defenders are the ultimate plot twist. She performed well for the USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup, and I only imagine she will have more to prove in 2025.
19. Maria Sanchez (San Diego Wave FC)
Had 4 assists and 1 goal last year after a midseason move from Houston. A mainstay for Mexico’s national team, her dribbling and crosses make her a dangerous playmaker. I’m sure she has now found her footing in San Diego, and I have a feeling she’s going to cause some defensive problems.
20. Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave FC)
After transferring in 2024, Cascarino played 10 league matches and scored 2 goals. She’s going to be fun to watch in the NWSL—especially for San Diego.
21. Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC)
The league leader in completed passes, Coffey orchestrates Portland’s midfield. Now captain of the Thorns in 2025, she’s taking her leadership to another level.
22. Ally Schlegel (Chicago Red Stars)
Schlegel is shaping up to be Chicago’s next big star, tying as the team’s top scorer (Mal Swanson) in 2024 with 7 goals. Her killer instincts make her a force to watch this season.
23. Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit)
With 81% passing accuracy, this Colombian queen plays with flair and always makes an impact on the field that her stats may not reflect. I literally can’t get enough of this player, she’s truly so fun to watch.
Leicy Santos on the field for the Spirit.
24. Kaleigh Kurtz (North Carolina Courage)
Kurtz didn’t just defend—she dominated, earning back-to-back NWSL Best XI honors (Second Team in 2023, First Team in 2024). She’s been with the Courage since 2018 and has only gotten stronger.
25. Narumi Miura (Washington Spirit)
A star Japanese midfielder and passing icon, Miura represented Japan at the SheBelieves Cup. Her vision and defensive abilities were instrumental in those matches, making Washington a serious contender this season.
Final Thoughts
This was tougher than I thought—narrowing down so much talent into 25 spots. Shout out to players like Adriana Leon and Deyna Castellanos who are also new to the NWSL and Rose Lavelle and Esther González who are Gotham stars. I promise, I see you! I think they will also crush it. Sorry I did not include you OL Reign, Jordyn Huitema, I think you’re amazing. Thanks, Sam Mewis, for inspiring me to create this list; what is YOURS? Until then, I'll be at the Shell Energy Stadium, loudly cheering, and probably embarrassing myself fangirling.
Enjoy the season, everyone!