The Best Women’s Soccer League Nominees For The 2024/25 Season

The 2024/25 women's soccer season has been a landmark year, showcasing unprecedented talent, thrilling matches, and significant milestones across various leagues worldwide. From the prestigious FIFA Best Awards to regional leagues making their mark, the season has been a testament to the growth and popularity of women's soccer. This article delves into the standout nominees and players who have left an indelible mark on the sport this season.

FIFA Best Awards 2024

The FIFA Best Awards are among the most esteemed accolades in the soccer world, recognizing outstanding performances and contributions to the sport.

Best Women's Player Nominees

The 2024 nominees for the Best Women's Player award include:

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain/Barcelona): A midfield maestro known for her vision and passing accuracy.
Barbra Banda (Zambia/Orlando Pride): A prolific striker with a keen eye for goal.
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway/Barcelona): A dynamic winger with exceptional dribbling skills.
Keira Walsh (England/Barcelona): A deep-lying playmaker with excellent ball distribution.
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica/Manchester City): A powerful forward with a knack for scoring.
Lauren Hemp (England/Manchester City): A speedy winger known for her agility and crossing.
Lindsey Horan (USA/Lyon): A versatile midfielder with leadership qualities.
Lucy Bronze (England/Chelsea): A seasoned defender with a wealth of experience.
Mallory Swanson (USA/Chicago Red Stars): A forward with a sharp goal-scoring instinct.
Mariona Caldentey (Spain/Arsenal): A creative attacker with flair and finesse.
Naomi Girma (USA/San Diego Wave): A solid defender with excellent positioning.
Ona Batlle (Spain/Barcelona): A full-back known for her overlapping runs.
Salma Paralluelo (Spain/Barcelona): A young talent with immense potential.
Sophia Smith (USA/Portland Thorns): A forward with explosive pace and finishing.
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi/Lyon): A striker with a lethal touch in front of goal.
Trinity Rodman (USA/Washington Spirit): A dynamic forward with creativity and flair.

Best Women's Coach Nominees

Recognizing the tactical minds behind successful teams:

Arthur Elias (Brazil)
Elena Sadiku (Celtic)
Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA)
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan)
Interim (Manchester City)
Jonatan Giráldez (Barcelona/Washington Spirit)
Sandrine Soubeyrand (Paris FC)
Sonia Bompastor (Lyon/Chelsea)

Best Women's Goalkeeper Nominees

Honoring the last line of defense:

Alyssa Naeher (USA/Chicago Red Stars)
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany/Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham)
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan/Manchester City)
Cata Coll (Spain/Barcelona)
Mary Earps (England/Manchester United/Paris St-Germain)

Ballon d'Or Féminin 2024

The Ballon d'Or Féminin is a prestigious individual award presented by France Football, celebrating the best female footballer of the year.

Notable Nominees and Their Achievements

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride): Her stellar performances in the NWSL and international tournaments have earned her a spot among the elite.
Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): A key player for both club and country, known for her creativity and goal-scoring ability.
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea): A veteran defender with a track record of success at the highest level.

These players have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and consistency throughout the season, making them worthy contenders for the Ballon d'Or Féminin.

SAFP Golden 11 - Swiss Women's Super League

The Swiss Association of Football Players (SAFP) annually recognizes the top performers in the Swiss Women's Super League through the Golden 11 awards.

Categories and Nominees

While the specific nominees for the 2024/25 season are yet to be announced, the categories typically include:

Goalkeeper of the Year
Defender of the Year
Midfielder of the Year
Forward of the Year

These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of players across different positions, highlighting their impact on the league's competitiveness and entertainment value.

Women's Super League (WSL) 2024/25

The Women's Super League in England continues to be a hub for top-tier talent and competitive football.

Key Players to Watch

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): Bringing her experience from Barcelona, she's expected to be a game-changer for the Gunners.
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea): Her return to the WSL adds strength and experience to Chelsea's defense.

Notable Transfers and Their Impact

The league has seen significant player movements, with clubs bolstering their squads to challenge for the title. These transfers not only enhance team dynamics but also increase the league's global appeal.

National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) 2024/25

The NWSL in the United States has been a breeding ground for world-class talent, with several players making headlines this season.

Dominance in Ballon d'Or Nominations

The league boasts multiple nominees for the Ballon d'Or Féminin, including:

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride): Her goal-scoring prowess has been instrumental for her club.
Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns): A consistent performer with a keen eye for goal.
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit): Known for her creativity and attacking flair.

Standout Coaches

Jonatan Giráldez (Washington Spirit): His tactical acumen has transformed the team's fortunes, making them serious contenders.

UEFA Women's Champions League 2024/25

The UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) remains the pinnacle of club football in Europe, drawing in elite teams and showcasing world-class performances every season. The 2024/25 campaign has been no different, offering unforgettable moments and breakout stars.

Emerging Talents

While seasoned professionals shine, a new generation is making waves:

Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona): At just 20, she’s been electric with her pace and finishing.
Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave): A central defensive rock, she’s gaining recognition across Europe and beyond.

These players are not only defining their clubs’ futures but also reshaping the European football landscape with their energy and ambition.

Saudi Women's Premier League 2024/25

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in women's football, and the results are beginning to show. The Saudi Women's Premier League has grown rapidly in terms of professionalism, popularity, and competitiveness.

Monthly Award Winners

The league introduced a Player and Coach of the Month award to highlight consistent performances:

Best Player (September): Layla Al-Bakr (Al Nassr) – A standout winger with four goals in three games.
Best Coach (September): Huda Al-Qadi (Al Hilal) – She’s transformed her squad into title contenders with a tactical, possession-based style.

These awards are pivotal in motivating players and showcasing their talents on a broader stage.

Rising Stars in the League

The league is becoming a hotspot for rising stars like:

Amira Bakhsh (Al-Ittihad): A young midfielder with a powerful shot and game-reading ability.
Noura Al-Salem (Al-Ahli): One of the league’s best defenders, known for her calm under pressure.

The league’s evolution is a testament to how investment and strategic planning can boost women’s football at a national level.

Adran Premier (Wales) 2024/25

Wales' top-tier women’s league, Adran Premier, has had a remarkable 2024/25 season. While smaller in scale, the league is rich in talent and commitment.

League Overview

The Adran Premier consists of competitive clubs such as:

Cardiff City Women – Defending champions and favorites again this season.
Swansea City Ladies – Always strong contenders, known for their defensive strength.

These teams continue to raise the standard of women’s football in Wales, drawing more fans and media coverage each year.

Key Players and Their Performances

Some players making waves this season include:

Phoebie Poole (Cardiff City): A top scorer with sharp instincts inside the box.
Katy Hosford (Swansea City): A midfield engine who drives play forward with creativity.

These athletes might not be globally known yet, but their talent and determination are pushing Welsh football to new heights.

Bulgarian Women's League 2024/25

Bulgaria may not be the first name you think of in women's soccer, but the domestic league is making quiet strides toward becoming more competitive.

League Champions and Top Scorers

NSA Sofia continues to dominate the league with a well-structured setup and top-class facilities.
Botev Plovdiv and Lokomotiv Stara Zagora have emerged as strong contenders this season.

The top scorer so far is:

Iveta Docheva (NSA Sofia) – Her clinical finishing and leadership make her a standout striker with 15 goals in just 10 matches.

Notable Players

Milena Petrova: A dynamic midfielder who dictates tempo.
Elena Marinova: A consistent performer at the back with excellent positioning and interceptions.

As visibility and investment increase, expect Bulgaria’s women’s league to rise in European rankings.

Kerala Women's League 2024/25

The Kerala Women’s League, hosted in one of India’s most passionate football states, has steadily grown into a nurturing ground for emerging talents and local icons. The 2024/25 season has been particularly exciting, showcasing a competitive spirit and technical growth across teams.

Season Highlights

Gokulam Kerala FC Women have dominated once again, led by an attacking unit that blends flair and power.
Kickstart FC and Lords FA have emerged as consistent challengers, giving fans thrilling matches and title race suspense.
The league introduced improved broadcasting, increasing its visibility and attracting a growing audience.

Top Performers

Soumya Guguloth (Gokulam Kerala): This midfield dynamo has been exceptional in controlling games and creating chances.
Anju Tamang (Lords FA): With her clinical finishing and agility, Anju continues to be a nightmare for defenders.
Neha (Kickstart FC): Known for her tenacity and pace, she has registered several assists and key goals this season.

These standout players are not only excelling domestically but also pushing for spots in India’s national squad, highlighting the league’s importance in talent development.

Calcutta Women's Football League 2024/25

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), long known for its football passion, has given its women’s league a significant upgrade, and the 2024/25 season reflects the results of this effort. Managed by the Indian Football Association (IFA), the league has become a symbol of grassroots empowerment.

League Structure and Key Matches

The league includes historic clubs like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, alongside rising institutions like Sreebhumi FC and Kalighat MS.
With a double round-robin format, the league ensured every team got enough competitive exposure, preparing players for state and national duties.
Matches between East Bengal and Sreebhumi FC drew massive attention, with local fans flocking to the stands in support.

Standout Teams and Players

Sreebhumi FC: Led by India international Sangita Basfore, they’ve displayed tactical maturity and attacking flair.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant: Powered by youth, their pressing style and resilience have stood out.
Ranjita Devi (East Bengal): A commanding goalkeeper with excellent reflexes, she’s been vital to East Bengal’s campaign.

This league is proving to be a vital contributor to the state’s footballing ecosystem and the country’s talent pool.

Swiss Women's Super League 2024/25

The Swiss Women’s Super League continues to be a well-structured and talent-rich competition that provides a platform for both local stars and international prospects. The 2024/25 season has seen increased competitiveness and media traction, thanks to greater investment in infrastructure and player development.

Season Overview

FC Zürich Frauen and Servette FC Chênois Féminin are the league frontrunners, known for their tactical discipline and attacking depth.
The mid-table teams like YB Frauen and FC Basel Women are not far behind, frequently pulling off upsets and keeping the title race alive.

Top Scorers and Teams

Rachel Rinast (FC Zürich): The German-Swiss forward has been clinical, topping the scoring charts with 12 goals mid-season.
Jade Boho (Servette): A versatile attacker, she's been essential in both goals and assists.
Seraina Piubel (Zürich): A midfield playmaker who excels in transitions and set-pieces.

This season has also seen a significant rise in youth participation, with several U20 players making regular first-team appearances—highlighting the league’s focus on long-term growth.

Women's World Sevens Football (W7F) 2025

A relatively newer tournament on the women’s football calendar, the Women's World Sevens Football (W7F) is a fast-paced, high-energy competition that showcases some of the most talented and versatile players globally. The 2025 edition was a resounding success.

Tournament Summary

Hosted in Doha, Qatar, the tournament featured 12 national teams playing in a 7-a-side format.
The matches were shorter, more intense, and packed with action—appealing to new and younger audiences.
Brazil, France, and Japan were among the standout teams, delivering tactical brilliance and flair.

Key Players and Outcomes

Debinha (Brazil): The star midfielder adapted brilliantly to the smaller pitch and faster pace, earning the MVP award.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France): Her lethal finishing in tight spaces was unmatched, making her the top scorer.
Mana Iwabuchi (Japan): A crowd favorite known for her dribbling and creativity, she lit up the tournament with several solo goals.

W7F may be non-traditional, but its entertainment value and player visibility make it a potential game-changer in expanding women's football globally.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 women's soccer season has been nothing short of extraordinary. From elite leagues in Europe to emerging ones in Asia and beyond, this year has proven that women’s football is not just rising—it’s thriving. Players like Barbra Banda, Salma Paralluelo, and Aitana Bonmatí have etched their names in the game’s history, while countless others have inspired a new generation.

As we look forward, the momentum must be sustained with continued investment, equal opportunities, and global visibility. If this season is any indicator, the future of women's soccer is dazzlingly bright.

About

1. Who is the top nominee for the Best Women's Player 2024?
Aitana Bonmatí is a leading contender due to her dominance in both club and international competitions.

2. Which league had the most players nominated this season?
The NWSL and the UEFA Women’s Champions League clubs had the highest number of nominated players.

3. Are there any new leagues gaining international attention?
Yes, the Saudi Women’s Premier League and Kerala Women’s League have gained significant traction due to rising talent and improved media coverage.

4. What is the significance of the Women’s World Sevens Football (W7F)?
It introduces a new, faster-paced format that appeals to wider audiences and enhances player visibility globally.

5. Which clubs dominated the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2024/25?
FC Barcelona, Olympique Lyonnais, and Chelsea were among the top-performing clubs in the competition.