The 2019 Women’s World Cup has been hyped as the most talented competition in the history of women’s soccer. Nations around the globe have begun to put more time and resources into the women’s game, resulting in a competitive boom. Unfortunately, the best player in the world — Ada Hegerberg — will not be participating in the World Cup.
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Hegerberg, a 23-year-old Norwegian, has established herself as the best in the world. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner hasn’t suited up for Norway for two years, and will now sit out the World Cup. Hegerberg’s decision to not play for Norway stems from her desire to see equal working conditions and support for Norway’s women’s program.
While it is unfortunate the world won’t be able to watch Hegerberg this summer, the 2019 Women’s World Cup is more star-studded than ever.
Here are New Arena’s picks for the 20 best players in the World Cup:
20. Caroline Graham Hansen — Norway, RW
Image Source: Trond Tandberg/Getty Images
- Caps- 71
- Goals- 25
Just 24, Hansen has been a steady presence for the Norwegian’s since 2011 when she made her debut as a 16-year-old. The talented forward has the capability to be one of the world’s best as she continues to perfect her game. Before signing with FC Barcelona, Hansen played for VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga — leading the team in assists in her five seasons with the German team. After an injury kept her out of the 2015 World Cup, Hansen has stepped up her game and is determined to lead Noway deep into the tournament.
19. Crystal Dunn — United States, WB
Image Source: Robert Reiners/Getty Images
- Caps- 86
- Goals- 24
A mainstay on the U.S. roster, Dunn has showcased her ability to play nearly any position on the pitch since her debut in 2013. In an attacking role for her NWSL club, Dunn has tallied 12 goals and 8 assists since the start of last season. Despite her scoring prowess, Dunn has spent the last year playing outside back for the U.S.. Excelling at both positions, Dunn’s versatility could help propel the U.S. to back-to-back World Cup triumphs.
18. Amel Majri — France, LB
Image Source: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
- Caps- 46
- Goals- 4
Majri may not be a well-known name, but she is an integral part of the French squad. Named the UNFP French Player of the Year in 2016, Majri has dominated with her club team Lyon. While solidifying the team’s backline, Majri’s club have only conceded 53 goals in 198 Division 1 Féminine games. This past year, Majri scored 10 goals and assisted on 9 more — leading all defenders in each category.
17. Kim Little — Scotland, MF
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- Caps- 132
- Goals- 53
Without Kim Little, Scotland isn’t nearly as threatening as they are with her. Little, the 2014 NWSL MVP, has been with Arsenal since 2017. Unfortunately, injuries have her marred her time with The Gunners. First, a ruptured ACL kept Little out for nearly a year. Then, in October 2018, Little fractured her fibula as a result of a horrific tackle. Despite her run of bad fortune, Little has all the talent in the world and is capable of winning a game on her own.
16. Saki Kumagai — Japan, D/MF
Image Source: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
- Caps- 103
- Goals- 0
Kumagai will never be confused for an attacking threat, but her defensive ability is downright scary. Wearing the Captain’s armband for Japan, Kumagai is a special defender. She has won multiple tournaments with Japan — including the 2011 World Cup and 2018 AFC Asian Cup. The current Japanese side may not be as strong as the past two editions, but should they make another surprise run at the Final, Kumagai will play a huge role.
15. Christine Sinclair — Canada, F
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- Caps- 281
- Goals- 181
Entering the World Cup at 35 years old, Sinclair has nothing left to prove. Needing only four goals to surpass Abby Wambach’s international record of 284, Sinclair’s legacy is already cemented. A 14-time Canadian Player of the Year, Sinclair put the Canadian National Team on the map in 2003 when she scored three goals en route to leading Canada to a 4th place finish at the World Cup.
14. Vivianne Miedema — Netherlands, ST
Image Source: Soccrates/Getty Images
- Caps- 75
- Goals- 58
As the women’s game continues to grow, more and more nations are producing top-end talent. One such nation is the Netherlands. If you’re looking for a player to become a worldwide phenomenon during this tournament, Miedema is a safe bet. Only 22 years old, Miedema is three goals away from becoming Netherlands all-time leading scorer. Not only is Miedema poised to battle for the Golden Boot, but she may soon be considered the best striker in the world.
13. Tobin Heath — United States, MF
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- Caps- 150
- Goals- 30
Perhaps one of the most technically gifted players in the tournament, Heath is entering the World Cup playing inspired soccer. The 31-year-old has won at every stop — World Cup, Olympics, NCAA, NSWL — and is currently taking her game to another level. In her past 15 games with the U.S., Heath has netted 10 goals and assisted on 7 goals. She may not be as popular as some of her other teammates, but Heath cannot be ignored.
12. Marta — Brazil, F
Image Source: Stanley Chou/Getty Images
- Caps- 133
- Goals- 110
Six-time FIFA Women’s Player of the Year. A Women’s World Cup-best 15 goals. The greatest of all-time. Marta is unmatched historically. Alongside Mia Hamm, Marta is the unquestioned face of women’s soccer around the world. In what is likely Marta’s final World Cup, the Brazilian sensation will look to lead her country to its first major tournament victory. Runner-up at the 2007 World Cup and Silver medalist at both the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics, a World Cup title is the only thing missing from Marta’s résumé.
11. Fran Kirby — England, F
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- Caps- 38
- Goals- 12
After dipping her toes in the water at the 2015 World Cup, this year’s tournament may end up being Kirby’s coming out party. Despite dealing with multiple injuries over the past four years, Kirby has become a key-piece for The Lionesses. Impressively skilled with the ball at her feet, Kirby is one of the best strikers in the world. If she can stay fit, Kirby could potentially lead England to glory.
10. Lindsey Horan — United States, FW
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- Caps- 68
- Goals- 8
Viewed as a prodigy growing up, Horan has more than lived up to her lofty expectations. Horan’s decision to sign with Paris Saint-Germain out of high school turned out to be the correct move. After scoring 46 goals in only 58 appearances with PSG, Horan made the move back to America. In 2018, Horan was named the NWSL MVP. Horan is one of the best box-to-box players in the world, and is a crucial part of the Americans attack. Injuries have been a concern, but Horan should be ready to announce her presence at the World Cup.
9. Megan Rapinoe — United States, MF
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- Caps- 153
- Goals- 44
Even at 33, Rapinoe is carving up defenses on a daily basis. The United States’ best distributor, Rapinoe is the most important player to the Americans’ success. Her ability to beat players off the dribble and send beautiful left-footed crosses into the box from any angle make Rapinoe the ultimate threat. An emotional leader as well, Rapinoe’s performance will go a long way in dictating the results for the United States.
8. Eugenie Le Sommer — France, MF
Image Source: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images
- Caps- 159
- Goals- 74
As France continues its rise as an international powerhouse, Le Sommer appears destined to become the country’s next hero. A potent goal scorer for both club and country, Le Sommer is the engine that makes France go. With Lyon, Le Sommer has scored 257 goals. If Les Bleus wants to win its first major title, Le Sommer needs to consistently put the ball in the back of the net.
7. Wendie Renard — France, D
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- Caps- 108
- Goals- 20
Le Sommer scores the goals for France, and Renard prevents them. The best two-way defender in the world, Renard is an absolute monster on the backline. Standing at 6-foot-2, Renard is a wizard in the air. She consistently makes the correct read on balls played in the air — rarely losing an aerial battle. If that wasn’t a big enough advantage, Renard is equally as talented with her feet. Thanks to a high soccer IQ, Renard consistently intercepts passes and wins tackles at a high rate. Good luck getting past her.
6. Lieke Martens — Netherlands, F
Image Source: Soccrates/Getty Images
- Caps- 102
- Goals- 42
Lieke Martens scored the Netherlands’ first ever World Cup goal in 2015, and the program has skyrocketed ever since. While the Oranje won’t enter France as one of the favorites, Martens and co. are a potential dark horse. Martens has led the Dutch to European Championship (2017) and the Algarve Cup (2018) title. The 2017 UEFA Women’s Player of the Year, Martens has the chance to become one of the most popular players in the world.
5. Lucy Bronze — England, RB
Image Source: Luke Walker/Getty Images
- Caps- 66
- Goals- 7
One of the two-best defenders in the world, Bronze will be crucial to England’s success at the World Cup. Another player capable of playing multiple positions on the pitch, Bronze finished 6th in the 2018 Ballon D’Or vote. Her ability to track opponents is unmatched. England should be considered a favorite entering the tournament, and Bronze is a big reason why.
4. Amandine Henry — France, MF
Image Source: Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
- Caps- 83
- Goals- 11
If a casual fan were to look at Henry’s numbers, they probably wouldn’t assume she is one of the best players in the world. After watching Henry in action, that opinion would change. Henry doesn’t score a lot or provide many assists, but the French midfielder is almost always the most impactful player on the pitch. Her ability to control and distribute the ball is nearly unparalleled. If Henry plays to the best of her abilities, France will be incredibly difficult to beat.
3. Dzsenifer Marozsan — Germany, MF
Image Source: TF-Images/Getty Images
- Caps- 90
- Goals- 32
The driving force behind Germany’s gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Marozsan will look to lead Germany far into the tournament. Germany’s captain dominates the midfield nearly every time she steps onto the pitch. The way the bracket is set, Germany has the easiest path to the Final amongst the favorites. To get there, Marozsan will need to control the center of the pitch.
2. Alex Morgan — United States, ST
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- Caps- 163
- Goals- 101
Alex Morgan is a superstar. Entering the tournament healthier than she has been in a long time, Morgan appears poised to takeover the competition. She has always found success due in part to her blistering speed and ability to run onto any ball put into space, but in recent years Morgan has become an utter menace upfront. She is capable of beating you in one-on-one situations. Duly, Morgan holds the ball up well, and is adept at playing balls out wide to launch the attack. With a big performance in France, Morgan may make a claim to being the best player in the world.
1. Sam Kerr — Australia, ST
Image Source: Albert Perez/Getty Images
- Caps- 77
- Goals- 31
Sam Kerr is well on her way to being the most popular women’s player in the world. Playing for the Perth Glory, Kerr has netted 52 goals in 49 appearances. After scoring 28 with Sky Blue FC, Kerr has scored 18 with the Chicago Red Stars since 2018. Not only is she scoring goals at a ridiculous rate, Kerr is also one of the most entertaining personalities in the sport. Her trademark backflip goal celebrations are must-see television. The Matildas have a shot at winning the World Cup. If they do, Kerr will be a household name.