The FIFA Women’s World Cup has been a platform for showcasing the extraordinary talent and prowess of female footballers from around the globe. Over the years, the tournament has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments, inspiring performances, and record-breaking achievements.
One such aspect that captivates fans and ignites the spirit of competition is the race to become the top scorer at the Women’s World Cup. In this article, we delve into the all-time leading goal scorers in the history of the tournament, celebrating their remarkable contributions and impact on the world stage.
Most Goals in Women’s World Cup
| Player | Team | Goals (Appearances) | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marta* | Brazil | 17 (20) | 5 |
| Birgit Prinz | Germany | 14 (24) | 0 |
| Abby Wambach | United States | 14 (25) | 1 |
| Michelle Akers | United States | 12 (13) | 2 |
| Cristiane* | Brazil | 11 (21) | 1 |
| Wen Sun | China | 11 (20) | 1 |
| Bettina Wiegmann | Germany | 11 (22) | 6 |
| Ann-Kristin Aarones | Norway | 10 (11) | 0 |
| Carli Lloyd | United States | 10 (25) | 2 |
| Heidi Mohr | Germany | 10 (12) | 0 |
| Christine Sinclair* | Canada | 10 (21) | 1 |
| Linda Medalen | Norway | 9 (17) | 0 |
| Alex Morgan* | United States | 9 (18) | 0 |
| Megan Rapinoe* | United States | 9 (17) | 3 |
| Hege Riise | Norway | 9 (22) | 1 |
*Active player
List: Top Scorers in Women’s FIFA World Cup
1. Marta – 17 Goals [Brazil]
Marta, often referred to as the “Queen of Football,” holds the record for being the highest goal scorer in the history of the Women’s World Cup. The Brazilian forward has graced the tournament with her exceptional skills and creativity, leading her nation to great heights. With her ability to mesmerize opponents and find the back of the net with precision, Marta has etched her name into football history. With an astonishing 17 goals in five Women’s World Cup tournaments.
2. Birgit Prinz – 14 Goals [Germany]
Birgit Prinz, a German forward, solidified her place among the Women’s World Cup greats with her clinical finishing and exceptional athleticism. Prinz’s ability to find the net was evident in her four World Cup appearances, during which she amassed an impressive 14 goals. Prinz’s skill set, which included impeccable positioning, strength, and a remarkable work rate, propelled Germany to new heights and inspired a generation of young footballers. Her remarkable goal-scoring ability and leadership skills propelled the German national team to two consecutive World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007.
3. Abby Wambach – 14 Goals [USA]
Abby Wambach, an iconic figure in American women’s soccer, shares the second position with Birgit Prinz. Known for her aerial prowess and fearless style of play, Wambach was a constant threat to opposing defences throughout her career. Her powerful headers and timely goals propelled the United States to victory in the 2015 Women’s World Cup, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest goal-scorers in the tournament’s history.
4. Michelle Akers – 12 Goals [USA]
Michelle Akers, a pioneer of women’s football, showcased her immense talent during the early years of the Women’s World Cup. As a member of the United States national team, she played an instrumental role in securing the inaugural Women’s World Cup title in 1991. Akers’ goal-scoring ability and dominance in the midfield have left an indelible legacy in the annals of women’s football.
5. Sun Wen – 11 Goals [China]
Sun Wen, a highly skilful and versatile Chinese forward, played an instrumental role in China’s formidable run to the final of the 1999 Women’s World Cup. Her technical prowess, coupled with her clinical finishing, helped her become one of the most revered figures in Chinese football history. Sun Wen’s achievements made her an inspiration for aspiring Chinese footballers and solidified her place as one of the greatest footballers in Chinese history.
6. Bettina Wiegmann – 11 Goals [Germany]
Bettina Wiegmann, a German midfielder renowned for her goal-scoring prowess, ranks alongside Sun Wen with 11 goals. Wiegmann’s ability to find the back of the net from various positions on the field made her a significant threat to any opposing defence. Her leadership qualities and dedication to the sport have made her an inspiration for aspiring female footballers.
7. Cristiane Rozeira – 11 Goals [Brazil]
Cristiane Rozeira, another Brazilian forward, finds herself among the all-time top scorers at the Women’s World Cup with 11 goals. Known for her agility, technique, and clinical finishing, Cristiane has been a vital asset for the Brazilian national team. Her contributions to Brazil’s campaigns in the tournament have been crucial, and her goals have electrified audiences worldwide.
8. Heidi Mohr – 10 Goals [Germany]
Heidi Mohr, a talented German forward, was a key figure in Germany’s rise to prominence in women’s football. Her technical skills and clinical finishing abilities helped her secure 10 goals in Women’s World Cup tournaments. Mohr’s impact on the game, particularly in Germany, cannot be overstated. Her contributions to the national team’s success in the tournament have solidified her place among the greats.
9. Ann-Kristin Aarones – 10 Goals [Norway]
Ann-Kristin Aarønes, a prolific Norwegian striker, demonstrated her goal-scoring prowess during the Women’s World Cup. Her contributions to the Norwegian national team were vital in their success, notably winning the tournament in 1995. Aarønes’ ability to find the back of the net consistently solidified her reputation as one of the top goal-scorers in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
10. Carolina Morace – 9 Goals [Italy]
Carolina Morace, an Italian forward, was a trailblazer for women’s football in Italy. Her goal-scoring exploits and technical brilliance laid the foundation for Italy’s growth in the sport. Morace’s impact as a goal scorer was instrumental in Italy’s journey to the semifinals of the 1991 Women’s World Cup, cementing her legacy in Italian football.
The Women’s World Cup has witnessed several exceptional goal scorers who have shaped the tournament’s history and inspired millions around the world. Marta, Birgit Prinz, Abby Wambach, Michelle Akers, Sun Wen, and Bettina Wiegmann are just a few of the legendary figures who have left an indelible mark through their goal-scoring exploits.
These players have not only contributed to the success of their respective nations but have also elevated the standard of women’s football on a global scale. As the tournament continues to evolve, new goal-scoring heroes will undoubtedly emerge, carrying the torch forward and inspiring future generations of women in football.
FAQ
Who has scored most goals in Women’s FIFA World Cup?
Brazilian forward Marta Vieira da Silva, also known as Marta, has scored the most goals in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with 17 goals in 17 matches. She is followed by Germany’s Birgit Prinz and the USA’s Abby Wambach, both of whom have 14 goals.
Who has scored most goals for Germany in Women’s FIFA World Cup?
Birgit Prinz has scored the most goals for Germany in the Women’s FIFA World Cup, with 14 goals in 14 appearances. She scored 7 goals in the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 4 goals in the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and 3 goals in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Prinz is also the all-time leading scorer for Germany in international matches, with 187 goals in 214 appearances.
