Women’s Footballers to Watch in 2026: 8 Players to Follow

Aitana Bonmatí — Spain
Aitana Bonmatí remains one of the biggest names in women’s football.
The Barcelona midfielder has won The Best FIFA Women’s Player award three times in a row. UEFA has also highlighted her major role in Barcelona’s success in Europe and Spain’s rise on the international stage.
What makes Bonmatí special is her ability to control a game without needing to score all the goals herself.
She can carry the ball forward, find teammates with clever passes and create space when defenders are close to her.
She also returned from a five-month injury layoff during Barcelona’s run to the 2026 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Why watch her: Her football intelligence, passing and ability to influence important matches make her one of the best midfielders to study.

Barbra Banda — Zambia
Barbra Banda is one of Africa’s biggest women’s football stars.
The Zambia captain plays for Orlando Pride and has already made a strong mark in the NWSL. Orlando Pride said she scored eight goals in 16 league matches in 2025 despite missing part of the season through injury. The club also noted that she became the first Pride player to score a hat-trick.
FIFA has also included Banda among its women players to watch, pointing to her international record and her ability to score important goals.
For African fans, Banda is especially important because she shows how players from the continent can compete at the highest level.
Why watch her: Speed, strength and finishing make Banda a dangerous forward.

Temwa Chawinga — Malawi
If you want to follow an African footballer who is making a huge impact in the United States, Temwa Chawinga should be high on your list.
The Malawi forward plays for Kansas City Current and is a two-time NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner. In June 2026, Kansas City extended her contract through the 2029 season. Reuters reported that she had scored 42 goals and made 11 assists in 56 regular-season NWSL matches at that point.
Her 2026 season has also included a hat-trick against Chicago Stars and seven goals in six matches during May, earning her the NWSL Player of the Month award for that month.
Her story is worth following beyond the club level too. In August 2026, Chawinga helped Malawi reach the country’s first FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Why watch her: Her pace, movement and goal-scoring ability make her one of the most exciting African forwards in the game.

Olivia Smith — Canada
Olivia Smith is one of the younger players on this list, but she has already made football history.
The Canadian forward moved from Liverpool to Arsenal in July 2025 for a reported £1 million fee, becoming the first female footballer to move for that amount. FIFA highlighted her transfer and reported that she had scored nine goals in 25 Women's Super League appearances during her first season in England.
Smith also scored for Arsenal in the club's 2026 FIFA Women's Champions Cup campaign.
At her age, there is still plenty of room for her game to grow.
That is one reason her progress will be interesting to follow.
Why watch her: She represents the younger generation of women footballers moving into bigger roles.

Chloe Kelly — England
Chloe Kelly is another player who continues to attract attention.
The England winger plays for Arsenal and is known for her attacking ability, speed and crossing.
FIFA reported that Kelly had around 1.5 million Instagram followers in early 2026, making her one of the most followed players in the Women's Champions Cup squad group it studied.
Her importance is not limited to social media. Kelly has become a familiar name to England supporters and remains one of the players who can create a major moment from the wide areas.
Why watch her: Her pace and crossing can give defenders serious problems.

Kerolin — Brazil
Brazilian forward Kerolin has another interesting chapter ahead.
She plays for Manchester City and had a strong 2025/26 Women's Super League season. Available league statistics show that she made 15 appearances, scored nine goals and provided five assists.
FIFA also selected Kerolin as one of six women football stars to watch during the 2026 FIFA Women's Series.
Her direct style makes her exciting to watch, especially when she has space to run at defenders.
For Brazil, her progress is also important as the country continues to develop a new generation of women's football talent.
Why watch her: Her speed, attacking movement and finishing make her a player capable of changing a match.

Sam Kerr — Australia
Sam Kerr's 2026 story is different from the others because it is about a major new chapter.
After six-and-a-half years at Chelsea, Kerr left the club when her contract ended in the summer of 2026. Chelsea said she finished her time at the club with 12 trophies and 115 goals.
In June, Gotham FC announced that Kerr was returning to the NWSL, signing her through the 2030 season. She previously played for the club when it was known as Sky Blue FC.
That return gives fans another reason to watch her.
Kerr has already achieved a great deal, but her next chapter could be just as interesting.
Why watch her: She is an experienced goalscorer entering a new stage of her career.

Mariona Caldentey — Spain
Mariona Caldentey is another experienced player worth following.
She moved from Barcelona to Arsenal and quickly became an important part of the English club's attack and midfield.
FIFA highlighted her among the players to watch in the 2026 Women's Champions Cup and noted her strong record at the top level.
Caldentey is useful because she can play different roles. She can help create chances, score and contribute to the team's overall movement.
Players like her show that football is not only about goals. Understanding space, passing and teamwork can be just as important.
Why watch her: Her experience and ability to play different roles make her valuable in big games.
Why These Women Footballers Matter
These eight players come from different countries and football backgrounds.
Aitana Bonmatí represents the highest level of European club football. Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga and other African players are helping bring more attention to African women's football. Young players such as Olivia Smith show how quickly the next generation is moving into major clubs.
There is also a wider story here.
Women's football is becoming more global. Players are moving between countries, leagues are attracting new audiences and more young girls can now see professional women playing at the highest level.
FIFA reported that the 2023 Women's World Cup attracted a global audience of two billion people, showing the huge reach of the women's game.
What Should Fans Watch For in 2026?
Don't look only at goals.
When watching these players, pay attention to:
How they move without the ball
How they create space
Their passing
Their decision-making
How they handle pressure
How they help their teammates
Their performances in important matches
These details can help fans understand why certain players are considered among the best.

The women's game has no shortage of talented players to follow in 2026.
Aitana Bonmatí continues to lead from midfield. Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga are showing the strength of African talent. Olivia Smith represents the next generation, while players such as Chloe Kelly, Kerolin, Sam Kerr and Mariona Caldentey bring experience and excitement.
For new fans, these players are a good starting point.
Follow their clubs, watch their international matches and pay attention to how their careers develop throughout the year.
The next women's football superstar could already be on the pitch.