Women’s Footballers to Watch in 2026: Stars You Should Know

Women’s football continues to grow, and the 2026 season has already given fans plenty of reasons to pay attention. From established stars to younger players making their names, there is no shortage of talent to follow.

Here are some of the women footballers who deserve close attention this season and what makes them special.

Aitana Bonmatí — Spain

Aitana Bonmatí remains one of the biggest names in women’s football. The Barcelona midfielder won The Best FIFA Women’s Player award for the third year in a row in 2025, showing just how important she has been for both club and country.

Bonmatí is known for her passing, movement, close control and ability to create chances. She is also comfortable scoring important goals.

For fans who want to understand modern attacking midfield play, Bonmatí is one of the players worth studying.

Barbra Banda — Zambia

Barbra Banda is one of Africa’s most exciting football stars.

The Zambia captain has already built a strong international reputation and continues to attract attention outside Africa. FIFA included her among the players to watch during the 2026 FIFA Women's Series.

Her speed, strength and finishing ability make her dangerous in front of goal. More importantly, Banda represents the growing influence of African women footballers on the international stage.

Her performances are worth following closely this season.

Kerolin — Brazil

Brazilian forward Kerolin is another player who has been attracting attention.

FIFA highlighted her as one of the stars to watch in the 2026 Women's Series. She also won the Player of the Tournament award at the FIFA Series Brazil event.

Kerolin combines speed with direct attacking play. Her ability to run at defenders and create scoring chances makes her an exciting player for fans.

She is also an example of how women's football continues to produce new attacking stars.

Olivia Smith — Canada

Olivia Smith has become one of the young names attracting serious attention in women's football.

She joined Arsenal after an impressive first season in England with Liverpool. FIFA reported that she scored nine goals in 25 Women's Super League appearances during that season and became the first female footballer to move for a reported £1 million transfer fee.

Her progress at Arsenal will be interesting to watch because she is still developing and has the chance to become an even bigger name in the years ahead.

Mariona Caldentey — Spain

Mariona Caldentey is another experienced player who continues to be important at the highest level.

After moving from Barcelona to Arsenal, she adapted to a deeper midfield role while continuing to contribute goals and creativity. FIFA previously highlighted her among the players to watch in the Women's Champions Cup.

Her experience is especially valuable in big matches, where calm decision-making can make a major difference.

Chloe Kelly — England

Chloe Kelly has become one of England's most recognisable women's footballers.

The winger joined Arsenal from Manchester City and remains a major figure both on and off the pitch. FIFA noted that she had the largest Instagram following among players selected for its 2026 Women's Champions Cup squad analysis, with about 1.5 million followers at the time of publication.

Kelly's pace, crossing and attacking confidence make her a player who can change a match quickly.

Why These Players Matter

These footballers represent different parts of the women's game.

Some are established stars. Others are younger players building their careers. Some are leading major football nations, while others are helping bring greater attention to women's football in Africa and other growing football regions.

Their stories also show how quickly the women's game is developing.

The 2026 season is not only about established names. FIFA has also highlighted emerging talents across different competitions, showing that the next generation is already making its mark.

When following these players this season, look beyond goals and assists.

Watch how they move without the ball, how they create space for teammates, how they react under pressure and how they influence important matches.

That gives fans a better understanding of what makes an elite footballer.

For young girls who want to play football, these players can also provide something more important than entertainment: examples of what is possible.

Women’s football has never had more players capable of attracting worldwide attention.

From Aitana Bonmatí and Chloe Kelly to Barbra Banda, Kerolin, Olivia Smith and Mariona Caldentey, the talent is coming from many countries and different generations.

For fans, that means there are more stories to follow, more rivalries to enjoy and more players to discover.

And the biggest stars of the women's game today may not be the only names we remember. The next generation is already coming.