Alexia Putellas, SPAIN & Barcelona.
Spain's Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner and captain of the national team and Barcelona, is currently recovering from an ACL injury. Despite missing this summer's Euros and a friendly match against the U.S. in October, she is expected to play a major role in the 2023 World Cup once she's back to full fitness. Putellas is widely adored in Barcelona, where her club set two attendance records at Camp Nou. She scored in both of those Champions League matches and even has a mural of herself dressed as Superwoman in La Placa d'En Joanic. Amazon Prime recently released a three-part docuseries about her journey as well.Sam Kerr, AUSTRALIA & Chelsea
Australia's Matildas have a strong leader in 28-year-old striker Sam Kerr. Kerr has been playing for the national team since she was 15 and has become their all-time leading scorer, as well as their captain since 2019.Her lengthy resume includes winning the Golden Boot in three different leagues, signing a massive contract with Chelsea, and making history as the first woman to appear on the cover of the FIFA 23 video game alongside French superstar Kylian Mbappé. The question now is whether Kerr can lead Australia to a successful run on home soil in the upcoming World Cup.
Ada Hegerberg, NORWAY & Olympique Lyon
Norway's Ada Hegerberg, a former Ballon d'Or winner and leading female goalscorer in UEFA history, is returning to the national team after sitting out the 2019 World Cup due to a dispute with her federation regarding gender equality. Despite her recent injury struggles, the 27-year-old Lyon striker scored in this year's Champions League final to help her team beat Barcelona 3-1.Sophia Smith, USA & Portland Thorns
Sophia Smith, a 22-year-old forward for the Portland Thorns and rising star on the U.S. women's national team, is known for her ruthless approach to scoring goals. She was named MVP after leading the Thorns to the NWSL title this season, scoring 14 goals in 18 matches and setting a team single-season record. Her coach, Vlatko Andonovski, has already predicted that it will be difficult for anyone to take her starting spot, and the 2023 World Cup could be the perfect opportunity for her to become an international sensation. Despite being a relative newcomer on the world stage, Smith has already caught the attention of U.S. soccer fans.Laura Hemp, ENGLAND & Manchester City
In the run-up to the 2023 World Cup, Lauren Hemp is emerging as a standout player for England. She played a key role in England's Euro 2022 victory against Germany, as her corner kick resulted in Chloe Kelly's winning goal. Additionally, she scored the opening goal in a friendly against the United States at Wembley, which was a sold-out event. Despite typically playing on the left wing, Hemp started at the No. 9 position against the USWNT in October due to injuries to Ellen White and Alessia Russo.This could be a sign of things to come for Hemp. The Manchester City star describes herself as a "creative" and "direct" player, and has won the PFA Young Player of the Year award four times. She also scored an impressive 21 goals and provided 10 assists for her club last year.
Wendie Renard, FRANCE & Olympique Lyon
At 6-foot-2, this French defender is an imposing presence on the field. Her dominance is felt on the back line and during set pieces, where her towering height helps her get her head on anything and everything. Renard, who is the captain of the French club Lyon, boasts an impressive resume that includes eight Champions League final victories, nine French Cups, and 14 league titles.However, despite her success, winning a Euro or World Cup trophy for the national team has eluded her so far. At 32 years old, the upcoming 2023 World Cup may be the last tournament in which she leads Les Blues, given the rise of young talent around her."
Catarina Macario, USA & Olympique Lyon
After suffering an ACL injury in May while playing for Lyon, the 23-year-old Brazilian-born midfielder is set to make a comeback with the USWNT this February. Despite missing all subsequent USWNT friendlies, she is expected to secure a roster spot once she returns to full fitness.Macario made headlines when she became the first American to score in a UEFA Champions League final, helping Lyon secure a 3-1 victory over defending champions Barcelona. In her debut professional season, the dual-national star scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 20 games for the club.
Fran Kirby, ENGLAND & Chelsea
England is a top contender to win the World Cup, thanks in part to the skills of forward Fran Kirby. She is widely regarded as one of the world's best and plays alongside Sam Kerr at Chelsea, where she holds the record for all-time leading scorer.Despite facing adversity after her mother's passing and initially quitting soccer, Kirby has come back stronger than ever with an unbreakable spirit. Her technique and skill make her a dangerous player, whether on the flank or in the middle of the field, and she scored two goals for the Lionesses during the Euros this year.
Alex Morgan, USA & San Diego Wave
Alex Morgan is a force to be reckoned with, even at 33 years old (turning 34 before the World Cup). The soccer star and mother was awarded the Golden Boot in the NWSL after scoring 15 goals for the San Diego Wave, her highest tally in a single NWSL season. Although she missed the USWNT friendly against England due to a knee injury, coach Andonovski stated that Morgan would have played if it were a World Cup final.Morgan returned in time for the NWSL playoffs and led the Wave to the semifinals. Having played in every World Cup since 2011, Morgan may be considering retiring after the 2023 tournament. If this is the case, she hopes to leave on a high note by helping the USWNT achieve an unprecedented three consecutive titles.
Vivianne Miedema, NETHERLANDS & Arsenal
Netherlands' Vivianne Miedema, who plays as a striker for Arsenal, is widely considered to be one of the best players in the world. She holds the all-time scoring records for both the Netherlands men's and women's teams, as well as for the Women's Super League. In 2019, she led her national team to the World Cup final, where they lost to the United States.Unfortunately, during Arsenal's recent Champions League match against Lyon, Miedema was taken off on a stretcher at halftime and immediately received medical attention. Her surgery and return timetable are unknown, but the good news is that she has seven months to recover before the World Cup begins. Miedema recently criticized the Ballon d'Or, stating that she "didn't feel appreciated as a woman footballer" at the event.
Which of these players will win the MVP Of the tournament? Let's dicusss
