6 Players Sure to Light up the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Commit these names to memory

The eighth FIFA Women’s World Cup gets underway on 7 June, drawing the finest international teams from across the planet to France in search of the sport’s biggest prize. The Matildas will be one of a handful of teams with serious hopes of reaching the final on 7 July, but ultimately it will come down to what happens on the pitch — and that will mean the best players showing their best form. Here are six of the best to look out for.

Image via @martasilva10

MARTA (BRAZIL)
The current Best FIFA Women’s Player (an award she’s now scooped six times), Brazilian striker Marta is considered one of the greatest female footballers of all time. Having already played at four world cups, she’ll be hoping to make it fifth time lucky in France.

Image via @lucybronze

LUCY BRONZE (ENGLAND)
Versatile defender Bronze helped a skilful England team to the semi-finals of both Euro 2017 in the Netherlands and the 2015 World Cup in Canada, and will be desperate to drive them one step further at this year’s tournament.

@samanthakerr20

SAM KERR (AUSTRALIA)
Still just 25, Kerr has been terrifying defences for a decade — she made her debut for the Matildas when she was just 15 and has netted 31 goals for her country since. Many believe the Perth Glory forward could help Australia lift the trophy for the first time this year.

@amandine_henry

AMANDINE HENRY (FRANCE)
A four-time Champions League winner with her club side, Lyon, Henry has consistently staked a claim as one of the best midfielders in the world. The 29-year-old will captain hosts France, with a whole nation backing her in the search for la victoire.

@viviannemiedema

VIVIANNE MIEDEMA (NETHERLANDS)
There aren’t many footballers who equal the talent of Dutch ace Lieke Mertens, but her teammate Miedema is one. Recently voted players’ player of the year for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League, the striker will look to match the lethal form she showed when the Netherlands won Euro 2017.

@alexmorgan13

ALEX MORGAN (USA)
In women’s soccer, as in life, you can never ignore the US. The reigning champions will be strong favourites to retain the crown, and superstar goal-scorer Alex Morgan — already a household name around the world — is the one to watch.