FIFA Women’s World Cup: 10 Most Influential Figures in Women’s Football

Women's football has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, and it is tipped to grow even bigger in the next few years. 2022 was a massive year for women's football.

We witnessed record-breaking transfers, incredible attendance numbers, and mind-boggling global television viewing figures. Some female football players like Mia Hamm and Marta have played a major role in that.

FIFA took over the Women's World Cup in 1991, but the first unofficial Women's World Cup was won by Denmark in 1920.

The USA have won the past two tournaments and are looking to complete the three-peat in Australia and New Zealand later this month. Sports Brief looks at the most influential figures in women's football.

Morgan is one of the most recognizable names in women's football. She has scored 121 goals in 206 games for USA. She has won the FIFA World Cup twice and received countless individual accolades over the years. She is set to play her fourth tournament this year. Although she has not won the best women's footballer, she continues to inspire millions of young girls around the globe to pursue their dreams of playing football.

Goalkeepers rarely get the glory in football. But Angerer deserves all the attention. She made 146 appearances for Germany, winning two World Cups and five European Championships. She was named 2013 FIFA World Player of the Year and the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup Best Goalkeeper. She is a true inspiration for young female goalkeepers in the sport.

Wen is one of the best female footballers of all time without a shadow of a doubt. She played from 1989-2006. She retired with 152 international caps and 106 goals. In 2000, she was a joint recipient of the FIFA Women’s Player of the Century, alongside USA's Michelle Akers. She has contributed greatly to the growth of women's football and continues to do so.

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Still only 27, Hegerberg is one of Norway's greatest-ever footballers. She won the first-ever women's Ballon d'Or in 2018. She is the all-time top scorer in UEFA's Women's Champions League with 59 goals. She refused to play for the Norway national team in 2019 to protest against the handling of women's football. She was away for nearly five years.

Rapinoe is one of the most vocal footballers in the women's game. She had a phenomenal 2019. Aside from winning the World Cup, she won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the World Cup, The Best FIFA Women's Player of the Year, and the Ballon d'Or. She has also won two World Cup trophies with USA. Off the pitch, she has been the biggest advocate of equal pay and representation.

Marta is one of the most decorated female footballers of all time. The Brazilian is a six-time winner of the Fifa World Player of the Year award and holds the record for the most goals in World Cup tournaments with 17. She is set to play her 6th tournament this year. The 37-year-old is looking to lead Brazil to their first-ever World Cup glory this year. Her longevity and individual success continue to inspire millions all over the world.

Hamm was a household name in her playing time and remains an icon in the sport. She has won two Olympic gold medals and two World Cups with the USA. She has won numerous individual awards, including the 2009 recipient of the Heisman Humanitarian Award. Through her foundation, she continues to inspire young women all over the globe.

Formiga retired in 2021 as Brazil's most-capped player, having played 233 times for his country. She played in seven World Cups and seven Olympic Games. Her longevity and consistency remain an inspiration for female footballers.

The Canadian is the record goalscorer in international football history with 190 goals in 322 caps for his country and is regarded as one of the greatest female footballers of all time. She’s participated in five World Cup tournaments and represented Canada in four Olympic games. She won gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The American remains an icon in the sport. She helped the USA win the 2015 World Cup and the Olympics twice. She also retired with 184 goals for the USA in 284 caps. Wambach is an influential figure in the sport. She was the epitome of selflessness.

Honorable mentions: Michelle Akers, Cristiane, Ariane Hingst, Kerstin Garefrekes, Homare Sawa, Kelly Smith, Kristine Lilly, Hege Riise, Sissi, Briana Scurry, Pia Sundhage, Birgit Prinz,

6 things about 2023 Women's World Cup

Sports Brief earlier reported on 6 key things to know about the upcoming 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

It looks at all the qualified teams, which include four countries from Africa, namely: Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia

It also looks at the past winners of the tournament. The USA are the most successful nation in the Women’s World Cup, having won the tournament four times in the last eight editions.