Women's football player rankings 2019

The landmark year for women's football: a deep dive into the 2019 rankings

The year 2019 stands as a pivotal moment in the history of women's football. It was a year dominated by the FIFA Women's World Cup in France, which captured global attention and shattered viewership records. Consequently, the discourse around the best players intensified, leading to extensive analysis and the creation of various women's football player rankings 2019. These rankings were not merely lists; they were a reflection of individual brilliance, team success, and the growing professionalization of the sport. Understanding these rankings provides valuable insight into the athletes who defined the era and helped elevate the game to unprecedented heights, setting new benchmarks for skill, athleticism, and impact on the pitch.

Prior to 2019, while individual accolades existed, the collective recognition and detailed analytical breakdowns of top players gained significant traction. Media outlets, governing bodies, and fan communities alike engaged in the spirited debate over who truly stood out. The performances witnessed during the World Cup, alongside exceptional club seasons in leagues such as the NWSL, WSL, and Division 1 Féminine, provided rich data points for evaluators. This article delves into the specifics of women's football player rankings 2019, exploring the key figures, the criteria used for evaluation, and the lasting legacy of that unforgettable year.

Dominant figures: the top contenders in women's football player rankings 2019

When we look back at women's football player rankings 2019, several names consistently appeared at the very top, having delivered exceptional performances both for their clubs and national teams. These players weren't just scoring goals or making saves; they were influencing games, inspiring teammates, and captivating audiences with their sheer talent and leadership.

• Megan Rapinoe (USA): Arguably the most recognizable face of 2019, Rapinoe was instrumental in the USA's World Cup triumph. Her six goals, including the winning penalty in the final, earned her both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball awards. Beyond statistics, her leadership, outspoken advocacy, and clutch performances cemented her status at the pinnacle of many women's football player rankings 2019. She later won the Ballon d'Or Féminin, a testament to her extraordinary year.
• Lucy Bronze (England): The dynamic right-back for England and Olympique Lyonnais was a powerhouse. Known for her attacking prowess, defensive solidity, and incredible engine, Bronze was a consistent standout. Her thunderous goal against Norway in the World Cup quarter-final is a prime example of her impact. She was widely considered among the top defenders globally and featured prominently in all comprehensive women's football player rankings 2019.
• Alex Morgan (USA): Another pivotal figure for the USWNT, Morgan's five goals in the World Cup, including a memorable five-goal haul against Thailand, showcased her clinical finishing. Her consistent threat upfront made her a nightmare for defenders and a critical component of the American attack, placing her high in forward-focused women's football player rankings 2019.
• Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands): While the Netherlands finished as World Cup runners-up, Miedema's impact was undeniable. She became the all-time leading scorer for the Dutch national team in 2019 and was a prolific goalscorer for Arsenal in the WSL, where she famously scored 22 goals in 20 matches. Her consistent output and technical ability ensured her place among the elite.
• Dzsenifer Marozsán (Germany): Despite an injury setback during the World Cup, Marozsán's influence as a playmaker for Olympique Lyonnais, where she won the UEFA Women's Champions League, was immense. Her vision, passing range, and set-piece delivery made her an indispensable midfielder, still highly rated in various women's football player rankings 2019 despite her limited World Cup playtime.

These players, and many others, embodied the spirit of excellence that characterized women's football in 2019, proving that individual brilliance can truly elevate a team and an entire sport.

The methodology behind the rankings: how players were evaluated

Creating robust women's football player rankings 2019 involved a multifaceted approach, considering various performance indicators and subjective assessments. Unlike simple goal tallies, comprehensive rankings aimed to capture the all-around influence of a player. Several key criteria were typically employed by sports journalists, data analysts, and expert panels:

• Individual Statistics: Goals, assists, successful passes, tackles won, interceptions, chances created, clean sheets (for goalkeepers), and save percentages were foundational. These quantifiable metrics provided an objective baseline for performance.
• Team Success: A player's contribution to their team's achievements, whether winning a major tournament like the World Cup, a league title, or the Champions League, heavily influenced their standing. A star player on a winning team often received higher recognition.
• Impact and Influence: Beyond raw statistics, evaluators considered a player's ability to change the game, leadership qualities, big-game performances, and consistent delivery under pressure. Megan Rapinoe's World Cup final performance, for instance, exemplified this high-impact factor.
• Consistency: Sustained high-level performance across an entire season and major tournaments was crucial. Players who performed sporadically, even if brilliantly, tended to rank lower than those who maintained excellence throughout the year.
• Technical Skill and Tactical Awareness: The elegance of play, tactical intelligence, decision-making, and execution of complex maneuvers were also weighed. A player's ability to adapt to different game situations and roles was a mark of elite talent.
• Awards and Recognition: Previous accolades, such as FIFA Best Player awards, Ballon d'Or nominations, and inclusion in team-of-the-year selections, often served as indicators of sustained excellence and expert consensus.

The combination of these quantitative and qualitative factors allowed for a nuanced understanding of player value, ensuring that the women's football player rankings 2019 reflected not just who scored the most, but who truly shaped the landscape of the sport.

Beyond the top tier: notable achievements and emerging talents in 2019

While the focus often gravitates towards the very top, the women's football player rankings 2019 also highlighted a broader spectrum of talent, including players who made significant breakthroughs or delivered exceptionally memorable performances. The World Cup, in particular, was a stage for new stars to emerge and for established players to solidify their legacies.

Breakthrough stars and unsung heroes

For example, players like Rose Lavelle of the USA, whose dazzling dribbling and crucial goals captivated audiences, saw her stock rise dramatically throughout the World Cup. Similarly, Christine Sinclair of Canada, while already a legend, continued to display her incredible longevity and goal-scoring prowess, reinforcing her place among the game's greats. The year also saw the continued development of players like Sam Kerr, who, despite Australia's early World Cup exit, was a prolific scorer in the NWSL and a constant threat. Her powerful presence and aerial ability made her a standout, even if her team's performance didn't match her individual brilliance.

Other notable mentions in various women's football player rankings 2019 included Sari van Veenendaal, the Dutch goalkeeper who won the Golden Glove at the World Cup for her heroic saves, and Tobin Heath, whose creative play and relentless work rate for the USA were often crucial, yet sometimes overshadowed by higher goal tallies from teammates. These individuals might not have always topped the definitive lists, but their contributions were undeniably integral to the narratives of 2019, showcasing the depth of talent globally.

The legacy of women's football player rankings 2019 and its impact on the sport

The significance of women's football player rankings 2019 extends far beyond a simple retrospective of who was best in a single year. These rankings, bolstered by the immense visibility of the 2019 World Cup, played a crucial role in enhancing the profile of individual players and, by extension, the entire sport. They provided talking points, fuelled debates, and allowed fans to engage more deeply with the personalities and performances that shaped the year.

Increased recognition and professionalization

The prominence given to top players in 2019 helped push for greater professionalization in women's football. Players like Megan Rapinoe and Lucy Bronze became household names, attracting sponsorship deals and media attention that further elevated the sport's commercial appeal. This, in turn, has led to increased investment in leagues, better wages for players, and improved facilities. The debates generated by women's football player rankings 2019 spurred discussions about equitable pay, playing conditions, and media coverage, contributing to a broader movement for gender equality in sports.

these rankings served as benchmarks for future generations, inspiring young girls and boys to pursue football. The detailed analysis of player attributes and performances helped coaches and scouts identify talent and refine training methodologies. The discussions around "who is the best" continue to evolve, but the foundation laid by the comprehensive assessment of women's football player rankings 2019 remains a critical historical marker for the growth and maturation of women's football worldwide. It highlighted a year when individual excellence shone brightest on the global stage, solidifying the sport's rightful place in the pantheon of athletic achievement.