Since its inception in 1991, the FIFA Women's World Cup has been a symbol of women's football, bringing together the world's best talents. With hundreds of matches and more than 1,000 goals scored throughout the tournament, it has been a stage for memorable moments and impressive records. One of the most memorable milestones is the title of the player with the most goals in the history of the Women's World Cup. This title honors the talent and dedication of the top stars on their journey to conquer glory. So who are the women's World Cup top goal scorers? Let's find out with Wintips through the article below!
Top 10 women's World Cup top goal scorers
1. Marta - Brazil
Marta, the shining star of Brazilian women's football, is one of the greatest players in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup. With a total of 17 goals, she has demonstrated her talent and excellence in every tournament. Marta has participated in six World Cups from 2003 to 2023, and each time she has competed, she has left a strong mark. At the 2003 World Cup, Marta scored three goals, followed by seven goals in the 2007 edition. In the following years, she continued to shine with four goals in 2011, one goal in 2015, and two goals in 2019.
Having played 23 matches at the World Cup, Marta has become an icon of women's football, not only because of her scoring ability but also due to her tireless dedication to the Brazilian team. Although she did not score a goal at the 2023 World Cup, her presence has always been a key factor in helping the team achieve great success. Marta is not only a legend of Brazil but also an inspiration for generations of female players around the world.
2. Birgit Prinz - Germany
Birgit Prinz, a legend of German women's football, is among the most prolific scorers in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Prinz scored 14 goals in the five World Cups she participated in. She started her journey at the 1995 World Cup with one goal and continued her impressive form in the following tournaments. In 1999 and 2003, Prinz scored one goal in each tournament, but it was the 2003 World Cup where she truly made her mark, scoring seven goals. In 2007, she continued to score five goals, although she failed to score in the 2011 World Cup.
With a total of 24 matches in the World Cup, Birgit Prinz is not only an excellent striker but also a symbol of German women's football. Her dedication and influence helped the German national team achieve significant successes, including World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. Although her international career has ended, Prinz will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in the history of women's football.
3. Abby Wambach - United States
Abby Wambach, one of the greatest players in American women's soccer, scored a total of 14 goals in four FIFA Women's World Cups. Wambach began her World Cup journey in 2003, scoring three goals, and she continued her impressive form in the following years. She scored six goals in the 2007 World Cup, becoming one of the tournament's top scorers. Wambach continued her important contributions in the 2011 World Cup, scoring four goals, and scored one goal in the 2015 World Cup, which was her last appearance in the tournament.
Abby Wambach, with a total of 25 World Cup appearances, has proven herself to be one of the most influential players in the tournament's history. Not only did she stand out for her scoring ability, but she also displayed remarkable fighting spirit and leadership on the field as she helped the United States win many major titles, including the 2015 World Cup. Wambach is an icon of women's soccer and an inspiration to generations of players.
4. Michelle Akers - United States
Michelle Akers, one of the greatest players in the history of United States women's soccer, has scored a total of 12 goals in three FIFA Women's World Cups. She began her World Cup journey in 1991, in which she scored an impressive 10 goals, helping the United States win its first championship. This memorable record set by Akers demonstrates her superiority in the early stages of international women's soccer.
Akers did not score in the 1995 World Cup, but she made a strong comeback in the 1999 World Cup with two goals, helping the United States to a runner-up finish. Despite playing only 13 World Cup matches, Akers left an indelible mark on the tournament's history, not only through her scoring ability but also through her leadership and influence on the development of women's football.
5. Sun Wen - China
Sun Wen, a Chinese women's football legend, is one of the most prolific scorers in FIFA Women's World Cup history. In total, she has scored 11 goals in four World Cups. Sun Wen began her journey in the tournament in 1991, scoring one goal, and she continued to excel in the following World Cups. At the 1995 World Cup, she scored two goals, while in the 1999 tournament, Sun Wen was outstanding, scoring seven goals and helping the Chinese team reach the final.
Since 2003, Sun Wen has continued to play and has scored another goal at the World Cup, although China could not achieve the expected results. In a total of 25 matches at the World Cup, Sun Wen proved her mettle and talent, becoming one of the greatest players in women's football and an inspiration for future generations of players.
6. Cristiane - Brazil
Cristiane, one of the best strikers in Brazilian women's football, has scored a total of 11 goals in five FIFA Women's World Cups. She started her journey in the tournament in 2003, and although she did not score in her first World Cup, she showed impressive goalscoring ability in subsequent tournaments. At the 2007 World Cup, Cristiane scored five goals, followed by two in the 2011 edition. Although she did not score in the 2015 World Cup, she returned strongly in 2019, scoring four more goals, contributing greatly to the achievements of the Brazilian team.
With a total of 21 World Cup matches, Cristiane has affirmed her place in the history of women's football, not only through her scoring ability but also due to her perseverance and fighting spirit on the field. She continues to be a key figure in the Brazilian squad, helping the team remain competitive in international tournaments.
7. Bettina Wiegmann - Germany
Bettina Wiegmann, one of the greats of German women's football, has scored a total of 11 goals in four FIFA Women's World Cups. She began her World Cup career in 1991, scoring three goals, and maintained her impressive form throughout the tournaments. In the 1995 and 1999 World Cups, Wiegmann scored three goals in each tournament, cementing her role as a key player for the German team. She added two more goals in 2003, although she did not maintain her previous form.
With a total of 22 World Cup appearances, Bettina Wiegmann was instrumental in the rise and success of German women's football throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Although she did not win the World Cup, she was remembered as one of the best players, both strong and skilled on the pitch, always leading the team to important victories.
8. Ann Kristin Aarones - Norway
Ann Kristin Aarones, one of the best players in Norwegian women's football, scored 10 goals in two FIFA Women's World Cups. She began her World Cup journey in 1995, when Aarones scored six goals, helping Norway advance to the final stages of the tournament. At the 1999 World Cup, she scored four goals, further demonstrating her impressive goalscoring ability and contributing significantly to Norway's achievements in the tournament.
With just 11 World Cup appearances, Ann Kristin Aarones has left a lasting mark on women's football, particularly with her superb goalscoring form and flair on the pitch. Despite not having many World Cups to her name, she is remembered as one of Norway's greatest-ever players. She was always a threat in front of goal.
9. Heidi Mohr - Germany
Heidi Mohr, one of the legends of German women's football, scored 10 goals in two FIFA Women's World Cups. She made a strong impression at the 1991 World Cup, scoring seven goals and helping Germany reach the next round. Mohr continued her impressive form in 1995, scoring three goals, although Germany did not progress as far as in the previous World Cup.
With a total of 12 World Cup appearances, Heidi Mohr is one of the greats of women's football, known for her goalscoring ability and impact on every match. Despite not participating in many World Cups, she remains an icon of German women's football, with an impressive career and memorable moments in the tournament's history.