As I watched the sellout crowd of 8,175 fans fill the stadium during that memorable May 18 playdate in Rizal province, I couldn't help but reflect on what truly separates good players from legendary ones in women's soccer. Having followed the sport for over fifteen years and attended countless matches across three continents, I've developed some strong opinions about what makes a player truly exceptional. That electric atmosphere in the Philippines, where Rain or Shine faced Magnolia as the main event and San Miguel battled Terrafirma as the curtain-raiser, reminded me that greatness isn't just about statistics—it's about how a player elevates everyone around them and captures the imagination of fans worldwide.
When we talk about the best women's soccer player in the world, most people immediately jump to the usual suspects—Sam Kerr, Alex Morgan, or Megan Rapinoe. But I've always believed we're asking the wrong question. The real discussion shouldn't be about who has the most goals or the flashiest skills, but rather who demonstrates the most complete impact on the game. I remember watching a relatively unknown player in that Philippine league match completely transform her team's performance despite not scoring a single goal. Her movement off the ball, her defensive contributions, and her leadership qualities made everyone around her better—and that, to me, is the hallmark of true greatness.
Let me be perfectly clear—I have my biases. I've always valued consistency and versatility over occasional moments of brilliance. A player who delivers solid performances week after week, across different competitions and under varying pressure situations, deserves more credit than someone who scores a spectacular goal once every few months. The numbers matter, of course—you can't ignore that Sam Kerr has scored 42 international goals or that Alex Morgan's 2022 season included 19 assists. But what about the players who might not have those headline-grabbing statistics yet fundamentally shape how their teams play? I've seen matches where the best player on the pitch wasn't even on the scoresheet.
The commercial aspect can't be ignored either, though I know some purists hate when I bring this up. That sellout crowd in Rizal province demonstrates how certain players can elevate the entire sport. When we look at global jersey sales, social media followings, and commercial endorsements, we see that the conversation extends beyond pure footballing ability. Ada Hegerberg's influence, for instance, extends far beyond her 56 Champions League goals—she's become a symbol for gender equality in sports. Similarly, Megan Rapinoe's impact transcends her technical abilities, though her 74 international goals certainly don't hurt her case.
What fascinates me most is how different players excel in different contexts. I've watched players who dominate their domestic leagues but disappear in international competitions, and others who seem to reserve their best performances for when the lights are brightest. The pressure of representing your country brings out something different in athletes, and I've always believed World Cup performances should carry more weight than club achievements when discussing the world's best. That's why Marta's legacy, with her 17 World Cup goals spanning multiple tournaments, continues to resonate with me years later.
The evolution of the women's game has completely changed how we evaluate players. When I started watching women's soccer professionally around 2008, the athletic demands were significantly different. Today's top players need extraordinary physical conditioning alongside technical mastery. The difference between watching a match ten years ago and watching that packed stadium in Rizal province is like watching two different sports. The speed, intensity, and tactical complexity have increased exponentially, which means our criteria for evaluating players must evolve too.
If you forced me to name my current choice for the world's best, I'd probably lean toward Sam Kerr, but not for the reasons most people expect. Yes, her goal-scoring record is impressive—she's netted approximately 89 goals in her last 110 appearances across all competitions. But what truly sets her apart in my view is her consistency across different leagues and her ability to perform in crucial moments. I've watched her single-handedly change games that seemed lost, and that clutch factor matters more to me than any individual statistic.
At the end of the day, these debates are what make football beautiful. That energy in Rizal province, with every fan having their own opinion about who stood out, reflects why we love this sport. The truth is, there's no single right answer—the best player depends on what you value most in the beautiful game. For me, it will always be about who makes their teammates better, who rises to big occasions, and who leaves the sport better than they found it. The numbers provide part of the story, but the complete picture requires watching how players move when they don't have the ball, how they communicate during difficult moments, and how they inspire those around them. That's what transforms good players into legends.