ESPN has published its final ranking of the top 25 players in the National Women's Soccer League for the 2026 season. The list honors athletes who excelled during what is being described as the longest NWSL regular season in history. As the league prepares for the playoffs, the ranking serves to recognize individual brilliance amidst the extended schedule.
The methodology for this list relies exclusively on performance within the NWSL from March through November. The ranking does not account for overall skill, historical status, or future potential. Consequently, several rising stars and veteran players who were unavailable for significant portions of the season are omitted. For example, Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie and Gotham defender Emily Sonnett missed time due to season-ending knee injuries. Additionally, Denver Summit midfielder Lindsey Heaps, who recorded seven goals and three assists in 13 games after joining in the summer, was excluded due to a smaller sample size.
The 2026 season was defined by a surge in offensive production. Fifteen players scored at least 10 goals, a figure that triples the record from any previous season. While the list includes goalscorers, the rankings are also based on advanced data and extensive game viewing. The final list features players from twelve different teams, reflecting the depth of talent across the league.
At the bottom of the list, rank 25, is Boston Legacy FC central midfielder Alba Cano. She created 49 chances, ranking eighth in the league, and helped the expansion team become a difficult opponent for rivals. Seattle Reign forward Maddie Mercado is ranked 24th. She scored 10 goals, becoming the first Reign player to reach that mark since Megan Rapinoe in 2017. Her contributions were vital for Seattle, which secured a playoff spot on the final day of the regular season.
San Diego Wave fullback Mimi Van Zanten is ranked 23rd. She is a strong contender for Rookie of the Year, having served as a full-season starter for one of the league's top teams. Her defensive abilities and passing accuracy in the final third set her apart. Angel City centerback Sarah Gorden is ranked 22nd. She anchors a defensive unit that kept a 10-game unbeaten streak, with the team conceding only 32 goals in 30 matches, a fourth-best record in the league.
Portland Thorns midfielder Jessie Fleming is ranked 21st. She ranked third in the league for chances created while playing every minute of the season. Angel City attacking midfielder Maiara Niehues is ranked 20th. She provided consistent output with nine goals and delivered crucial late-season victories, including a game-winner against the Washington Spirit.
Utah Royals centerback Kate Del Fava is ranked 19th. She played every minute for the third straight season and earned a cap for the United States. San Diego Wave forward Trinity Byars is ranked 18th. In her breakout season, she scored 11 goals, including crucial braces against several opponents. Washington Spirit centerback Tara Rudd is ranked 17th. She leads the league in defensive interventions, helping the Spirit concede just 28 goals, the second fewest in the NWSL.
Angel City fullback Gisele Thompson is ranked 16th. She started all 30 games and contributed five goals and four assists while adapting to a wider midfield role. San Diego Wave centerback Kennedy Wesley is ranked 15th. She ranks third in the league for touches and has seen an increased role with the USWNT. Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger is ranked 14th. At 36 years old, she leads the league in save percentage and has recorded 11 clean sheets.
Utah Royals attacking midfielder Mina Tanaka is ranked 13th. Her nine goals and five assists were essential for the Royals, who struggled significantly in her absence. Denver Summit fullback Janine Sonis is ranked 12th. In a career year, she recorded 12 goals and eight assists, tying for third in the league for total goal contributions. Gotham midfielder Jaedyn Shaw is ranked 11th. She led her team with 11 goals and five assists, playing multiple positions to help Gotham win the NWSL Shield.
Portland Thorns attacking midfielder Pietra Tordin is ranked 10th. Despite a slight drop in form late in the season, she ranks seventh in goal contributions with 17 total. Her creativity and consistency earned her a multi-year contract extension. Finally, Gotham attacking midfielder Rose Lavelle is ranked 9th. Although her statistical output was modest with four goals and three assists, she remains the focal point of the league's best team, combining creativity with production.
