Football: Most international appearances in women's soccer - Kristine Lilly leads top 10
Find out who has the most caps in women's soccer and which stars could add to their tallies at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Football
Representing your country is one of the greatest privileges in football.
The feeling of pride stepping out onto a pitch for an international fixture and wearing the national jersey is something only an elite few ever get to experience.
The honour is often recognised as a cap, which refers to the number of appearances the player has made for their senior national team.
The term is believed to have its origins in the United Kingdom where, as far back as the 19th century, physical caps were awarded to players to acknowledge their appearance in an international fixture.
In the women’s game, four players have recorded more than 300 caps for their country with Kristine Lilly coming out on top with 354 caps for the United States.
Lilly represented the Stars and Stripes between 1987 and 2010 and is a two-time world and Olympic champion.
Christine Sinclair, currently second on the list with 324 caps for Canada to her name, is one of two active players in the Top 10 for most caps.
The 40-year-old from Burnaby will have an opportunity to extend that number at the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where she is due to make her sixth appearance at the tournament.
The other active player, Caroline Seger of Sweden, is currently sitting in 10th place on the all-time most caps list, having represented the European powerhouse 232 times.
Like Sinclair, she will be able to increase that number at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Should she play in three games at the showpiece event, Seger will overtake Brazilian legend Formiga, who retired with 234 caps.
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Top 10 most caps in women's international football
*Denotes active player