Top stars to watch at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
There are a whole host of top names on display at the Women's World Cup this summer, from Alex Morgan to Marta. Here are five in particular that you should watch out for.
Football
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is up for grabs - and now is the time for the big players to step up to the big occasion.
Football’s most coveted prize can present a chance for many to introduce themselves on the big stage, but for others, it is the chance to show exactly why they are regarded as some of the world’s best.
Here are five of football’s biggest stars ready to stake their claim for a chance at winning the biggest prize of all.
Marta, de Brasil, durante el partido amistoso internacional femenino entre las Matildas de Australia y Brasil.
Marta (Brazil)
If ever there was general consensus for a player that global fans want to see lift the World Cup trophy, Marta may very well be that. A true veteran of the game, her longevity in the sport is second to none, and her legacy will be forever written in the history of the sport.
At France 2019, following Brazil’s exit, Marta gave a memorable and impassioned plea to the future stars of the national team, and it appears that resonated with her teammates, too. Young forward Kerolin has already expressed that the Brazilians have been inspired by Argentina who won the men’s World Cup led by legend Lionel Messi – and want to replicate that with Marta.
Like Messi, perhaps Marta could also make the podium come the end of the tournament in what would be a deserved marker of her contribution to the game.
Alex Morgan during a match between the United States and Japan in 2023
Alex Morgan (USA)
Alex Morgan is, and has been for a very long time, one of the biggest stars in women’s football. That is simply a fact. She has twice been part of the USA squad that won back-to-back world titles, the first of which came in 2015, on the soil of historic rivals Canada, before following that up with another victory in 2019.
She has been in fine form since her move to San Diego Wave last year and currently has nine goal involvements in 11 games so far this season and will be hopeful of carrying her form Down Under, as the United States go in search of an historic third successive title.
Christine Sinclair captaining Canada vs Sweden at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Christine Sinclair (Canada)
At Tokyo 2020, held in 2021, Christine Sinclair reached the promise land. Her long, illustrious career on the international scene was finally capped with a major honour: gold at the Olympic Games.
It was secured in a dramatic finale against Sweden, subsequently being settled on penalties. The all-time leading international goal scorer, as far as both women's and men’s records are concerned, could be participating in a final World Cup this summer, which makes it all the more reason why she should be among the top stars to watch in July and August.
AVILES, SPAIN - JUNE 29: Alexia Putellas of Spain looks on during the international friendly match between Spain Women and Panama Women at Estadio Roman Suarez Puerta on June 29, 2023 in Aviles, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Alexia Putellas (Spain)
On the eve of the European Championships last year, Alexia Putellas was hit with a torn ACL.The Spanish superstar worked very hard to come back on 30 April 2023, the day that her club Barcelona claimed their fourth successive league title. She has won 7 league titles in total, lifted the Champions League trophy twice and is a back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner.
Spain are counting on their playmaker to lead them to glory in Australian and New Zealand even though Putellas has only made six appearances since returning from injury.
Coach Jorge Vilda says that the best is yet to come for Putellas who is a player who could swing fortunes.
Sam Kerr playing for Australia vs France
Sam Kerr (Australia)
The last name on our list is prolific striker Sam Kerr. To put it simply, it does not get much bigger than playing at the World Cup on home soil.
Since switching the States for the UK, Kerr’s game has gone from strength to strength and she is now regarded as one of the best in the world.
Time and time again, Kerr has proved the difference maker for both club and country, helping Chelsea to a domestic double in the 2022/23 campaign. But after enjoying success with the Blues, now is a prime opportunity to help the Aussies to a major honour, too. There’s no time like the present to live up to reputation, especially when family, friends, and adoring supporters are looking on.
These are just five of dozens of star players on show Down Under, including the likes of Wendie Renard, Pernille Harder, Alexandra Popp, Ada Hegerberg, Beth Mead.
The sheer calibre of talent on display makes this a simply unmissable showpiece, especially as it could be the last time we see some of these names at this tournament.