The Women’s World Cup 2023 edition is officially here, bringing together 32 of the best female soccer teams in the world. This year’s tournament will be hosted across New Zealand and Australia, with the two countries hosting the event for the first time. The 2023 edition also marks the launch of the new, extended version of this tournament, with 32 nations vying for this highly coveted prize.
From Alex Morgan to Alexia Putellas, the 2023 Women’s World Cup will bring together some of the biggest stars in female soccer. The tournament will also present a great opportunity for upcoming stars to shine on the global stage, as soccer betting enthusiasts use football bookies not on Gamstop to wager on the matches.
With that said, here’s a look at six of the most exciting players to watch out for in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
#1 Alex Morgan (United States)
Alex Morgan is among the most skilled forwards in the world and will be making a Women’s World Cup appearance for the fourth time this year. The American forward managed to infuriate England fans with her ecstatic tea-drinking celebration when she scored for the US during the 2019 Women’s World Cup semi-finals.
At 34, Morgan has the skills needed to take the US team all the way as they home to land an unprecedented third consecutive title win. The outspoken striker has made 207 international appearances for the US team, scoring a total of 121 goals. She was also a key part in fighting for equal pay and criticized FIFA’s plans to originally partner with Saudi Arabia in sponsoring the 2023 World Cup.
#2 Jule Brand (Germany)
Late in 2022, Germany’s Jule Brand was crowned as Europe’s first “Golden Girl”, which came as a testament to the talent she processes. The 20-year-old pacey winger knows how to effectively impact the matches, whether called from the bench or starting the game.
Jule demonstrated how she can impact a game during Wolfsburg’s Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal in Emirates, which they won thanks to her inspired display coming from the bench. As such, Brand is a star player that Germany can depend on to help them win the World Cup.
#3 Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
A football powerhouse, Nigeria has participated in every Women’s World Cup tournament since 1991, but has only reached the quarter-finals once. However, they’ll have another chance to make it all the way this year with the services of their 28-year-old striker Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala’s accomplishments include winning a Champions League title with Barcelona and three African Championships while playing for Nigeria. The Nigerian star footballer also helped Arsenal win the Women’s FA Cup in 2016 and was named as the BBC Female Footballer of the Year in 2015, while playing for Liverpool.
#4 Alexia Putellas (Spain)
From being on the bench at the Euro 2022 due to a knee injury to going head-to-head with the Spanish FA over the treatment of women’s teams, the Spanish midfielder’s journey to international glory has been quite challenging. However, the participation of Putellas in New Zealand and Australia will be crucial for the Spanish side.
Putellas won the Ballon d’Or over the last two seasons and has won multiple titles including two Champion Leagues and seven league titles while with Barcelona. Today, Putellas is widely considered one of the best female footballers in the world competing on the international stage.
#5 Linda Caicedo (Colombia)
Colombia will be making a comeback into the World Cup for the first time since 2015 and they’ve got a new breed of talent in their pool. That includes 18-year-old star Linda Caicedo, who made her debut in professional football at 14 years. Her early beginning set up Caicedo’s career on an upward trajectory and that was evident when she helped Deportivo Cali win the League title, prompting her move to Real Madrid.
Caicedo has already displayed her skills on a global stage after being named the best player during the Copa America Femenina 2022. That’s right, she managed to outrank more experienced female footballers in the region despite her age.
#6 Ada Hegerberg (Norway)
While on the field, 28-year-old Ada Hegerberg is among the best players. Hegerberg won the first Ballon d’Or title in 2018, awarded to the best female footballer of the year. Her contribution has helped Lyobn collect eight league titles in France and six UEFA women’s Champions League titles.
Away from the pitch, the Norway forward has fought many battles, ranging from injuries to protesting playing for her national team over how the women’s team was treated. However, Ada returned for the Euro 2022 and she hopes her contribution will be essential for Norway in this year’s World Cup. The talented player hopes to emulate Lionel Messi and score multiple goals for her country in this year’s tournament.
