Women’s sport has seen massive growth in recent years. You only have to look at the profile of events such as the Women’s Cricket World Cup for proof of this. Of course, one sport that has really exploded in popularity lately is women’s soccer. This now sees high-profile leagues such as the National Women’s Soccer League in America gain lots of positive attention and attract new people into the game.
A major part of the growth of women’s soccer has also been how popular it is to bet on. Like the men’s game, this is a sport that has plenty to offer. From a range of markets to the easy availability of matches, betting on this sport is very accessible. The net result of this is more people getting into women’s soccer by wagering on it and turning into genuine supporters over time. Just remember to first find online bookies with the best sportsbook promo codes to place bets with – this will ensure you not only get more money to bet with but free money in most cases, as well!
The women’s game has also grown so much in recent years due to the number of world-class players in it now. This gives young girls role models to emulate and helps bring them into the sport. It also draws in more fans who like to watch them perform. But who are the best women players in 2021?
Sam Kerr
Australian dynamo Kerr is currently playing at Chelsea in the UK Women’s Super League. Although the 2021/22 season has only just gotten under way, she is set to be as dominant as ever. A look back through her career highlights shows just why she is so highly regarded. The 2020/21 season, for example, saw her score 21 goals in 22 games to help Chelsea to another title.
Before her move to London, she tasted success in her home country and in the USA. Kerr performed outstandingly during these spells and is currently the National Women’s Soccer League’s leading scorer. Her lethal finishing has also seen her win Golden Boot awards in the FAWSL, NWSL and W-League. A key player for the Australian women’s side on the international stage, her pace, competitiveness and skill are legendary.
Vivianne Miedema
This 24-year-old Dutch icon is certainly a top player in 2021 and Miedema's 2017 move to Arsenal has worked out very well for all parties. Prior to this, she started out at SC Heerenveen and then moved onto Bayern Munich. In Germany, her awesome shooting and creativity powered them to two league titles.
This saw her move to Arsenal and her presence helped the North London side win the 2018/19 league title. Arsenal Women’s flying start to 2021/22 might be a sign that they are about to add to this triumph. Miedema has also seen great success on the international stage for her country – this not only saw her part of the team that won Euro 2017 but also the team that came second in the 2019 World Cup. With 102 goals for her country in just 84 games to date, she is also the leading scorer ever for the Netherlands.
Caroline Graham Hansen
Another superb female player who is lighting up 2021 is tricky winger Caroline Graham Hansen. Part of a Barcelona side that is blessed with amazing talent, she still manages to stand out. As you would expect from a top player in her position, she is fast and great at dribbling. She also has the ability to go past players and not only make the right decision on what to do next but has the passing skill to pull it off.
At Barcelona, she has really blossomed and enjoyed a superb 2020/21 season that saw the Spanish club take home the Primera Division title, the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the Cope de la Reina. This was in addition to the league titles, cup and super cup medals she won with them in 2020! Before this, she played for clubs such as Stabaek and Vfl Wolfsburg, where she also tasted domestic success. On the world stage, Hansen plays for Norway and is an integral part of their team – 41 goals in 88 games so far proves this.
Women’s soccer home to iconic names
As the above shows, the women’s game is home to some truly fabulous names in 2021. In addition to those listed here, you could also include players such as Lucy Bronze, Ellen White and Amandine Henry. This is great testament to the strength of women’s soccer now and bodes well for inspiring a new generation of talent to come through.