The 2026 NWSL regular season concluded after a historic 30-game campaign, culminating in ESPN's final ranking of the league's top 25 players. The list, based entirely on regular-season performance, highlights players who shone over the grueling stretch, excluding those with season-ending injuries or limited playing time. Twelve different teams are represented, with 15 players reaching double-digit goals — triple the number of any previous season.
While goalscoring was a major factor, the rankings consider advanced data and extensive game viewing, rather than being purely numbers-driven. Notable absentees include rising stars and healthy veterans, as well as players like Olivia Moultrie and Emily Sonnett, who suffered knee injuries, and Lindsey Heaps, who joined late in the season. The final ranking begins at No. 25, featuring players like Alba Caño, who ranked eighth in the league in chances created, and Maddie Mercado, whose 10 goals included four game-winners, eight within 12 yards, and five headers.
The list recognizes consistent full-season performers and clutch contributors who propelled their teams down the stretch. As the playoffs approach, these players set the stage for the next chapter of NWSL competition, with the final spot reserved for the season's most impactful talent. Vamos! 15 players scored 10 or more goals, triple that of any previous season.
Still, we are looking beyond just goals. These rankings are based on a combination of tireless game viewing by yours truly and analysis of advanced data. This is neither purely numbers driven nor merely opinion. (Note: All data is provided by ESPN Global Research unless otherwise noted.) Who were the best players this NWSL season? Vamos! 25.
Alba Caño, central midfielder, Boston Legacy FC Boston endured a rough start to its existence as an expansion team, but the Legacy eventually became a team that gave almost every opponent trouble, picking up points against most teams this year. Yes, Aïssata Traoré and Amanda Gutierres led the charge as goalscorers, and they are viable shouts for the back end of this list. Caño, however, created those opportunities in midfield: She finished eighth in the entire league in chances created (49).
Keep an eye on her in the future. 24. Maddie Mercado, forward, Seattle Reign FC Mercado scored 10 goals this year, the first Reign player to cross that threshold since Megan Rapinoe in 2017. Seattle squeaked into the playoffs on Decision Day, and that would not have been possible without Mercado.
Four of her 10 goals were game-winners -- and two of those came against second-place San Diego Wave FC. Seattle scored the third-fewest goals in the league (37) and got by with gritty defensive performances (33 goals against) led by center-back duo Jordyn Bugg and Phoebe Mc Clernon. Mercado was the clutch scorer, with eight of 10 goals coming inside 12 yards and five of them as headers. 23.
Mimi Van Zanten, fullback, San Diego Wave FC The NWSL Rookie of the Year race is wide open, with Van Zanten and Gotham FC forward Jordynn Dudley (who just fell out of our final Top 25). Each player was a full-season starter for one of the two best teams in the league. Van Zanten gets the nod here to recognize her play on both sides of the ball for...
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing