NWSL has seen some standout goal scorers making significant impacts on their teams. From trailblazing forwards who set the benchmark to emerging talents making their presence felt, the league has been a stage for some of the most prolific goal-scorers in women’s soccer.
Players such as Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, and Ashley Hatch have been among the leading scorers, regularly hitting the back of the net.
Let us take a look at the top 5 leading goal scores in NWSL.
5. Debinha – 63 goals
Debinha has scored 63 goals in her NWSL career. The Brazilian signed with the Courage in 2017 and swiftly became an essential player for the team. She banged in goals regularly and became the face of the team thanks to her influential performances and contributions.
During her time with the Courage, she helped the team win the NWSL Championship in 2018 and 2019, contributing significantly to their success with her goal-scoring and leadership abilities.
4. Alex Morgan – 66 goals
Alex Morgan started her NWSL career with the Western New York Flash, where she made a notable impact and played a key role in securing the inaugural NWSL Championship in 2011. She then made short stints at Seattle Sounders Women and Portland Thorns. Morgan was named to the NWSL Second XI in 2013.
At the end of her NWSL career, Morgan joined Orlando Pride and scored four goals in 15 appearances for the club. Overall, the American has 66 goals in the NWSL and is one of the most beloved players in the league’s history.
3. Christine Sinclair – 76 goals
Christine Sinclair has scored 76 goals in her NWSL career. The Canadian forward has had a notable career in the NWSL, primarily with the Portland Thorns FC. She helped her side win the NWSL Championship twice in 2013 and 2017. She has earned a spot on the NWSL Best XI and has also won numerous Player of the Week and Player of the Month awards during her career.
In 2022, Sinclair led the team as captain to a second-place finish in the regular season and secured a third championship title. Additionally, she set the league record for the most minutes played in the playoffs.
2. Sam Kerr – 78 goals
Sam Kerr is the second on the list of all-time top scorers with 78 goals. The Australian forward was celebrated for her exceptional athleticism and prolific goal-scoring. Kerr’s stint in the NWSL was marked by record-breaking performances boosting the visibility of women’s soccer both in the U.S. and around the world.
Kerr played for Western New York Flash (2013–14), the New Jersey-based Sky Blue FC (2015–17), and the Chicago Red Stars (2018–19) in her NWSL career and was the top scorer in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 seasons.
1. Lynn Williams – 79 goals
Lynn Williams is the NWSL’s all-time leading goal scorer with 79 goals to her name. Her breakout season came in 2016 when she not only led New York to the NWSL Championship but also won the NWSL Golden Boot for being the top scorer with 11 goals. Her performances earned her the NWSL MVP award that same year, highlighting her importance to the Flash’s success.
She then had a successful stint with the North Carolina Courage but his career took a significant upward spiral when she was traded to Gotham FC. Williams became an ever-present in Gotham FC and became the all-time leading goal scorer in the NWSL. The 31-year-old still plays her football with Gotham FC and is set to increase her goal tally in the NWSL.
Read More: Teams With Most NWSL Titles
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
