2026 NWSL MVP and Golden Boot Races Heat Up as Season Approaches Finale

The NWSL’s MVP and Golden Boot races are becoming increasingly intense as the league reaches the two-thirds mark of the regular season. With numerous contenders emerging, ESPN’s latest Top 25 rankings provide a comprehensive look at the season’s standout players.

This ranking assesses player performances based on their contributions since the season began in March, rather than simply their skill levels. Notably, some prominent names like Mallory Swanson and Lindsey Heaps were excluded due to limited playing time this season. Swanson is sidelined with an injury, while Heaps only recently joined the league.

Injuries and transfers have also impacted the roster of MVP candidates. Olivia Moultrie of the Portland Thorns, once favored for MVP, suffered a torn ACL, while Manaka Matsukubo transferred from the North Carolina Courage to Chelsea earlier in July. Additionally, Gotham FC’s Esther González and Emily Sonnett have both exited their teams for various reasons, leaving several teams scrambling to fill the void left by key players.

The top 25 rankings are informed by extensive game analysis and advanced data metrics provided by ESPN Global Research, focusing on player contributions throughout the current season.

NWSL Players Ranked 25 to 1

25. Janine Sonis, fullback, Denver Summit
Sonis has eight goals and four assists, shining as captain in Denver’s inaugural season. She has converted all five penalty kicks taken, including a recent stoppage-time winner against the Utah Royals.

24. Aïssata Traoré, forward, Boston Legacy
Traoré has made a mark this season with five goals across 19 matches, showing promise as a breakout player in the Boston attack.

23. Kat Rader, attacking midfielder, Houston Dash
The rookie has scored nine goals, many of which have come at critical moments, and is closing in on Diana Ordóñez’s rookie record.

22. Taylor Flint, defensive midfielder, Racing Louisville
Flint leads the league in defensive interventions, providing an understated yet vital defensive presence for Louisville.

21. Jordynn Dudley, midfielder, Racing Louisville
Dudley has been a key player for the reigning champions, leading in fouls drawn and ranked sixth in the NWSL for goals added.

20. Riley Jackson, midfielder, North Carolina Courage
Jackson holds the second spot in the NWSL for chances created, solidifying her role as an emerging midfield talent.

19. Yazmeen Ryan, winger, Denver Summit
Ryan generates numerous scoring opportunities, placing her tied for third in the league for chances created.

18. Tara Rudd, centerback, Washington Spirit
Rudd ranks second in defensive interventions, showcasing her ability as a strong one-on-one defender while contributing offensively.

17. Mina Tanaka, attacking midfielder, Utah Royals
Tanaka has six goals and four assists, demonstrating exceptional playmaking skills that contribute to her team’s success.

16. Leicy Santos, attacking midfielder, Washington Spirit
Santos has emerged as a playmaking catalyst with five goals and four assists while controlling pace from midfield.

15. Ann-Katrin Berger, goalkeeper, Gotham FC
Berger continues to lead in various goalkeeper metrics, maintaining a strong save percentage and numerous clean sheets.

14. Ryan Williams, fullback, North Carolina Courage
As a two-way player, Williams excels offensively and defensively, ranking high in expected assists for fullbacks.

13. Jaedyn Shaw, attacking midfielder, Gotham FC
Shaw contributes significantly with her presence and output, tallying five goals and four assists this season.

12. Kenza Dali, defensive midfielder, San Diego Wave
Dali is recognized for her smooth playmaking ability, ranking as one of the league’s top midfielders with high expected assists.

11. Kate Del Fava, centerback, Utah Royals
Del Fava’s consistency has been instrumental to Utah’s success this year, ranking high in defensive interventions.

10. Evelyn Ijeh, forward, North Carolina Courage
The new arrival from AC Milan has made an immediate impact by reaching double-digit goals this season, including a recent hat trick.

9. Rose Lavelle, attacking midfielder, Gotham FC
Lavelle’s skill and off-ball movement continue to set her apart, as she ranks among the leaders in key metrics such as expected assists.

8. Sophia Wilson, forward, Portland Thorns
Wilson has been impressive in her return from maternity leave, scoring nine goals and displaying remarkable agility and movement.

7. Temwa Chawinga, winger, Kansas City Current
Despite limited appearances due to injuries, Chawinga boasts nine goals this season, showcasing her unique talent following a standout performance in international play.

6. Barbra Banda, forward, Orlando Pride
Banda leads the league in goals, scoring 12 times despite missing several matches due to national team commitments.

5. Pietra Tordin, forward, Portland Thorns
Tordin leads the league in goal contributions with 16, having scored seven goals and assisted nine, solidifying her place as a top contributor.

4. Chandra Lacasse, winger, Utah Royals
Lacasse excels in creating chances and serves as a key player in Utah’s strong offensive presence this season.

3. Ashley Sanchez, winger, North Carolina Courage
Sanchez has revitalized her career this season with 11 goals and increased creativity that has transformed her play on the field.

2. Croix Bethune, attacking midfielder, Kansas City Current
Bethune, known as the “Assist Queen,” is tied for the league lead in assists and has made significant contributions in creating scoring opportunities.

1. Trinity Rodman, winger, Washington Spirit
Rodman has been a vital player for the Spirit this season, tallying ten goals and five assists while showcasing her growth and consistency on the pitch.

With the season progressing, the performance of these players will be closely watched as the competition for both the MVP and Golden Boot intensifies.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn