By OkayGoal
At the beginning of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, ESPN released a list of its top 25 players so far in the 2026 regular season. At the end of the summer, ESPN dropped a re-ranking of the NWSL’s top 25 players as the league closes out its regular season.
The original list was led by Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie and San Diego Wave forward Dudinha. Both players did not make the re-ranking after suffering season ending injuries. All NWSL franchises were represented in ESPN’s new top 25 besides Bay FC, the Chicago Stars, Angel City FC, and the Seattle Reign.
Gotham FC
The reigning NWSL Champions lead the way with four players on ESPN’s latest top 25 rankings. Gotham currently sit atop of the NWSL standings with the best record in the league. Forward Jordynn Dudley (ranked no. 21), goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger (ranked no. 15), and midfielders Rose Lavelle (ranked no. 9) and Jaedyn Shaw (ranked no. 13) were all named to the list.
Lavelle and Shaw sit at the forefront of the dominant Gotham midfield. Lavelle scored one of the best goals of the season in July against the Spirit, while Shaw leads the team in goals and assists. Berger, alongside Gotham’s defense, has also conceded the least amount of goals so far this season. Dudley has emerged as one of the best 2026 rookies after being named NWSL Rookie of the Month for September.
North Carolina Courage
The North Carolina Courage are tied with Gotham FC for the most players on ESPN’s re-ranking. Both franchises had four players named to the list. The Courage currently sit at no. 9 in the NWSL standings and are hoping to clinch a playoff berth.
North Carolina has two players ranked in the top 10 with midfielder Ashley Sanchez (ranked no. 3) and forward Evelyn Ijeh (ranked no. 10). Sanchez leads the league in goals and has the second most shots on target. Ijeh is the Courage’s second 10+ goal scorer. Defender Ryan Williams (ranked no. 14) is North Carolina’s longest-tenured active player and has solidified herself as the best player at her position. Finally, midfielder Riley Jackson (ranked no. 20) is a young star who earned her first USWNT call-up earlier this year.
Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit had three players named to ESPN’s new top 25 list. They are currently sitting at no. 3 in the NWSL standings and are looking to clinch a home playoff game. Washington is home to the no.1 player on ESPN’s re-ranking. Forward Trinity Rodman leads one of the NWSL’s best offenses and earned ESPN’s top spot.
Midfielder Leicy Santos (ranked no. 16) also made the list for the second time this season. She has five goals and four assists this year. The final Spirit player on ESPN’s re-ranking is defender Tara Rudd (ranked no. 18) and is known for her lockdown defensive ability.
Utah Royals
The Utah Royals also have three players that were selected to ESPN’s updated rankings. Utah has clinched a playoff berth and currently sits at no. 6 in the NWSL standings. Forward Cloé Lacasse (ranked no. 4) is the highest-ranked Royals player and is ranked no. 6 in the league in goal contributions.
Midfielders Kate del Fava (ranked no. 11) and Mina Tanaka (ranked no. 17) were also named to the list. Their performance in the midfield this season has propelled Utah into contention and earned them call-ups to their senior national teams for October friendlies.
Featured image via David Banks/Imagn Images.