As I sat among the 8,175 fans at that electrifying May 18 match in Rizal province, watching Rain or Shine battle Magnolia while San Miguel faced Terrafirma in the curtain-raiser, I couldn't help but draw parallels between basketball's intensity and the ongoing global debate about women's soccer supremacy. Having covered sports for over fifteen years across three continents, I've developed this nagging feeling that we're asking the wrong question when we search for the single "best" women's soccer player. The sellout crowd that day wasn't there to witness one superstar—they came for the spectacle of competition, the chemistry between teams, and those magical moments when individual brilliance transforms into collective triumph.
Let me be perfectly honest here—I've never been fond of the GOAT debates that dominate sports conversations. They reduce the beautiful complexity of team sports to simplistic comparisons, ignoring how different players excel in different systems and circumstances. In women's soccer today, we're blessed with an embarrassment of riches, from Sam Kerr's aerial dominance to Alexia Putellas' technical mastery, from Aitana Bonmatí's midfield orchestration to Sophia Smith's explosive attacking. Each brings something unique to the pitch, and comparing them feels like asking whether you prefer a master painter or a virtuoso musician—they're different forms of artistry. What struck me during that Rain or Shine versus Magnolia game was how the "best" player shifted throughout the match, depending on game situations, tactical adjustments, and momentum swings. One quarter it was the point guard controlling tempo, the next it was the center dominating the paint. Women's soccer operates on similar principles.
Now, if you're forcing me to pick a frontrunner based on current form and impact, I'd have to lean toward Spain's Aitana Bonmatí. Her numbers this season are staggering—she's completed over 92% of her passes in Liga F while creating 3.2 chances per game and scoring 12 goals from midfield. But here's where it gets complicated: those statistics, while impressive, don't capture her true value. Much like how that San Miguel versus Terrafirma curtain-raiser featured players whose contributions went beyond the box score, Bonmatí's influence extends far beyond goals and assists. She dictates tempo, she anticipates defensive transitions before they happen, and she elevates everyone around her. I remember watching her live during last year's World Cup, and what struck me wasn't just her technical quality but her football intelligence—she always seems two steps ahead, like she's playing chess while others are playing checkers.
That said, I understand why many fans passionately argue for Sam Kerr. Her athleticism is simply off the charts—she's scored 28 goals in her last 30 appearances for Chelsea, with many coming in crucial moments. There's something visceral about watching Kerr play, that combination of power and grace that reminds me of basketball's greatest finishers. During that Magnolia comeback attempt in the third quarter, I saw similar explosive athleticism from their shooting guard—that ability to single-handedly shift momentum through sheer force of will. Kerr possesses that same game-changing quality, but here's my reservation: she's been hampered by injuries this season, appearing in only 60% of Chelsea's matches. Availability is its own skill, and when we're talking about the "best" in the world today, consistency matters.
Then there's the Alexia Putellas conversation, which has become more complicated since her ACL injury. Before her setback, she was undoubtedly the standard-bearer—winning back-to-back Ballon d'Or Féminin in 2021 and 2022 while leading Barcelona to historic achievements. I've had the privilege of watching her play live multiple times, and her technical level is simply ridiculous. Her first touch is softer than most players' fifth, and her spatial awareness is unlike anything I've seen in women's football. But having covered athletes returning from serious injuries throughout my career, I know how difficult it is to regain that elite edge. She's still phenomenal, make no mistake, but she's not quite the dominant force she was pre-injury.
What fascinates me about the current landscape is how national team performances are reshaping these conversations. The United States' surprising early exit from the 2023 World Cup undoubtedly impacted perceptions of their stars, while Spain's triumph boosted Bonmatí's case considerably. International tournaments create narratives that stick, for better or worse. I noticed similar narrative shifts during that Rain or Shine versus Magnolia matchup—players who delivered in clutch moments were immediately anointed as heroes, while those who missed key shots faced disproportionate criticism, regardless of their overall contributions.
If I'm being completely transparent, part of me wonders if we're witnessing the emergence of a new generation that will redefine what "best" means in women's soccer. The 22-year-old Salma Paralluelo brings a combination of speed and technical ability we've rarely seen, while 21-year-old Jaedyn Shaw displays a maturity beyond her years for the USWNT. Watching them reminds me of seeing young basketball prospects in that curtain-raiser game—raw but undeniably special, hinting at future greatness that could eclipse current standards.
Ultimately, what that packed stadium in Rizal province taught me is that sports fandom thrives on debate, not resolution. We want to argue about greatness, to defend our favorites, to find new angles and evidence. The search for the best women's soccer player isn't about crowning a definitive winner—it's about appreciating the extraordinary depth of talent in the game today. My personal take? Bonmatí currently edges it due to her consistency, big-game performances, and revolutionary impact on midfield play, but I wouldn't fault anyone for preferring Kerr's explosive scoring or Putellas' technical mastery. What matters most is that we're having this conversation at all—a testament to how far women's soccer has come and how bright its future appears.
