Top 10 best women football team in the world: Real Madrid absent, Barcelona beaten by a surprise giant

Last summer, the landscape of the sport shifted significantly when Arsenal shattered the all-time transfer record for a female player, paying a historic £1 million to pry forward Olivia Smith away from Liverpool. 

This move was not merely about the staggering fee. Smith’s signature symbolizes a bright new era where clubs are increasingly invested in their women’s setups. We are witnessing a surge in recruitment, sophisticated media strategies, and a drive toward commercialization that aims for wage equality with male counterparts. 

Consequently, female players are becoming front-page stars, and stadium attendances across Europe are breaking records. To understand who leads this charge, Flashscore24 identifies the top 10 best women football teams in the world, honoring those that have defined the sport's history and its thrilling present.

Ranking the top 10 best women football team in the world

10. Portland Thorns FC 

Established in 2012 as an inaugural member of the NWSL in the United States, the Thorns are based in Portland, Oregon. Since they began professional play in 2013, they have been a model of American excellence, clinching 3 NWSL Championships (2013, 2017, 2022) and 2 NWSL Shields. 

The club is renowned for its "Rose City" identity and boasts the highest average attendance in global women's club football, often exceeding 20,000 fans per game. With a valuation that places them among the richest in the NWSL, the Thorns represent the commercial gold standard in North America.

9. Bayern Munich Frauen

Moving to Europe, Bayern Munich Frauen occupies the 9th spot. Founded in 1970 and integrated into the professional Bundesliga structure, the Bavarian giants have secured 5 league titles, most recently in the 2023/24 season. Bayern is celebrated for a disciplined, tactical philosophy that mirrors the club's "Mia San Mia" identity. 

Their most impressive run came in 2020/21 when they snapped a 5-year drought to reclaim the crown. Legends like Georgia Stanway and Pernille Harder have recently propelled the club to 6 consecutive Champions League quarter-finals. In history, the club also produced stars like Melanie Behringer, a World Cup winner. 

8. Palmeiras 

Based in São Paulo and managed by the Palmeiras sports organization, they entered the professional ranks of the Campeonato Brasileiro. Their most spectacular milestone occurred in 2022 when they captured their first-ever CONMEBOL Libertadores Femenina title, defeating Boca Juniors 4-1 in the final. 

That same year, they secured the Campeonato Paulista title by beating Santos, completing a prestigious cup double. Under coach Ricardo Belli, stars like Bia Zaneratto have flourished, with the striker being a consistent top scorer and creative engine. 

7. Arsenal Women

Arsenal Women is the most decorated club in English history. Founded in 1987 by Vic Akers, the Gunners have won 15 league titles and 14 FA Cups. Their 2006/07 season remains the greatest single campaign in women's club history, where they won an unprecedented quadruple including the UEFA Women's Cup (now Champions League). During that era, they went the entire league season unbeaten. The club has been the cradle for icons like Kelly Smith and Vivianne Miedema, the WSL’s all-time leading scorer. 

6. Corinthians

Corinthians is known as the undisputed queens of South America. Based in São Paulo and founded in 1997, the "Timão" have built a terrifying dynasty, winning 4 of the last 5 Brazilian league titles (2018, 2020, 2021, 2022). Their 2021 season was legendary as they secured a historic treble, including the Copa Libertadores. 

In the 2022 final, they thrashed Internacional 5-2 on aggregate, proving their dominance. Their revenue streams are also the highest in South American women's football.

5. VfL Wolfsburg

Since their professional ascent in the early 2000s, "Die Wölfinnen" have won 7 Bundesliga titles and reached 6 Champions League finals, winning 2 (2013, 2014). Their philosophy centers on lethal counter-attacking, personified by Alexandra Popp and Ewa Pajor. 

Wolfsburg is a factory for elite talent, having developed Lena Oberdorf, who recently commanded one of the highest fees in German history. Their consistency in Europe makes them a perennial top-5 contender in global rankings.

4. Paris Saint-Germain Féminine

Founded in 1971, the club was transformed by Qatari investment over the last decade. They finally broke Lyon’s 14-year domestic stranglehold by winning the Division 1 Féminine in 2020/21. PSG is known for its flair and star power, having been home to legends like Formiga and Marie-Antoinette Katoto. A classic moment occurred recently when they secured their first away win at Lyon in eight years, a 1-0 victory that shifted the power dynamics of French football. 

3. Chelsea Women

Under the legendary Emma Hayes, the Blues have won 5 of the last 6 league titles. Their 2021/22 season was a masterclass in resilience, clinching the title by a single point over Arsenal and winning the FA Cup thanks to a Sam Kerr brace. Chelsea’s identity is built on tactical flexibility and a "winning at all costs" mentality. Players like Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby have broken nearly every domestic record.

2. Barcelona Femení

Though their professional rise is more recent, they have redefined the sport's technical ceiling. Winning the 2020/21 and 2023/24 Champions League, they are the only club to match their men's side in European glory. Their 2021/22 league season was perfect: 30 matches, 30 wins, 159 goals scored. 

With Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, they possess multiple Ballon d'Or winners. They currently hold the world record for attendance, with over 91,000 fans at the Camp Nou for an El Clásico.

1. Olympique Lyonnais Féminin

Founded as part of the OL structure in 1970, they are the most successful club in history. With 16 league titles in 17 years and a record 8 Champions League trophies, their dominance is unparalleled. Their "Golden Era" saw them win 5 consecutive European titles (2016-2020). Legendary captain Wendie Renard and striker Ada Hegerberg (the first female Ballon d'Or winner) define their legacy.

Summary of the 10 greatest women's football clubs:

Olympique Lyonnais Féminin (France)

Barcelona Femení (Spain)

Chelsea Women (England)

Paris Saint-Germain Féminine (France)

VfL Wolfsburg (Germany)

Corinthians (Brazil)

Arsenal Women (England)

Palmeiras (Brazil)

Bayern Munich Frauen (Germany)

Portland Thorns (USA)

The map of women’s football differs vastly from the men's game, where traditional giants are often overshadowed by ambitious projects. Through strategic investment and unwavering vision, clubs like Lyon and Wolfsburg have become the true aristocrats of the pitch. This list of the top 10 best women football teams in the world by Flashscoremobi.com highlights how passion and professionalism can build a legacy from the ground up.

If you are a devoted fan of the women's game or simply a follower of world-class sport, Flashscoremobi is your ultimate platform. We offer more than just historical rankings. Our mission is to provide a unique user experience with minute-by-minute updates, lightning-fast live results, and invaluable statistical insights. Join us as we continue to track the rise of these incredible athletes and the clubs they represent.