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Amandine Henry, Sophia Smith, and Barbra Banda: Ranking Top 10 NWSL Players in the 2024 Paris Olympics
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Amandine Henry, Sophia Smith, and Barbra Banda: Ranking Top 10 NWSL Players in the 2024 Paris Olympics

Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, USWNT’s Sophia Smith and Naomi Girma, and other top 10 NWSL players in the Olympics

The National Women’s Soccer League has an outstanding 56 players set to compete for their respective nations at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Gotham FC and Orlando Pride each have seven players rostered for Paris, while the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns FC have six players each.

INDIVISA breaks down the top 10 NWSL players in the Olympics.

10. Amandine Henry, Utah Royals FC, France

Amandine Henry joined Utah Royals FC from Angel City FC, and has been playing professionally since she was 15. In 2017 she made the jump to the NWSL, playing for the Portland Thorns. At the international level, she has more than 102 international appearances and counting – she is a player who has a depth of experience, and will be someone to watch for the French side at the Olympics.

Amandine Henry FranceGetty Images

9. Mina Tanaka, Utah Royals, Japan

Despite the Utah Royals having a challenging 2024 season, Mina Tanaka is an experienced, creative, and dynamic forward. This will be her fourth major tournament appearance with Japan. She has also appeared for Nadeshiko Japan in the 2013 Algarve Cup, 2018 Asian Cup, and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. A natural goal scorer, Tanaka scored in the final match of Group D in the 2023 World Cup. Japan is a team to watch in the 2024 games – and Tanaka will likely have some chances up top.

mina tanaka japan nadeshikoGetty Images

8. Ann-Katrin Berger, Gotham FC, Germany

It’s only right to add a goalkeeper to this list. Who else but German sensation Ann-Katrin Berger? Gotham FC’s keeper, Berger is incredibly experienced, and joined the NWSL after playing in the Women’s Super League (WSL) for Chelsea. Before joining Gotham FC, Berger was part of the Chelsea squad that won four straight WSL titles from 2019-2023.

Ann-Katrin Berger Chelsea women 2023-24Getty

7. Ali Riley, Angel City FC, New Zealand

Ali Riley, a defender and captain for New Zealand will make her fifth Olympic tournament appearance. Riley, who plays for Angel City FC, has been a constant force on the defensive line for both her NWSL and New Zealand side. Riley is always a player to watch because of her steadiness in the back, 1v1 defensive skill set, and organized soccer mind.

Ali Riley Betsy Hassett New Zealand Women 2023Getty

6. Adriana, Orlando Pride, Brazil

Adriana’s nickname is the “Wizard” because she is so dynamic, creative, and tricky with the ball. Adriana has added flair to the Orlando Pride’s offensive line, and fits right in with the entertaining and high-tempo style that Brazil plays. Watch how she dominates on the ball, tries things, and takes everyone on 1v1.

5. Marta, Orlando Pride, Brazil

This will be Marta’s last international tournament, so it’s only right that she goes out with a bang. Brazil’s Marta has done so much for the game, both internationally and in the U.S., and will represent Brazil as the most veteran NWSL player in this year’s Games. Marta has played in every Olympics since 2004.

Marta Brazil Women 2016Getty Images

4. Racheal Kundananji, Bay FC, Zambia

Another threat up top for Zambia, forward Rachel Kundananji is one of the most impressive strikers in women’s soccer, and joined the NWSL this season after an epic 25-goal season for Madrid CFF. She’s been an immediate threat for Bay FC, and will only add to the rise and exciting offense for Zambia.

Racheal Kundananji Zambia Women 2023Getty Images

3. Naomi Girma, San Diego Wave FC, USA

When you think of the epitome of a calm, cool, and collected center back, the epitome is Naomi Girma. Just watch her in the Olympics – she’ll make every pass, she won’t show an ounce of chaos, she’s poised, strong, and incredibly smart on and off the ball. She keeps the USWNT organized defensively, and plays those lofted perfect balls into the stride of the forwards.

Naomi Girma USWNT 2024Getty Images

2. Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC, USA

The United States has a whopping 19-players on their roster that also play in the NWSL. While we could certainly make this list all U.S. players, certainly deserving is Sophia Smith, the former NWSL MVP, and the USWNT’s likely starting No. 9. Smith has a lot to prove after the USWNT’s disappointing 2023 World Cup, but based on her dominance in the NWSL, leadership and ability to shoot, turn, and frequently score, she’s clearly one of the top players to watch in the Olympics.

Sophia Smith USWNT 2024USA Today Images

1. Barbra Banda, Orlando Pride, Zambia

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, of Zambia, holds the Golden Boot lead in the NWSL, scoring her 12th goal of the season before the Olympic break. Banda will be the player to watch in the Paris Games, especially representing the exciting Zambian team.

Barbra Banda Zambia Women 2023Getty Images