da bet nacional： Every summer, GOAL will publish its exclusive list of the 25 players who have proven themselves truly elite by consistently producing top performances

da realbet： World-class… It's an invisible but important tag, one that separates the good from the great. But it's such a subjective term. Every football fan has their own definition, their own set of criterion, leading to endless but thoroughly enjoyable debates in stadiums, dressing rooms, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs all across the world.

So, we at GOAL have decided to get in on the fun by compiling a list of the 25 players that we believe represent the game's elite, the best of the best, the women that have been producing stellar performances over a sustained period of time.

In order to avoid focusing solely on attackers – which, let's face it, nearly always happens when it comes to individual awards and accolades – we've decided that there must be at least three players from each position group (goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack), but a maximum of nine from each.

We'll also be updating membership on an annual basis to take the preceding year's performances into account, meaning players will come and go from this most exclusive of footballing clubs.

But who makes this year's women's list? Who are the 25 members of the inaugural World-Class Club? Find out below, and be sure to express your approval – or outrage – in the comments…

GOALSelma Bacha (Lyon)

One of a number of top full-backs to have thrived in France in recent years, Bacha can operate on the left of the defence or further forward, and is fantastic in both roles. At 22 years old, she’s still only young and can get even better – but that she's a key part of Lyon's XI tells you all you need to know.

Bacha has already got four Champions League titles to her name as a result and is so often a player who can deliver a real moment of quality in those big games, particularly with her crossing ability.

AdvertisementGOALOna Batlle (Barcelona)

While still only 24 years old, Batlle is arguably the best player in the world in her position. There might not be a full-back on the planet that balances the defensive and attacking elements of that role better than she does, while her physical attributes developed well, too, during three years in England with Manchester United.

That Barcelona, the European champions, saw it fit to bring Batlle back to the club this summer says all you need to know about how good she is.

GOALAitana Bonmati (Barcelona)

Unsurprisingly, a number of Barcelona midfielders feature on this list, such is the club’s ability to form world-beating technicians in that area of the park. Bonmati was the pick of the lot in the 2022-23 season, with no player involved in more goals in the Women’s Champions League as the Catalans won a second title.

She is not just about goals and assists, though. That Bonmati has a very well-rounded game, making her an asset defensively as well as in attack, is what makes her one of the best in the world.

GOALKadidiatou Diani (Paris Saint-Germain)

Maybe because of Lyon’s dominance in France and Europe, PSG forward Diani hasn’t always got the credit she’s deserved, which is a shame because she’s one of the best in the business. With great speed, skill and decision-making, she provides wonderful service for her team-mates from out wide but, having hit double figures for league goals in each of the last five seasons, she's also a massive goal threat.

With Marie-Antoinette Katoto out injured, Diani filled the No.9 role at PSG during the 2022-23 campaign and picked up the Golden Boot at its end, stepping up when her team needed her most.