Discover the Africa’s Top 5 Best Female Football Players 2025 — their early lives, club careers, international success, and why they are Africa’s finest talents today.
For many years, women’s football flew under the radar. However, African stars have recently risen to global fame, reshaping perceptions and inspiring new generations.
These top female football players have excelled at the highest levels for both their clubs and national teams. CAF Women’s Football
5. Ajara Nchout Njoya (Cameroon)
Born in the town of Njissé, Ajara Nchout Njoya grew up playing football in a male-dominated environment, often barefoot.
Despite limited opportunities for young girls, she carved her path to the top. Her professional career has taken her across Norway, Russia, and most recently, Inter Milan in Italy.
For Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses, Ajara became a hero, especially after her last-minute goal at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, sending Cameroon into the knockout stages.
Now captain of the national team, her leadership and experience secure her spot among the Africa’s Top 5 Best Female Football Players 2025.
4. Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria)
Growing up in Kaduna, Nigeria, Rasheedat Ajibade began playing on the streets before joining FC Robo, a club that launched her career.
Her talents caught the eye of scouts, leading her to Norway’s Avaldsnes IL and later to Atlético Madrid in Spain.
Ajibade shone brightly at both the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, proving why she deserves her place among Africa’s elite in 2025.
3. Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa)
Raised in the township of Mohlakeng, Thembi Kgatlana discovered her love for football early on despite limited resources.
She launched her career at the University of the Western Cape Women’s FC and has since played across four continents — from Houston Dash in the USA to Tigres UANL in Mexico.
Leading Banyana Banyana to a historic WAFCON title in 2022 and scoring 32 goals for South Africa, Thembi stands tall as one of Africa’s greatest.
2. Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
Hailing from Rumphi District in Malawi, Tabitha Chawinga found football at a young age despite the odds.
She built her career in Sweden, moved to China, and now stars for Inter Milan in Italy. For Malawi, she is a symbol of hope, carrying the national team with her relentless goal-scoring and leadership.
Tabitha’s journey makes her one of the Africa’s Top 5 Best Female Football Players 2025.
1. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Growing up in Lagos, Asisat Oshoala faced resistance for choosing football. However, her stunning performances at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup silenced her doubters.
Oshoala has played for top clubs in England, China, and Spain, most notably winning titles with FC Barcelona Femení. Now at Bay FC, she continues to dominate.
With multiple African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards and countless trophies, Oshoala rightfully leads the Africa’s Top 5 Best Female Football Players 2025 list.
