Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm transformed women's soccer into a global phenomenon, scoring 158 goals in 275 international caps—a record that stood as the highest for any player until #3 Abby Wambach surpassed it. She won back-to-back FIFA Women's World Cups in 1991 and 1999, plus Olympic gold medals in 1996 and 2004, cementing her status as a team leader. Named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002, Hamm was the first women's soccer superstar in the United States, drawing record crowds and media attention. Her speed and tactical intelligence made her a constant threat, averaging 0.57 goals per game across her career.