Jeff Kassouf Nov 6, 2026, 06:02 AM ET

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Jeff Kassouf covers women's soccer for ESPN, focusing on the USWNT and NWSL. In 2009, he founded The Equalizer, a women's soccer news outlet, and he previously won a Sports Emmy at NBC Sports and Olympics.

The longest NWSL regular season in history is complete. Before the playoffs take center stage and unexpected heroes emerge, it is time to honor players who shone above the rest in the long slog of the league's first 30-game season.

ESPN's NWSL Top 25 is back for one final ranking of the best players of 2026. Who were the best players this season? Here's our take.

How we rank NWSL players, and what to expect

To reiterate from our previous mid-season check-ins: This list is based entirely on 2026 NWSL performance. How players performed for their NWSL clubs from March through November is all that matters.

This is not a list about overall skill, historical greatness, or potential for the future.…