28: Jess Fishlock

The Wales captain ranks inside our top 30 for the third consecutive year and it is a testament to her consistency that she is rated so highly around the world. Fishlock started the year by once again helping Melbourne City win the W-League, scoring goals in both the semi-final and final, before returning to the NWSL for another solid season with Seattle. A play-off semi-final defeat meant no title though and Fishlock admitted Wales losing out on a World Cup place “took something from her”, but her year ended on a positive with a move to European champions Lyon, where she scored on her home debut against Montpellier.

Vlatko Andonovski, Seattle Reign manager:

“Every team needs Jess Fishlock on the field. She is hard worker, tenacious, disciplined. Her knowledge of the game makes coaches’ job easier. When she is on the field is like having a coach on the field.”

Jayne Ludlow, Wales head coach:

“Jess is our nations most capped International player of all time who has played for the National Team for over 12years. A player who has travelled the world competing at the top level of the game and who is an Ambassador for Wales and Women’s football. An industrious central midfield player with a great ability to both break up play and score goals. Jess was instrumental in our recent World Cup campaign that allowed us to finish in our highest ever placing in a qualifying group.”

⇐ 29. Danielle van de Donk

27. Ewa Pajor ⇒