8: Wendie Renard

The imposing centre-back has asserted herself as one of the game’s best defenders for a number of years now. Standing at 187cm, Renard is now among the most recognisable players in the world and, as captain of Lyon, has been pivotal in the club’s success in recent years. Given her height, it is no surprise Renard also chips in with a goal or two, most recently scoring twice in a league win against Dijon just days after another brace in the Champions League against Ajax. Her latest spot in the top 10 reflects an incredible consistency in performance and demonstrates how highly she is rated around the world. Renard has not always been in favour with new France head coach Corinne Diacre but, after a spell out at the start of the year through injury, she has returned to being a regular and will play an important role should Les Bleus win their home World Cup in 2019.

⇐ 9. Lieke Martens

7. Alex Morgan ⇒