Top 13 Moments of Women’s Football in 2023
What a year for women’s football! Records have been shattered, progress has been made and 2024 is sure to be an even more exciting year for women’s football.
Here are our top 13 moments of women’s football and record-breaking achievements of 2023:
Barcelona's Stunning Comeback to Win Champions League
Barcelona recovered from their disappointing loss in last season's final against Lyon to reclaim the Women's Champions League trophy. However, they had to fight back from a 2-0 deficit after Ewa Pajor and Alexandra Popp gave Wolfsburg a shock 2-0 lead at half-time.
Patri Guijarro turned the game around with two quick-fire goals (48 & 50) before Rolfo completed the turnaround to make it Barcelona 3-2 Wolfsburg.
Australia Falls in Love with the Matildas
There is nothing quite like success in a major sports competition played on home soil to capture the hearts of a nation. The Matildas did their country proud, became household names and inspired a generation. They may not have won the WWC but they took women's football to new levels in 2023 as they progressed through the tournament only to be thwarted by England's Lionesses.
Samba Magic - Brazil's Sensational Team Goal v Panama
There is something in the water in Brazil. One of the standout goals of the Women's World Cup was the perfectly orchestrated team goal from Brazil. Slick passing, a back heel assist, a celebratory dance. What more could you ask for? Maybe an Ary Borges hat-trick?! Yes, the Brazilians know how to entertain.
Sam Kerr's Strike v England
Sam Kerr was already an Australian icon going into the WWC but her spectacular goal against England was a timely reminder of the talent she has become renowned for. A brilliant solo goal was not enough to help the Matildas beat England but it is a goal that Australians will remember as a highlight of the tournament.
Women's World Cup Attendance Records
Spain win Women's World Cup
An amazing WWC campaign culminated in a 1-0 win for Spain against England. Despite the unsettling events leading up to the tournament and many top players refusing to back down to return to the national team set up, Spain are triumphant on the world's biggest stage. Aitana Bonmati and Jenni Hermoso are amongst the players who led La Roja to victory.
Spain's Bonmati wins Ballon d'Or
After winning the Champions League with Barcelona and the World Cup with Spain, Aitana Bonmati wins the coveted Ballon d'Or, followinhg in the footsteps of Barca team mate Alexia Putellas.
A dream come true. Thanks to everyone who made it possible. A day I will never forget!
— Aitana Bonmatí Conca (@AitanaBonmati) October 31, 2023
Special mention to my teammates because this is only the result of great teamwork.
🙏🏼🤎 pic.twitter.com/pPX3vdCxuk
Megan Rapinoe and Ali Krieger's Last Dance
Some would call it poetic and some might say the stars aligned when OL Reign and Gotham FC progressed to the NWSL championship final. Long-time friends and USWNT team mates Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign) and Ali Krieger (Gotham City) had already announced they would retire at the end of the season.
Gotham City surprised many NWSL fans by making it to the final, so it was even more sensational that they won the trophy to make it a fairytale ending for Ali Krieger. Unfortunately, Megan Rapinoe did not get her fairytale ending, as she was forced to leave the field early in the game due to an achilles injury. Gotham City went on to win the match 2-1.
2023 was filled with so many unforgettable top moments of women’s football, with the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand being a massive highlight. In 2024, we can look forward to some more amazing women’s football memories, with the Olympics taking place in France, as well as the Champions League and domestic competitions around the world.
