USA kicked off their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over the debutant Vietnam. Embracing their pursuit for a third consecutive Women's World Cup title, the USA team showcased their strength right from the start. Sophia Smith wasted no time in providing USA with an expected early lead, highlighting the team's determination. Thanks to the valiant efforts of the Vietnamese defense, the scoreline was prevented from being even more lopsided. Notably, Sophia concluded the match with a magnificent brace and also contributed an assist to team captain Lindsey Horan. For all the thrilling highlights from the USA vs Vietnam match, be sure to check out our exhilarating LIVE blog below.

First half | USA vs Vietnam

USA unleashed their explosive potential from the very start, leaving no room for doubt against a supposedly inferior Vietnam. True to expectations, USA's stellar player of the year, Sophia Smith, made a grand entrance into the FIFA Women's World Cup, netting her debut goal. A moment of sheer brilliance occurred when Savannah Demelo delivered a mesmerizing flick, finding Sophia at the edge of the box, who effortlessly guided the ball past Vietnamese goalkeeper, Thi Kim Thanh, sliding it between her legs.

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Unfazed by Vietnam's resilient defense, USA relentlessly pressed forward, with each member of the opposing team giving their all to prevent the inevitable. But even the resolute defenders couldn't hold back the dynamic duo of Trinity Rodman and Alex Morgan, who persistently bombarded the goal. Sophia, too, joined the shooting spree, though initial attempts proved fruitless, until the crucial added minutes of the first half. Initially dismissed as offside, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) swiftly intervened, granting the well-deserved goal in favor of the reigning champions.

The Vietman experienced a truly glorious moment when goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh bravely thwarted Alex Morgan's shot on goal during the 44th minute of the game. With sheer passion and spirit, Kim Thanh denied Alex Morgan the chance to score her 10th goal of her career in the World Cup.

Second Half | USA vs Vietnam

With the aim to increase the defecit, USA again looked to attack right from the whistle. This time it was captain Lindsey Haron who found Alex Morgan on the edge of the box. However, Morgan could not convert it into a goal. Coach Vlatko Andonovski made a double change to bring Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle and that nearly had resulted into a goal for them. Megan, who were playing her 200th match for the stars and stripes, found a great ball from Rose but miscued the volley to shoot it over the bar.

Vietnam defenders kept on fighting against a barrage of attack from USA until Lindsey Horan found the ball at the center of the box, unmarked. A beautiful team goal for the USA saw Rose Lavelle giving a long ball to Sophia Smith who underucts it for an assist to captain Horan.

Stats: Alyssa Thompson, who is 18 years and 257 days old, becomes the second-youngest player to play in a Women's World Cup match for the USA. The youngest player was Tiffany Roberts, who was 18 years and 32 days old when she played against China PR in 1995.

Despite not being able to shoot a single ball on target, Vietnam can feel immense pride in their remarkable effort. The unwavering determination exhibited by the entire team in the face of a significantly stronger USA team is truly commendable. As for the USA, although they may have hoped to score more considering the tough group they were up against, a victory is still a victory, nonetheless.

"I feel good. I came into with the mindset of doing whatever it takes to help this team win and that's what I've done. I feel relieved because I was a bit anxious going into the tournament, so it's nice to have a win under our belts. It's so exciting to be at this World Cup. Every moment today was fun and the crowd was amazing. I think this has been a good way to start but I know we have more to give."

Sophia Smith after her match-winning peformance against Vietnam

USA vs Vietnam | Match Details

Match: 9
Kick-off: 6.30 am IST
Date: 22 July 2023
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand.

Stats to watch out | USA vs Vietnam

The USA has an unbeaten record of 17 matches at the Women's World Cup (excluding the penalty shootouts), winning the last 12 in a row. Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung, who is 73 years and 31 days old, will be the oldest coach to lead a team in a Women's World Cup match. This record surpasses the previous record held by Brazil's Paulo Gonçalves, who was 66 years and 317 days old when Brazil played against Sweden on January 10, 2003.

If Naomi Girma plays the match against Vietnam, she will be the first-ever Ethiopian descent to play at the World Cup for US Women's National Team.

USA vs Vietnam | LIVE Blog

Playing XI: USA | Alyssa Naeher (Gk), Naomi Girma, Julie Ertz, Savannah Demlo, Lindsey Horan (C), Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Andi Sullivan, Crystal Dunn, Trinity Rodman, Fox Emily

Playing XI: Vietnam | Thi Kim Thanh Tran (Gk), Thi Thu Thuong Luong, Thi Thu Tran, Thi Loan Hoang, Thi Tuyet Dung, Nhu Huynh (C), Thi Hai Linh Tran, Thi Thao Thai, Thi Diem My Le, Thi Thu Trao Tran, Thi Bich Thuy Ngyuen

LIVE Score | USA 3-0 VIE

6.30 am IST | Kick off

Here we GO!

3' | Trinity Rodman looks injured

Megan Rapione starts to warm up as we see not so good looking scene at the start of the game. Rodman is injured after a collision. with Thi Diem My Le She is okay now.

6' | Lindsey Horan on target

USA captain was on target from the edge of the box however the ref had already signalled a foul against Rodman Trinity. Vietnam goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh Tran had it covered though.

11' | GOAALLLLLLLLLLL | USA 1-0 Vietnam

It is Sophia Smith, the MVP of the USA, who scores her first world cup goal on her first appearance. A beautiful flick from Savannah Demelo and she finds Sophia at the edge of the box. Smith shoots it past Thi Kim Thanh Tran from the left of the box for the first goal of the match. And, surely, it will not be the last goal of the match.

20' | Chance for Demelo

Savannah Demelo could have made it 2-0 for the Champions. However, her shot is blocked by
Thi Thu Tran in the box.

28' | Alex Morgan shoots it wide

Morgan's left-footed strike from the edge of the box goes wide. Vietnamese defenders were looking for offside but Morgan, this time, was on-side.

31' | Horan off-target again

Another volley from captain Lindsey Horan who shoots it wide of the goalpost again. Vietnam players are finding it hard to get a touch on the ball.

35' | Crowd chants "Vietnam, Vietnam"

The Vietnamese supporters are getting behind their team as we see USA Women's defender Julie Ertz getting injured while missing a header.

40' | VAR Check for a possible penalty

A VAR check is going on for a possible penalty for USA. Thi Loan Hoang was accused to foul Trinity Rodman.

42' | Penalty given

Penalty is given to the USA team after the referre found Thi Loan guilty of fouling Rodman inside the box.

44' | Thi Kim Thanh denies Alex Morgan

A brillaint save from Thi Kim Thanh to deny Alex Morgan from the spot. A poor penalty from Alex Morgan as well. Kim Thanh dives to the right and gets a leg in the middle of the goal to deflet the ball. A releif for the Asian team.

45+6 ' | Smith scores again but offside flagged by the referee

Alex Morgan was just offside before heading the ball towards Sophia Smith who sends the ball under the goalie!

45+8' | Goal given by VAR | USA 2-0 VIE

Goal given after a VAR Check. Sophia Smith is now the leading scorer of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

46' | Second half gets underway

A miss by Sophia Smith. She misses the chance to convert her brace to a hat-trick. Vietnam are lucky to not concede this time.

50' | Horan misses the volley

A beautiful cross from Trinity Rodman had found the captain Lindsey Horan who volleys it wide of the goal. It could have been a great goal from the USA Women's captain.

71' | Megan Rapinoe shoots it wide

A beautiful cross from Rose Lavelle who finds Megan Rapinoe on the edge of the box. However, Megan misscues the volley and shoots it wide.

77' | 3-0 to USA

Lindsey Horan makes it 3-0 for USA. A long ball Julie Ertz to find Sophia Smith who undercuts it to Horan. The captain does not miss it to score her debut world cup goal.

85' | Rose Lavelle hits the abr

A powerful hit from the USA mid-fikeder from outside the box. The ball hits the bar and drops it just inside goalline to keep it 3-0 for USA.

90' | 9-added minutes

9 minutes added to the second half.

Full time | USA 3-0 Vietnam

The champions start their campaign with a 3-0 goal win over the debutant. USA were treathing throuhout the 90-odd minutes but Vietnam can be very proud for the their effort and fighting spirit. To hold the reigning champions for a 3-0 defeat is indeed can be a very proud moment for all the Vietnemese supporters. Sophia Smith, with her two goals, is now the top scorer for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

A two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winner and a triple Olympic medalist, Tobin Heath, announced her retirement from professional football after battling through a knee injury since 2022. A knee injury that took place in 2022 forced her to end her career.

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Heath's international career

The US Women's National Team legend played 131 games for her country and went on to win two FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. Along with that, she also won the Gold medal in 2008 and 2012. For the USA, she scored 36 goals and assisted 42 times in her career. 

Tobin Heath's stunning goal in the 2015 FIFA World Cup final against Japan secured the USA a 5-0 win and their return to the top of the world after 1999. 

With Tobin Heath announcing her retirement from soccer, we take you back to her goal in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final vs Japan 👏🇺🇸@USWNT pic.twitter.com/5tOl72pZ2A

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 10, 2025

With the USWNT, she also finished as a FIFA World Cup runner-up in 2011, along with her final medal for USWNT, which was a Bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2022. She was named the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2016.

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Club career

The 37-year-old midfielder was known for her dribbling skills and visionary passes while playing for the country and the club. In her club career, she played for 9 clubs, including clubs like PSG, Manchester United and Arsenal. 

However, she was most successful with Portland Thorns, where in two spells she played 79 games, scored 15 goals and assisted 24 times while winning two NSWL Championships - one in 2015 and another in 2017.

Besides that, she was runner-up in Division 1 Féminine with PSG in 2013 and 2014, Women's Super League with Arsenal in 2022 and NSWL with Portland Thorns in 2018. 

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The knee injury, which ended her career

Tobin Heath's football career was cut short due to injuries. She suffered a knee injury while playing for OL Reign in 2022. The injury was first told to be a minor one, but later turned out to be the one which ended her career. 

The injury needed two major surgeries and two years long rehabilitation, but still, Heath could not be fit to play football again. In frustration, she had to cut her football career.

"I tried f---ing everything to get back, I spent tens of thousands of dollars and [had] two surgeries, one crazy surgery. And the whole time I believed I was going to get back," Heath stated on her podcast with partner Christen Press. 

After three years of "accepting" that she would never play football again, Heath's 17-year-long career came to an end. 

Various international women's football players have cemented themselves in history books by achieving remarkable records. At the forefront is Canada's Christine Sinclair, an iconic figure in women's football

This collection of players and their impressive accomplishments underscore the development of women's football and the extraordinary talent that has emerged within the sport over the years. Let’s take a closer look at these stellar performers

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Babra Bander: Zambia- 7 

From the streets of Lusaka to the global stage, Barbra Banda’s journey is a testament to determination and raw talent. Born in Zambia’s capital, Banda started playing football at the tender age of seven. But her early sporting prowess wasn’t confined to just football.

Inspired by renowned Zambian boxer Catherine Phiri, Banda also dabbled in boxing at 14, quickly making a name for herself. She dominated the amateur scene, and after winning every bout and seeing other fighters hesitant to face her, Banda turned professional, where she won all five of her matches. However, football eventually took center stage in her life.

In October 2018, Banda signed with Spain's first division club, EDF Logroño, becoming the first Zambian woman to play football in Europe. Her career continued to soar when, in March 2024, she joined the Orlando Pride in the United States, signing a four-year contract that would keep her with the club until 2027.

Her impact on the international stage began early. Banda played for Zambia’s U-17 women’s team at the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, turning 14 during the tournament. Two years later, on March 6, 2016, she made her senior team debut in a Women’s Nations Cup qualifier against Namibia.

The peak of her career came at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Banda captained the Zambian national team as they made their debut appearance at the prestigious tournament. She became the first woman to score consecutive hat-tricks in Olympic history, netting three goals in a 3-10 loss to the Netherlands, she scored another three in a 4-4 draw against China. These performances also made her the first woman to score two hat-tricks in a single Olympic tournament.

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Michelle Akers: United States of America- 7

🇺🇸 @MichelleAkers10
👕 No10 in 1999, 1995 and 1991

All-time #FIFAWWC record
Games: 13
Goals: 12 pic.twitter.com/XlnsSkLXAe

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 1, 2024

The name Michelle Akers is synonymous with U.S. women’s soccer dominance. With seven career hat-tricks, Akers helped the U.S. win the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup, leading the tournament with 10 goals, including five in a single game.

Her leading the team was crucial to the U.S. women's team securing its first-ever world title, and she later played a vital role in the 1999 World Cup and 1996 Olympics victories. 

Akers was also the lead scorer in the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in China in 1991. The U.S. women's team defeated Norway 2–1 in the final with Akers scoring both goals.

Ali Al-Biski: Libya - 7

Ali Al-Biski, a former Libyan footballer, played as a striker and holds the record as Libya's all-time top scorer despite the nation’s limited participation in FIFA events during his time. He led the Libyan Premier League in scoring twice—first in 1965 with Al-Madina SC, and again in 1968 with Al Ahli Tripoli. He recorded seven hat-tricks for the national team.

Pelé: Brazil - 7

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pelé, was a Brazilian forward and a football icon, widely hailed as one of the greatest players in history. With a Guinness World Record for 1,279 goals in 1,363 games (including friendlies), Pelé was named Athlete of the Century by the IOC in 1999 and featured in Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He debuted for Santos at 15 and for Brazil at 16, winning three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970) and scoring seven hat-tricks for Brazil.

Sándor Kocsis: Hungary - 7

Sándor Kocsis, a Hungarian striker, played for Ferencvárosi TC, Budapest Honvéd, Young Fellows Zürich, and FC Barcelona. After relocating to Spain post-1956 Hungarian Revolution, Kocsis joined Barcelona’s squad. He led the 1954 World Cup with a record 11 goals, scoring 23 times for Hungary that year—a single-year record. Kocsis was also the first player to achieve two hat-tricks in a World Cup.

Cristiane: Brazil- 8

Brazilian forward Cristiane stands alongside the greats, boasting eight hat-tricks throughout her career. A prolific goal scorer, she played a key role in Brazil's silver medal triumphs at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Cristiane has participated in five FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympics, with her most recent hat-trick coming in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ali Daei: Iran - 8

Iranian striker and former national team captain, Ali Daei, was renowned as the world’s top scorer in official internationals per the IFFHS, netting 20 goals in 1996. During the 1998 World Cup qualifiers, he scored nine goals over 17 matches, amassing 38 goals in 52 appearances by that time. In 2004, he became the first male to score 100 international goals, reaching 102 with a four-goal game against Laos.

Gerd Müller: Germany - 8

Gerd Müller, a prolific German striker known for his precision in the penalty area, is considered one of football’s top scorers. With West Germany, he scored 68 goals in 62 games. For Bayern Munich, he scored 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga matches and 65 goals in 74 European games, holding a league scoring record. Müller’s eight hat-tricks include two in the 1970 World Cup.

Poul Nielsen: Denmark - 8

Danish striker Poul Nielsen scored 52 goals in 38 games, sharing Denmark’s top-scoring record. He earned a silver medal at the 1912 Olympics and led Kjøbenhavns Boldklub (KB) to six Danish championships. Scoring eight hat-tricks in international play, Nielsen was an iconic figure for Denmark until his death in 1962.

Abby Wambach: United States of America- 8

Mary Abigail Wambach, born on June 2, 1980, is a retired American soccer player, coach, and National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee. A six-time recipient of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, Wambach was a key player for the U.S. women’s national team from 2003 to 2015.

She earned her first international cap in 2001 and, as a forward, became the highest all-time goal scorer for the U.S. national team. Globally, she ranks second in international goals for both men and women with 184 goals, trailing only Canada's Christine Sinclair.

Wambach competed in four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments: the 2003 edition in the U.S., the 2007 event in China, the 2011 tournament in Germany, and the 2015 competition in Canada. She also represented the U.S. in the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Olympics.

Throughout these five major international tournaments, Wambach played 30 matches and netted 22 goals. She helped her team secure two Olympic gold medals, third-place finishes twice at the Women's World Cup, a second-place finish in 2011, and ultimately, a World Cup victory in 2015.

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Carli Lloyd: United States of America- 9

Carli Lloyd is another legend of international football, having represented the U.S. from 2012 to 2021. Over her remarkable career, she earned two Olympic gold medals (in 2008 and 2012) and won two FIFA Women's World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. In addition, she was named FIFA Player of the Year twice, in 2015 and 2016, and competed in four Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016, and 2021).

Lloyd’s capacity for rising to the occasion was evident when she scored the decisive goals in the gold medal matches of both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. She was also instrumental in the U.S. clinching World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, she also secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She played in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the US finished as runners-up.

Ali Mabkhout: UAE - 9

Ali Mabkhout, a forward for Al Nasr and the UAE national team, debuted with Al Jazira in 2009. A pivotal figure in UAE’s 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal win over Australia, he became UAE’s top scorer on October 10, 2019, with a hat-trick against Indonesia in a 5-0 victory.

Sven Rydell: Sweden- 9

Swedish striker Sven Rydell scored 49 goals in 43 matches, a record that stood for over 80 years until broken by Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2014. Rydell’s international career included a bronze medal at the 1924 Olympics, and he holds the Swedish record of nine international hat-tricks.

Vivian Woodward: England - 10

Vivian Woodward, an English forward, starred from the early 1900s to World War I, playing for Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. As Great Britain’s captain, he won gold at the 1908 and 1912 Olympics, recording six hat-tricks for England amateurs and four for England’s national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal- 10

At the age of 18, Ronaldo made his debut for Portugal as a substitute against Kazakhstan on 20 August 2003. At UEFA Euro 2004, he scored his first international goal in a 2–1 group stage loss to Greece in his eighth international appearance.

In 2016, Ronaldo led Portugal to their first-ever trophy at the UEFA Euro 2016, although he was subbed off in the 25th minute in the final against hosts France.He received the Silver Boot as the second-highest goalscorer.

In the 2018 World Cup, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match, in a 3–3 draw against Spain Cristiano Ronaldo became the first male player to score 10 hat-tricks for a national team on 12 October 2021 in Portugal's 5–0 win against Luxembourg, breaking Sven Rydell's record.

Lionel Messi:Argentina -10

Lionel Messi debuted for Argentina’s U20 team in 2004 and won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. His senior debut came in 2005 at 18. In 2021, he ended Argentina’s 28-year trophy drought with a Copa América win. On October 15, 2024, Messi scored his 10th international hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Bolivia.

Christine Sinclair: Canada- 11

Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Portland Thorns in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). From 2000 until her international retirement in 2023, she was a key member of the Canadian national team. 

Sinclair is an Olympic gold medalist, two-time Olympic bronze medalist, CONCACAF champion, and has won the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award 14 times. She holds the world record for the most international goals scored by any player, male or female, with 190 goals and is among the most-capped players in international soccer, with 331 appearances.

In a career spanning more than two decades with the senior national team, Sinclair has competed in six FIFA Women's World Cups and four Olympic Football Tournaments, leading her team to bronze medals in 2012 and 2016, and to gold in 2020.

She is one of only three players to score in five different World Cup tournaments, alongside Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2022, Sinclair was honored with the Best FIFA Special Award for her achievement as the world’s top goal scorer.

Notably, Sinclair scored her eleventh international hat-trick during a 2012 Olympic match against the United States, netting all three of Canada’s goals in a 3–4 loss.

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Alex Morgan: United States of America- 12 

Alexandra Patricia Morgan, born on July 2, 1989, is a retired American professional soccer player who last played as a striker for San Diego Wave FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she served as captain, as well as for the United States national team. She co-captained the U.S. national team with Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe from 2018 to 2020, and later with Lindsay Horan in 2023.

Morgan was the first overall pick in the 2011 WPS Draft by the Western New York Flash, where she made her professional debut and contributed to the team's league championship win. At 22, she was the youngest player on the U.S. national team at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team finished as runner-up.

During the 2012 London Olympics, Morgan scored the decisive goal in the 123rd minute of the semi-final against Canada. She ended 2012 with 28 goals and 21 assists, becoming the second American woman, after Mia Hamm, to record 20 goals and 20 assists in a single year. This achievement made her the sixth and youngest U.S. player to reach 20 goals in one season. Morgan was named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year and became a FIFA World Player of the Year finalist.

She played a crucial role in the U.S. team's victories at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women's World Cups, earning a spot on the Dream Team in both tournaments and winning the Silver Boot in 2019. Morgan recorded her eleventh international hat-trick with five goals on 11 June 2019 in the United States 13–0 victory over Thailand in the 2019 World

Her record-breaking twelfth international hat-trick came in 2021 against Paraguay in a game where the United States dominated and won 8-0

In their final home game of 2024, the United States Women's National Team delivered a memorable win for a packed Lynn family stadium in Louisiana, giving fans exactly what they hoped for. 

This victory was especially significant for midfielder Rose Lavelle, who celebrated her 100th cap with the national team. Here’s a recap of the key moments from the match.

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First Half

The first shot of the game came from Vanina Preininger of Argentina in the 4th minute from 35 yards out and it was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Amanda Haught. USA responded in the 10th minute with a right footed shot from Emma Sears that was blocked.

OH YAY, NAE!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/BgrbbVQupZ

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 30, 2024

Both sides kept on mounting pressure on each other until 37th minute when Naomi Girma headed the ball from close range following a setpiece situation to give USA the lead her first international goal. Argentina tried to equalize through series of effort but were unable to find the back of the net.

Seven minutes later, Rose Lavelle delivered a corner, and Girma went for a header. The ball deflected off Cometti’s leg and into her own net, extending the United States’ lead to 2-0. This brought the first half to a close.

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Second Half 

In her first cap and start, Alyssa Malonson assists Naomi Girma's first career brace!!! #USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/pmg0pcJsqx

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 31, 2024

Girma struck again early in the second half when Malonson passed to her, allowing Girma to head the ball into the upper right corner of the net in the 49th minute, increasing the lead to three goals. 

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In the 82nd minute, Jaedyn Shaw had an opportunity for the USWNT but sent her right-footed free kick over the goal.

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USWNT Upcoming Fixtures

The U.S. will finish the year with two matches in Europe, starting with a game against England at Wembley on November 30, followed by a matchup against the Netherlands in The Hague on December 3.

Sports stands as one of the highest-paid professions globally because of vast financial rewards and entertainment value. However, despite many achievements, female athletes continue to earn substantially less than male athletes. Forbes' 2023 ranking highlighted this vast difference, with the top 20 male athletes gather $1.9 billion, more than eight times the earnings of the top 20 women. Today, we shift our focus to the top 20 highest-paid female athletes of the 2023-24 period and how much do they make in a year including prize money, endorsements and net worth.

The leading business magazine Forbes has revealed the world's highest-paid female athletes list. Twelve out of 20 athletes are from the world of tennis and dominate the chart. While Indian star shuttler PV Sindhu is India's sole representative on the list. she finished at the 16th spot alongside gymnast Simone Biles with her $7.1 million earnings.

Highest-paid Female Athletes | Top 20 List

1. Iga Swiatek (Tennis) | $23.9 million

At the age of 22, women's tennis world No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland topped the highest-paid female athletes list with an estimated $23.9 million (before taxes and agents' fees). In 2023, Swiatek was recognised as one of tennis's brightest stars by winning the second consecutive WTA Player of the Year Award. She has now spent a total of 82 weeks at the top spot, ranking 10th in WTA history. Swiatek also occupies the 14th position on the tour's career prize money list, boasting nearly $25 million in earnings.

Swiatek earned $14 million of her income through endorsements. Visa, On shoes and apparel, Oshee sports drinks and information technology company Infosys are some of the prominent brands endorsed by Swiatek.

2. Eileen Gu (Freestyle skiing) | $22.1 million

Eileen Gu, the freestyle skier and model, came in second on the top highest-paid female athletes list. She made $22.1 million in 2023, with the majority of her earnings coming from endorsements. Brands such as Mengniu Dairy and sportswear giant Anta in China, as well as luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Victoria's Secret in the West, have all invested in partnerships with Gu. She was born in San Francisco but represented China in competition.

Despite struggling with a knee injury, Gu made a successful return in December and clinched victory in halfpipe events in both China and Colorado during her first World Cup action in 11 months.

Also Read: The Soaring Value of Women's Sports: A Game-Changer in the Sports World

3. Coco Gauff (Tennis) | $21.7 million

Coco Gauff enjoyed the biggest season of her career in 2023 on the court, highlighted by her breakthrough victory at the US Open, her first Grand Slam title. Gauff has won four WTA tournaments in 2023 and as a result, she achieved a career-best No. 3 ranking in singles.

Apart from that, Gauff also raked in the deals and endorsements off the court, too. She has an estimated net worth of $21.7 million. 19-year-old Gauff demonstrated her commercial appeal by securing partnerships with brands such as Baker Tilly, Bose, and UPS this year. Recognized for her passion for Marvel superheroes, Gauff was featured in an advertisement for the 2023 film "The Marvels" and graced the cover of a limited-edition Invincible Iron Man comic book.

4. Emma Raducanu (Tennis) | $15.2 million

2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, number three last year, played only 10 matches in 2023 as she underwent surgery on both her wrists and one ankle midway through the way. Despite this, she earned $15.2 million this campaign with $15 million coming from endorsements. Raducanu has an endorsement deal with HSBC, Tiffany, British Airways, Christian Dior, Vodafone, Porsche and Evian.

5. Naomi Osaka (Tennis) | $15 million

Naomi Osaka has not played an event since September 2022 till last year as as she gave birth to a daughter in July. Osaka has an estimated net worth of $15 million, which came only through endorsements.

Osaka cut way back on her sponsor commitments in 2023, but she did add a new partner three months ago; Meta created her own AI chatbot character named Tamika. Other celebrities with AI personalities on some Meta platforms include Snoop Dogg, Tom Brady, Kendall Jenner and Dwyane Wade.

Also Read: Highest paid athlete from each sport in 2022 according to Forbes

6. Aryna Sabalenka (Tennis) | $14.7 million

Aryna Sabalenka had a dominant 2023 as the only women to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slam events, including an Australian Open win and US Open runner-up finish. In September, she became the 29th women to ever hold the No. 1 ranking. She also received the International Tennis Federation's World Champion Award. 

Sabalenka has an estimated net worth of $14.7 million. She recently collaborated with Maestro Dobel Tequila and Leaf Trading Cards. Beyond tennis, Sabalenka invested in wellness brand Beekeeper's Naturals and Olipop soda. She was also featured in Netflix's tennis docuseries Break Point.

7. Jessica Pegula (Tennis) | $12.5 million

Jessica Pegula has yet to make it past the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam event but finished the year ranked fifth in the world thanks to wins in 77% of her matches and two tournament titles. She was named to the esteemed 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Pegula's stellar year on the court was her victory at the Montreal singles tournament, marking the biggest title of her career. In addition, she reached the championship match at the WTA Finals in November.

Pegula has an estimated net worth of $12.5 million. Off the court, Pegula continues to expand her brand presence by securing partnerships with brands such as Dyson headphones, De Bethune watches, and Gorjana jewelry.

8. Venus Williams (Tennis) | $12.2 million

Venus Williams' competitive appearances have become infrequent. She participated in just seven tournaments and played 10 matches last year but her influence as a marketing powerhouse remains. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has recently expanded her brand portfolio through strategic partnerships with Dove and Nestlé's Purina PetCare. Simultaneously, she introduced a jewellery line in collaboration with Reinstein Ross and made a strategic investment in the Los Angeles Golf Club, a team set to compete in the upcoming TGL league developed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TMRW Sports.

Beyond sports and lifestyle, Williams is extending her impact as an executive producer on "Behind the Racquet".

Also Read: Grand Slam Records: Most Grand Slam singles matches wins (men and women)

9. Elena Rybakina (Tennis) | $9.5 million

Elena Rybakina backed up her 2022 Wimbledon win with a pair of WTA 1000 tournament wins this year at Indian Wells and Rome, as well as a runner-up finish at the Australian Open. Building on this success, she had an outstanding 2023 season, securing victories in two WTA 1000 tournaments and concluding the year at an impressive No. 4 in the singles rankings.

Throughout her ascent, the 24-year-old player has strategically expanded her brand associations, forging partnerships with notable entities such as Red Bull and Yonex.

10. Leylah Fernandez (Tennis) | $8.8 million

Similar to Emma Raducanu, Leylah Fernandez continues to reap the rewards of her notable run to the 2021 US Open final. She maintains partnerships with more than 10 endorsement partners like Lululemon, Morgan Stanley, and Google Pixel phones. However, akin to Raducanu, Fernandez has encountered challenges in meeting the expectations set by her early success on the court.

11. Nelly Korda (Golf) | $8.2 million

Nelly Korda failed to reach the winner's circle in 2023, but her sponsor portfolio was transformed in a boost her off-course earnings. The 2021 Women's PGA Championship winner added lucrative new deals with Nike and TaylorMade, replacing J Lindeberg and Titleist to start the year, as well as another pair of global brands, Delta Airlines and Goldman Sachs.

11. Megan Rapinoe (Football) | $8.2 million

Megan Rapinoe did not get the storybook ending to her career as she was injured early in the NWSL Championship game, and her OL Reign fell to Gotham FC. Retirement will free up time for Rapinoe, who is a sought-after corporate speaker and last year launched a production company, A Touch More, along with her partner, WNBA legend Sue Bird.

13. Candace Parker (Basketball) | $8.1 million

Candace Parker captured the 2021 WNBA championship with the Chicago Sky and won another title (while injured) with the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. But with league salaries capped at around $200,000, she makes nearly all of her money from endorsements. Her brand partners include Adidas, CarMax and Gatorade and her annual off-the-court pay is more than double her total playing salary across her 15 years in the WNBA.

Candace was the first woman to appear on the cover of an "NBA 2K" video game and was among the star athletes to invest in trading-card exchange Alt in a funding round announced in November 2021. She also has a lucrative contract as an NBA analyst for Turner Sports.

14. Alex Morgan (Football) | $7.8 million

The US Women's National Team flamed out early at the 2023 World Cup, but Alex Morgan remains the sport's most popular choice for marketers. She has endorsement deals with Nike, Calvin Klein, Molecule, Hublot, Bodyarmor and Michelob Ultra. In 2021, she founded a female-focused media platform, Togethxr, with fellow star athletes Sue Bird, Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel. This year, she launched her own foundation. Her latest is an investment in Los Angeles Golf Club, a franchise in the Monday night golf league TGL set to launch in 2025.

15. Qinwen Zheng (Tennis) | $7.2 million

Qinwen Zheng won the WTA's Most Improved Player Award in 2023, an impressive follow-up to her 2022 Newcomer of the Year Award. She won singles titles in Palermo and Zhengzhou in 2023 and reached the US Open quarterfinals. Some in the sport wonder if she could be a marketing star along the lines of her countrywoman Li Na, who finished no lower than third in the female athletes earnings ranking from 2012 to 2014.

16. Simone Biles (Gymnastics) | $7.1 million

Simone Biles returned to competition in 2023 and was as dominant as ever. She clinched four gold medals at the World Championships, extending her record to 30 total career medals at the event, including 23 golds. She led the US to a record-breaking seventh consecutive world team title. In 2021, Biles left Nike to join Athleta, and this year, the brand released their third Athleta Girl Collection with Biles, which is entitled "Because I Can."

16. PV Sindhu (Badminton) | $7.1 million

India's PV Sindhu has made it into the list of top highest-paid female athletes by Forbes where she finished at the 16th spot alongside gymnast Simone Biles with her $7.1 million earnings. She is her country's sole representative on the list. Sindhu earned around seven million USD in off-field partnerships, having secured deals with Centuary Mattress and American Pistachio Growers in the past year.

Sindhu is already among India's most marketable athletes, with her sponsors ranging from Asian Paints to Bank of Baroda. Compared to her off-field marketing prowess, Sindhu earned just 0.1 million USD in on-field prize money, underlining her barren year and Badminton's financial disparity to other, more global sports. 

Also Read: PV Sindhu announces legendary Prakash Padukone as her mentor in quest of Olympic gold

18. Ons Jabeur (Tennis) | $5.7 million

Ons Jabeur reached her second straight Wimbledon final in 2023 and finished the season ranked sixth in the world. The Tunisian-born tennis ace was the first African and Arab woman to contest a major singles final. She has endorsements with Lotto, Wilson and Laval, and will collect an appearance fee in Saudi Arabia at the end of December.

19. Brooke Henderson (Golf) | $5.4 million

Henderson, a winner of two major golf championships, is arguably the most prominent female athlete in Canada. In January, she followed in the footsteps of Nelly Korda and transitioned to using TaylorMade equipment.

20. Markéta Vondroušová (Tennis) | $5.2 million

Markéta Vondroušová close the list of the top 20 highest-paid female athletes. At the time, Vondroušová, who was ranked 42nd, made history by becoming the first unseeded woman to clinch the Wimbledon singles title in July. It was an unexpected victory for her, as evidenced by her last-minute arrangement for a cat sitter.

Following her triumphant performance at the tournament, the 24-year-old tennis star from the Czech Republic secured a new clothing sponsorship deal with J.Lindeberg. She ended the year on a high note, ranking seventh in the women's singles rankings.

2023 saw many iconic sporting moments throughout the 12 months. From Cristiano Ronaldo's welcome in Saudi, to Spain winning the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, or, from Virat Kohli scoring his 50th ODI ton to Sheetal Devi shooting an archery with her legs, we have seen it all. Here's 20 iconic sports photos from the year 2023.

#20 | Healy, the photographer

#19 | Spain win the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

#18 |Australia loves football

#17 | Messi magic in Miami

#16 |Lauren Hemp breaks Colombian hearts

#15 | Selfie of the year in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifier Zimbabwe 2023

Also Read: Most International Runs in 2023

#14 | Danielle Collins' iconic serve

#13 | Postigo can do it on one foot

#12 | Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic

#11 | Cummins silences the Indian crowd

#10 | Chloe Kelly's bicycle kick

#9 | Kohli gets past the GOD

#8 | Saudi welcomes Cristiano Ronaldo

#7 | Wrestlers Protest

Also Read: Bajrang Punia requests sports ministry to resume wrestling activity ahead Of Paris Olympics

#6 | Bou Samnang's inspiring last-place finish

#5 | Mad-Max-Well's double ton

#4 | Neeraj's gold and praise for Arshad

#3 | Australia crowned World Champions for sixth time

#2 | Armless archer Sheetal Devi creates history

#1 | Messi infinity