Why Can’t We Crown the Best Women’s Soccer Club in the World?
Just over a week ago, Marta—a name synonymous with greatness in women’s soccer and a forward for the newly crowned Orlando Pride—boldly declared that the NWSL is the “best league in the world.” And honestly, she’s got a point. The Pride didn’t just win the league; they dominated it. They snagged the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record and then cruised through the playoffs, winning all three games in regulation. That’s a mic-drop moment if there ever was one.
But here’s the million-dollar question: Are the Orlando Pride the best women’s soccer team in the world? And if they’re not, does that throw Marta’s claim about the NWSL being the best league into question?
Barcelona, Chelsea, or Orlando: Who’s Really the Best?
Let’s talk about the competition. Over in Europe, Barcelona is making a strong case for being the top dog. Their squad is packed with World Cup winners, and last season, they pulled off the treble—winning Liga F, the Copa de la Reina, and the Women’s Champions League. Oh, and they won 43 of their 46 games in 2023-24, losing just once. That’s absurdly good.
Then there’s Chelsea, who conquered the ultra-competitive Women’s Super League in England. They’re also the only team that managed to beat Barcelona last season. So, who’s the best? Honestly, we don’t know—and that’s the problem. These teams almost never play each other. It’s frustrating, and it’s time to change that.
Let’s Settle This on the Pitch
Imagine this: The Orlando Pride owners, Zygi and Mark Wilf, pick up the phone and call Joan Laporta at Barcelona or the folks at Chelsea’s Clearlake Capital. They hash out a deal for a one-off game at a neutral venue. Winner gets to call themselves the best women’s soccer team on the planet. Sounds epic, right?
Would it work financially? Probably. But honestly, this isn’t just about money. It’s about pride (pun intended) and bragging rights. That’s what drove the creation of the European-South American Cup back in 1960, which later became the Intercontinental Cup. Back then, the men’s game was in a similar place to where the women’s game is now—talent was spread out, and there was no clear way to crown a global champion. So UEFA and CONMEBOL took matters into their own hands, pitting the European Cup winners (Real Madrid) against the Copa Libertadores champions (Peñarol). Why can’t we do something similar for the women’s game?
What About FIFA?
Sure, FIFA has plans for a Women’s Club World Cup, but it’s not happening until 2026. And let’s be real, the details are still murky. Location? TBD. Participants? TBD. Prize money? You guessed it—TBD. Meanwhile, FIFA is busy trying to sort out the men’s Club World Cup, which is set for June in the U.S. and has been met with, let’s say, “muted enthusiasm.” Clubs are bickering over prize money, player unions are suing over fixture congestion, and sponsors are slow to jump on board. It’s a mess.
So why wait for FIFA to get its act together? The leading women’s clubs could take the initiative and make this happen themselves. It’s not like the women’s soccer calendar is as jam-packed as the men’s. You could schedule the game after the start of the 2025 NWSL season (mid-March) and before the European Championships in June. Sure, one team might be in midseason form while the other is just getting started, but that’s a small price to pay for a shot at global glory.
What’s Stopping This?
Honestly, it’s hard to say. Maybe no one’s thought of it. Or maybe some clubs are afraid of losing and tarnishing their reputation. But that’s a weak excuse. The women’s game deserves this kind of showcase. Fans deserve to see the best of the best go head-to-head. And the players? They deserve the chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage possible.
Let’s Make It Happen
So, here’s the call to action: Wilf brothers, Laporta, Clearlake—step up. Don’t wait for FIFA or the confederations to figure it out. The women’s game is growing faster than ever, and this is the perfect moment to capitalize on that momentum. Let’s give the world the matchup it deserves. Let’s find out who’s really the best.
Originally Written by: Gabriele Marcotti
