Super Falcons legends Akide and Oparanozie set to pick best 100 Women’s Players in the World

Nigerian icons Mercy Akide and Desire Oparanozie will play key roles in selecting the game’s standout performers in the last 12 months that featured Euro 2025, the Copa América and the WAFCON.

With the countdown beginning on 1 December, the global women’s football community is gearing up for the Guardian’s unveiling of the 2025 edition of the Best 100 Female Footballers in the World, a list shaped by a diverse and accomplished panel.

This year’s jury brings together an extraordinary collection of football minds, from top coaches to decorated former players and respected journalists. Super Falcons legends Mercy Akide and Desire Oparanozie stand out among the first-time contributors.

Akide, a three-time Afcon champion and Africa’s first Women’s Footballer of the Year, brings decades of experience as a trailblazer and now a coach in the United States.

Oparanozie, a four-time WAFCON winner and former Super Falcons captain, adds insight from a career that included starring at three World Cups and earning the Golden Boot at the 2014 continental showpiece.

They join high-profile figures such as Jonatan Giráldez of OL Lyonnes, Australia’s Joe Montemurro, and Arsenal’s Champions League-winning head coach Renée Slegers. Former elite players like Lieke Martens, Sam Mewis, Mana Iwabuchi, Rachel Corsie and many others also feature, ensuring a truly global blend of perspectives.

Journalists from all over the world will also be among the voters, including, Nigerian duo of Samuel Ahmadu and Osasu-Obayiuwana.

The Best 100 list will be released in stages, beginning with positions 100 to 71 on Monday, 1 December. Subsequent batches of 30 will be unveiled over the following two days, before the top 10 stars are revealed on Thursday, 4 December.

The voting pool includes representatives from every continent, ensuring virtually every stakeholder is represented.

With such an expansive and knowledgeable panel, expectations are high for a list that reflects both established excellence and emerging talent.