The Women’s World Cup 2023 is bigger and better than ever. Not only has the tournament gained immense popularity worldwide, it also features some of the greatest talents in the history of women’s soccer. This season has seen some surprising victories and heartbreaking losses so far. But it will be recalled with a bitter-sweet feeling associated with some legends of the game bidding adieu to the prestigious competition. Here is a look at five footballers who featured in their last Women’s World Cup this year, some of them even retiring from international football. (Pics: AFP)
Updated On: 2023-08-10 04:19 PM IST
Compiled by : Raaina Jain
Megan Rapinoe - USA
Megan Rapinoe, one of the most decorated U.S. footballers ever, announced before the World Cup that it would be her last. She will play out the season with her club team, OL Reign, before retiring from the game. In addition to two World Cup titles, and Olympic gold and bronze medals, she has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or as well as a FIFA best player award.
Marta – Brazil
Marta raised the profile of women's soccer in her home country with her dazzling play. The 37-year-old was tearful when Brazil was surprisingly eliminated from the tournament in the group stage. Marta has scored 115 goals for Brazil, including a record 17 goals at the World Cup. She has been named the FIFA women's player of the year a record six times.
Christine Sinclair – Canada
Christine Sinclair is a record-breaking soccer player. Her future with the Canadian national team is unsettled, although at 40 this was assuredly her final World Cup. Canada is set to face Jamaica on Sept. 26 in Toronto for a spot in the Paris Olympics next year, and Sinclair hasn't said whether she'll play. She has scored a record 190 international goals, most among men and women.
Caroline Seger – Sweden
Caroline Seger has been struggling with a calf injury at the World Cup. Sweden advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Japan on Friday. It is Seger's fifth World Cup. Her 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any female player in Europe, and although she has two Olympic silver medals and two World Cup third-place finishes, Sweden has never won a major tournament.
Estefania Banini - Argentina
Estefania Banini said it's time to make way for younger players. Banini was in tears following Argentina's final match at the World Cup against Sweden. She returned to La Albiceleste last year after a lengthy absence over what she said was the poor treatment of the women's team. "I think I achieved everything I fought to improve, and now I have to step aside. I hope they continue fighting for women's football," she said.
