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It looks like soccer fans have a new topic to debate. But before we dive into the details, here’s a quick question for you: Who is the most valuable player in CONCACAF women’s soccer? Since this isn’t a global poll, we’re guessing that even though a dozen names might come to mind, Naomi Girma probably tops your list—especially after her record-breaking, historic $1 million transfer to Chelsea. If that’s your answer, congrats—you just earned some brownie points. Extra props if you also guessed the fan-favorite, Triple Espresso. But it’s the rest of the list that has netizens scratching their heads in disbelief.

As you all must have guessed by now, the list concerns the most important players that hail from either North America, Central America, or the Caribbean regions. It was revealed by the renowned women’s soccer website ‘Soccerdonna’—a part of the all-time fan-favorite ‘Transfermarkt’, as they released a chart of the most valuable female players in the CONCACAF region.

Expectedly, Naomi Girma topped the charts with a market value of $575K. Chelsea won’t be happy to hear this, considering they almost spent twice on the 24-year-old and brought her in just a couple of months ago. Then again, the market value of players keeps changing. Interestingly, right behind the talented center back is Jamaican international Khadija Shaw with a robust $400K tag.

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The list is followed by the evergreen Triple Espresso, a.k.a the electrifying trio of Sophia Wilson ($380K), Trinity Rodman ($350K), and Mallory Swanson ($280K). They’re followed closely by Lindsey Horan at $280K, with Haiti’s rising star Melchie Dumornay making waves at $275K. Olivia Moultrie and Rose Lavelle each come in at $250K, while Croix Bethune and Sam Coffey round out the list with a solid $225K each.

While many would somewhat agree with this unique list, others have seemingly hit the ceiling, calling the stakeholders who decided to make these charts!

While Naomi Girma and USWNT bask in glory, soccer fans blow a gasket!

Honestly, we aren’t surprised that it would be coming to this. As soon as the list of the most valuable players in CONCACAF women’s soccer was dropped on X, netizens had to express their discontent.

What’s your perspective on:

Is the CONCACAF list a true reflection of talent, or just another controversial ranking?

Have an interesting take?

Well, to address the biggest miss of all, did you notice one thing? While over nine American players alone dominate the top 10, there is not a single Canadian player. No wonder it leaves their community in disbelief, with one fan saying: The CONSTANT devaluing of Canadian soccer players is exhausting. you’re telling me that Vanessa Gilles, Jessie Fleming, and Olivia Smith are ‘less valuable’ than Olivia Moultrie. don’t piss me off. It’s not like the neighboring country doesn’t consist of the best talents. Yet, from a youngster to those at their peak, there is no one representing the Cannucks.

Notably, it was just days ago when ESPN had released a list of top 21 best U21 women’s soccer players. Surprisingly, in that list, only three USWNT youngsters were able to make the cut, with majorly the European players dominating. The names include Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor, who were able to make the top 10 finish after making fifth and seventh place respectively. Going outside the ten, we had teenage sensation Lily Yohannes. 

Ironically, in that list as well, not a single player from Canada was on the list. However, when it comes to just CONCACAF, the elimination of European stars should have at least seen one of the Cannucks stars make the cut. Yet, despite such a competitive change, the needful wasn’t done – as one fan noted: “I know these posts are just for engagement, but y’all could at least put Olivia Smith on there to make it somewhat credible.”

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It’s surprising how Rose Lavelle, who scored a world cup winning goal, Croix Bethune, who won midfielder & rookie of the year, and Sam Coffey, a regular starter both at the USWNT and in NWSL are all below a 19-year-old Olivia Moultrie, who is still on a path of making a stellar career. That explains why dropping the F-bomb is all one soccer fan was left with: ““You guys F****** S*CK. Stop making b***s*** tables”.

Keeping up with the debate of Canadian absentees, you’d be surprised to hear the kind of names the list misses. Olivia Smith, for instance, is playing at the highest level for Liverpool in the WSL. Joining her is Lyon star Vanessa Gilles or even Chelsea’s Kadeisha Buchanan. But still, the Transfermarkt-backed website couldn’t rally the support of die-hard fans, where one hilariously chimed in: “Delete your account WE HAVE ENOUGH YOU DEMON SHREK”.

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Forget the lack of Canadians on the list, it even misses the best names within the American women’s soccer landscape. The biggest of all can be Chelsea forward Catarina Macario. One user commented, “Horan and Moultrie on there but not Macario…lord who made this”. Likewise, the same can be said for rising sensations like Alyssa Thompson or Lily Yohannes.

Be that as it may, this is just a glimpse of the reactions from ardent fans. While their frustration is understandable, it’s also important to consider the criteria on which Soccerdonna based this list. Factors like age, marketing value, future potential, and interest from other clubs may have played a key role. That could explain why we’re seeing such divisive rankings. Either way, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

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  Debate

Is the CONCACAF list a true reflection of talent, or just another controversial ranking?

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