With 2024 done and dusted, we wave goodbye to a cinematic calendar year of football. From consecutive trophy triumphs, to gold medal glory, this year has been action packed. Whilst it would be easy to release a tedious ranking of who we believed to categorically be the ‘best’ players of the year, we are aware that all lists contain bias. So, we thought, why not? Let’s play favourites.
From strong-minded defenders to inspirational trailblazers, this year had it all. Rather than tell you who we thought was the ‘best’ player of the year, each writer at The Halfway Line has selected their favourite player to grace the pitch in 2o24.
Here they are..
Emily Fox (Arsenal/USWNT)
It is not often that the ceiling-raiser player in your team is the fullback, yet that is what Emily Fox has become following her arrival from North Carolina Courage at the start of the year. The USA international replaced the outgoing Noelle Maritz at Arsenal, and has cemented her place in the team ever since.
Fast, energetic, hardwired with the competitive edge installed in all US players, and always available to fight for the cause, Emily Fox has raised the bar for what it means to be a fullback in this Arsenal side. Her ability to defend the entire right flank, and at the same time integrate seamlessly with the forwards with her inverted runs, has provided Arsenal another dimension in attack, whilst also bringing a greater level of security in defence.
What makes her role in the team even more impressive is not just the quality she plays with in every game, but the fact she has been forced to play in nearly every game. With Laura Wienroither still recovering from her ACL injury, and a first name on the team sheet for every game with the USWNT, Emily Fox has had to play more minutes than most others in the team. And yet, to do so and still sustain her high level of performance in every game she has played, speaks volumes of the quality, consistency and level of fitness she has in her arsenal.
The high calibre she plays at for Arsenal in every moment has instantly made her a fan favourite. 2024 gave the supporters their first exciting taste of what Emily Fox can bring to the side. With the chance to finally have a much need rest over the Christmas period, fans cannot wait to see her return to the pitch in the New Year, recharged and ready, and witness her perform in the red and white once again.
Written by Adam Salter
Sjoeke Nüsken (Chelsea/Germany)
The versatile German, at one point spearheading the Blues’ quadrupole bid last season, but the loveable star, who has flourished even more under Sonia Bompastor this season.
Checking in with two goals and two assists in ten league games so far this season, when available she’s been an ever present for Chelsea.
2025 is going to be another stellar year you feel for Chelsea, with Nusken probably you feel, going to be at the heart of a lot of the good Chelsea do under Sonia Bompastor in 2025.
Written by Finley Chung
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit/USWNT)
It’s time to talk about Trinity Rodman. It’s not like you haven’t heard of her, or that her surname doesn’t ring a familiar tune, but at a time where the value of her narrative has been watered down to merely represent someone who just shares her last name, we need to show this baller the respect that she deserves.
Rodman was one of the best to go about it in 2024, gracing the pitch with such class and excitement that you just couldn’t tear your eyes away. Her bubblegum-pink braids stole the show at Paris 2024, as the 22-year-old showcased why she is one of the best in the world. Players like Rodman don’t come around all that often, with a cinematic spark and contagious energy that truly makes her one of a kind.
Whether it be in the NWSL or on the golden stage of the Olympic Games, the Washington Spirit forward has terrorised opposition defences in 2024. The ‘Triple Espresso’ brought the fun back to the tedious tournament, just as Rodman’s brilliance brought gold back to her nation.
Possessing the old-school finesse that makes her ball mastery so pleasing on the eye, Rodman’s pace means that if you blink, you just might miss her. As football continues to grow more and more rule-abiding with each day that passes, Rodman injects the fun back into the game.
I am not even American, and one of my highlights of the year came when Rodman sealed the US Women’s National Team a place in the semi-finals at Paris 2024, sinking a late winner to send a high-speed Japanese team packing. Every hair on the back of my neck stood up in attention as this 22-year-old starlet lit up Parc de Princes under the beating heat of the Parisian sun.
The goal wasn’t only a top-shelf banger, but it made Rodman the first USWNT player to contribute a goal in the first four matches of a major tournament since the legendary Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach 12 years earlier at the 2012 Olympic Games.
She also became the youngest NWSL player to record 20 assists across all competitions in a single season by nearly 3 years- the next being Lynn Williams at age 25. As the Spirit marched on to the play-off final, Rodman became the youngest player to play in two different Championship games prior to turning 24.
She’s always said that her career isn’t about the accolades, but rather bringing the excitement back to soccer- something this young baller has already done at just 22. Get your tickets to the Rodman show, because they are selling fast.
Written by Jamie Spangher
Grace Clinton (Manchester United/England)
Cast your mind back to August 2023 when Grace Clinton had yet to make an appearance for Manchester United or the Lionesses. She was spending a season-long loan in the capital city at North London-based outfit Tottenham Hotspur after being shipped out of Piccadilly by her parent club. The box-to-box attacking midfielder passage was not exactly a smooth journey from embarking off the train at London Euston to navigating the Underground to White Hart Lane Station after hitting the net only once in six Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) matches against Everton in a 1-1 draw at the beginning of November.
Clinton’s New Year’s Day celebrations, that included signing match-day autographs, were belated until mid-January when the 2023/24 PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year-elect netted a brace against West Ham United in a 4-3 success on the 21st of that month, which would begin her trajectory of being given the accolade of Spurs’ Player of the Season Award. I had the pleasure of making my journalistic introduction at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in mid-May when the 21-year-old ran the game from the middle of the pitch, where a masterpiece unfolded throughout the 90 minutes.
While I was watching from the Press Box, one of the most exciting and upcoming players in the game was a fully-fledged international after making her full senior debut – following representation at Under 17, 19 and 23 level – in a 7-2 friendly win over Austria in February, that saw her get onto the scoresheet after 19 minutes.
However, all good things must come to an end, not so in Spurs’ view, as Clinton ultimately convinced her parent club she was capable of headlining United’s 2024/25 Barclays WSL campaign, with the Red Devils duly rewarded with the perfect welcoming back ceremony. The newly-crowned Lioness capped off a fantasy debut at the Theatre of Dreams by scoring the game’s third goal in a 3-0 victory over West Ham – known more formally as Old Trafford.
A very first goal for United was not a fluke, as an average of 88 minutes across 10 league appearances this season has seen the ever-present find the back of the net on a further three occasions. This has helped Marc Skinner’s side into fourth position in the league’s standings – outside of the final UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification position on goal difference – only two goals behind one of this season’s three English-based participants still in the competition, Arsenal.
With 12 matches remaining in the 2024/25 Barclays WSL campaign, it would not be beyond the imagination if Clinton ends-up in double-digits figures for goals, and even assists, when the conclusion of season is ready to approach us all in May.
Written by Christopher Heath
Julie-Ann Russell (Galway United/Ireland)
Ten years ago, Julie-Ann Russell was voted Senior Women’s International Player of the Year. While she remained in the set up, gradually, her role diminished until she was no longer picked at all. It seemed that Russell’s international career had come to a natural end. In 2023 Russell gave birth to her daughter and a year later she returned to football with Galway United.
Galway would go on to achieve their highest league finish, scoring the most goals of any side in the league. Russell helped the Tribeswomen to a second consecutive Avenir All-Island Cup victory and was named Women’s Premier Division Player of the Season.
In July, just under ten years since her last goal for her country, Russell was stunningly recalled into the Irish squad by Eileen Gleeson after Ireland had failed to take a point from an extremely tough European Championship qualifying group with two games remaining. Russell was introduced off the bench, 2-0 down against England, and scored Ireland’s first goal of EURO 2025 qualifying. A few days later, Ireland claimed a sensational victory against France at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with Russell assisting Ireland’s first before scoring their second in a 3-1 win.
Her daughter, Rosie, has become an instant fan favourite, with no Irish victory complete without Rosie’s red curls making an appearance in the on-pitch celebrations. Russell herself has proven the value of considering players plying their trade on Irish shores in the domestic league when selecting an Irish squad. Simultaneously she has demonstrated once again that giving birth need not be a barrier to success in the sport as long as the necessary support is provided.
Written by Tom Maher
Catarina Macario (Chelsea/USWNT)
Catarina Macario’s tenure with Chelsea in 2024 has been marked by remarkable performances, highlighting her value to the team.
After joining Chelsea from Lyon in June 2023, Macario immediately made an impact upon her return from an ACL injury sustained in June 2022. She debuted for Chelsea on March 3, 2024, scoring her first goal six minutes into her first Women’s Super League (WSL) match against Leicester City, 641 days after her last game for Lyon. In her subsequent appearances in the 2023/24 season, she netted the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Everton in the FA Cup, showing her knack for crucial contributions and playing her part in the Blues’ title-winning Women’s Super League campaign.
After being ruled out of the Olympics, Macario’s influence has been further evident in Chelsea’s 2024/25 season. Her first minutes of the season came in the Blues’ commanding 7–0 win over Crystal Palace on September 27, 2024. She capped off the scoring in stoppage time, highlighting her offensive prowess and ability to maintain pressure throughout the match.
Macario made her first Champions League start for Chelsea against Twente in the Blues’ 6-1 victory in which she scored in the opening two minutes, giving her her first Champions League goal since 2022 when Lyon beat Barcelona in the final. A standout moment came during the UEFA Women’s Champions League match against Real Madrid on December 17, 2024. Entering as a substitute, Macario’s dynamic play led to two penalties in quick succession, both of which she converted. These goals overturned a 1–0 deficit, securing a 2–1 victory for Chelsea and propelling the team to the top of Group B.
Beyond her goal-scoring, Macario’s versatility and creativity have been instrumental in Chelsea’s attacking strategies. Her seamless integration into the squad, despite earlier injury setbacks, reflects her resilience and adaptability.
Manager Sonia Bompastor has expressed enthusiasm about Macario’s potential impact, noting her exceptional talent and the positive influence she brings to the team’s dynamics.
In summary, Catarina Macario’s impressive performances for Chelsea in 2024 are characterised by her timely goal-scoring, adaptability, and significant contributions in pivotal matches. Her presence has been a catalyst for Chelsea’s successes across domestic and European competitions, solidifying her status as an important player in the squad.
Written by Bethany Barker
Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City/Japan)
Yui Hasegawa one of the best midfielders in the world, yet still flies under the radars of many. Her drive on the attack, commitment to a colossal work rate, and total domination of the central area game after game make the Japanese international Manchester City’s unsung hero.
From scoring against Nigeria and competing with Emma Hayes’ unstoppable USA side at the Paris 2024 Olympics, to performing consistently well in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, this footballer deserves her dues.
Hasegawa is never afraid to track back, and her ability to read a game is almost unparalleled. With the exception of her international teammate Maika Hamano for Chelsea, no team has fully contained the threat the 27-tear-old poses.
When Chelsea hosted Hasegawa’s side in November, the visitors were largely unable to play their trademark possession-based football. This was because Hamano shut the number six out of the game, meaning Manchester City struggled to progress into their final third. The fixture was the perfect example of how integral Hasegawa is to this City side. With her marked out of the match, the Cityzens ran out of ideas against the title-holders.
Deserving of a ranking higher than the awarded 26th in the Ballon D’Or, Hasegawa’s defensive efforts also prove vital to her club. She is one of the players to have made the most ball recoveries in Europe, and in her third season with Gareth Taylor’s outfit, has played 883 minutes without committing a single foul.
Hasegawa demonstrates immense technical ability and composure under pressure each time she takes to the field. Opening up matches with her innovative passing, she is a joy to watch, and a nightmare to play against.
Written by Beth McCowen
Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich/Germany)
In a Bayern Munich side that has occasionally seemed an unstable project, Giulia Gwinn has been a reliable rock at the back in 2024. The wingback has 15 clean sheets this calendar year exhibiting the stability and calmness she brings to the Bavarian side, even when restricted to a less favourable and more traditional right back position.
As a wingback, Gwinn is a playmaker, stretching deep up the pitch to create goal scoring opportunities. In Bayern’s most recent UEFA Women’s Champions League clash with Arsenal, it was Gwinn on the edge of the box who sent a pinpoint cross that Eriksson headed in to take the lead.
It’s the looping ball from a wicked right foot that sees Gwinn rack up goals for club and country. A threat on freekicks and always alert in the box, the 25-year-old has scored eight and assisted three in 18 international matches over the past year. These impressive stats for a defender have earned her the award of Germany Women’s Player of the Year.
There are some excellent records in football but not many are as impressive as Gwinn’s 100% penalty record. The defender has never failed to hit the back of the net on a spot kick, even under tremendous pressure. Most notable in 2024 is her match winning penalty in the Olympic third place playoff against Spain. With the Lyon sun beating down and the presence of a FIFA Best nominated goalkeeper standing between Gwinn and the bronze medal, the defender coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to secure a medal round her neck.
Written by Sophie Scriven
Cathinka Tandberg (Hammarby/Norway)
When Cathinka Tandberg swapped Linköping for Hammarby in the summer transfer window, few could have seen how crucial the Norwegian would become for the Bajen.
To say Linköping had an underwhelming season would be an understatement, but when their star striker moved midseason, it set a precedence that the Norwegian forward meant business in Damallsvenskan. Scoring just four times in the first half of season, Tandberg was far off the 18 goals that saw her win golden boot the season before.
The Norwegian striker joined Hammarby in the summer and quickly found the back of the net for her new club. Aptly, her first goal game against her old side and was the first of 9 leagues in half a season for Hammarby. Her best performance was in Hammarby 3-2 win over title winners Rosengård, where her hat trick single-handedly ruined the side’s perfect season.
But, overwhelmingly, Tandberg’s best was seen on Hammarby’s first time on the European stage. Her one touch finish in the 90+5 minute of the second leg of the qualifiers demonstrated what Tandberg had been showing all season. She was a player for the big moments. With the last minute goal that sent the Stockholm side through to the group stages, Tandberg sealed history for the side.
Tall and strong, with the ability to finish the simply and the complex, Cathinka Tandberg has continued to carve her place in women’s football in 2024. Impressive league performances saw her with a place in the Norwegian National Team, and made her debut at just 20.
In many ways, 2024 was Tandberg’s year of finding her feet again, and excelling in new environments. Having done just that, Tandberg is encapsulating a new generation of Scandinavian ballers, and is looks to continue in the footsteps of those that came before them. I mean, does anyone else get Ada Hegerberg vibes from Cathinka?
Written by Liberty Simons
Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur/England)
Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, Jessica Naz, has proven herself to be a rising star this year. In North London, the youngster has made her way into Robert Vilahamn’s starting eleven. The head coach believes she is full of potential, and as her confidence grows, she is becoming a key component of his Lilywhite side.
With twenty-two appearances, four goals, and two assists in the Women’s Super League this season, the stats alone prove Naz is embarking on her journey to success. Her fast pace makes her an attacking threat that challenges the defence of top sides. She is a determined individual and is committed to accomplishing great things with Tottenham.
In July, Naz faced the biggest moment of her career as a football; she received her first England cap. Having impressed Lionesses head coach, Sarina Wiegman, with her positive form and perseverance on the field, she was rewarded with her senior debut on the international stage. This was a surreal moment for the academy graduate. Her game is reaching new heights and has propelled since January.
However, it has not always been easy for the young talent. In 2019, shortly after Tottenham Hotspur earned their promotion to the Women’s Super League, Naz suffered a double injury: she ruptured both her ACL and MCL. This injury sidelined her for most of the season. Whilst this was tough for Naz, especially at such a young age, she developed a strong resilience and overcame the mental barriers of a long-term injury.
When interviewed, she remains humble and recognises that “it’s just one step at a time” for her. There is great potential for the young Lioness to achieve her dreams and earn a spot in Wiegman’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 squad this summer, if she continues to graft hard both on and off the pitch. Regardless, there is much more to come from this upcoming talent, and she is certainly one to watch as we approach the New Year.
Written by Charlotte Davey
Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign/Wales)
A two-time Champions League winner, a winner of three NWSL League Shields, a French League champion, a two-time Dutch league winner, and even winning the A-League as a player-manager. This is just a brief synopsis of a glittering career, and yet if I asked you to name who this is, 90% of you would be left stumped.
In an age where the Lionesses dominant the domestic discourse, it’s quite disheartening that the other “home nations” don’t get the coverage they quite deserve. With WSL stars like Erin Cuthbert, Kim Little and Katie McCabe, the likes of Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have been able to share that limelight a little bit. Even Northern Ireland have had a bite of that apple when they qualified for Euro 2022.
But if I asked you about Wales, where would you start? If you’re only a WSL lover you could name Hayley Ladd, Ceri Holland, or even potentially Gemma Evans. If you’re a TikTok obsessive, no doubt Ffion Morgan will come to mind. All have a played a role for Wales over the years, but there’s a global superstar in this team, and she simply doesn’t get the credit and attention she deserves on these shores. Let me introduce to you, Jess Fishlock.
Let’s start with that question, why isn’t she more well known in the UK? Well, it’s because the vast majority of her career has been played abroad, because even when she was a young player, she recognised that the opportunities here wouldn’t allow her to reach her potential. So, she went to AZ Alkmaar in The Netherlands, and was a winner. Next was Melbourne Victory, where she became another winner. FFC Frankfurt, Melbourne City, Lyon, and her beloved Seattle Reign. Everywhere Fishlock has gone, she has won.
In total, the former Wales skipper has ten league titles to her name, and an astonishing 28 individual accolades. Most players can only dream for a career like hers. And yet, everyone in Wales knew she would trade all of it in for one major tournament with her country.
Since 2006, Fishlock and Cymru have been trying to reach a first ever major tournament, but in recent years in particular, have often fallen at the final hurdle. Losing their final 2019 World Cup qualifier to England, being pipped by Northern Ireland to a playoff spot for Euro 2022 and conceding in the 120th minute of their playoff final against Switzerland for the 2023 World Cup. Time and time again, this Wales team couldn’t quite get the job done.
So, to the Euro 2025 qualifiers, and now at the age of 37, this really felt like the last chance saloon for our topknotted heroin. The group stages went smoothly as Wales went unbeaten, and during the campaign, Fishlock scored her 45th goal for her country and surpassing Helen Ward’s record in the process, further cementing herself as the queen of Welsh football.
But the word playoff is enough to send a shudder down the spine of any Welsh fan, and in the semi-final against Slovakia, you could see those old ghosts haunting these players. 2-0 down away from home, Fishlock came on and ultimately changed the game. Dictating the tempo and manoeuvring away from danger, she would set up Ffion Morgan’s goal, which proved oh so valuable.
In the return leg, having not played football for two months, Fishlock played the full 120 minutes, as Wales eventually squeaked past a plucky Slovak side. As the final whistle blew, Fishlock collapsed to the turf, arms spread. She had given everything, and Wales were one step closer to their dream.
The only team standing in their way now was Ireland. In Cardiff, despite having a quiet game, Fishlock sprung into life and set up Lily Woodham for the opening goal, only for Ruesha Littlejohn to somehow equalise for the Irish in speculative fashion. 1-1 with everything to play for heading to Dublin.
At the Aviva Stadium, for Fishlock herself, it wasn’t to be a perfect night, as she came off injured with half an hour to go. But her never say die attitude was taken on by every other Wales player, as they pulled of an astonishing victory to reach Euro 2025; their first ever major tournament. And finally, at the age of 38, Fishlock will be able to don the famous red shirt in front of a global audience.
In truth, it’s going to be a bittersweet moment out in Switzerland. Mainly because, it might be one of the last times we get to see Fishlock representing her country. But that potential heartbreaking thought is far outweighed by the pride and pure joy of seeing her where she belongs, and that is right at the top.
Euro 2025 will be an opportunity for the Reign superstar to show those fans over here exactly who she is, what she can do, and why she is considered one of the best British exports of all time. Us Wales fans know exactly what she can do, and in 2025, we cannot wait for her to show all of you what we’ve known for decades.
