The craze of Football in India is not only in Men’s but women as well and women’s football in India has been steadily growing over the years, with talented players emerging across the country. The Indian women’s national team has seen impressive performances at the SAFF Women’s Championship, AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and international friendlies.
Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure and sponsorships, these women have made a mark with their skill, dedication, and passion for the sport. In this article, we celebrate the Top 10 best Female Football Players in India (2025) who have been instrumental in shaping Indian women’s football.
1. Bala Devi (Forward – Rangers FC, India)
Club: Rangers FC (Scotland) & Manipur Police
State: Manipur
⭐ Why She’s the Best?
Bala Devi is one of India’s greatest-ever female footballers. She made history as the first Indian woman to sign a professional contract with a European club (Rangers FC, Scotland). Known for her goal-scoring abilities, sharp dribbling, and leadership, she continues to inspire young Indian footballers.
✔ Achievements:
- First Indian woman to play in Europe
- AIFF Women’s Player of the Year (multiple times)
- Top scorer for India’s national team
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2. Manisha Kalyan (Midfielder – Apollon Ladies FC, India)
Club: Apollon Ladies (Cyprus)
State: Punjab
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Manisha Kalyan is a rising star in Indian football. She became the first Indian woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League match while playing for Apollon Ladies FC. Her pace, skill, and ability to score from long range make her one of the most exciting players to watch.
✔ Achievements:
- AIFF Women’s Player of the Year (2022)
- First Indian to score in the UEFA Women’s Champions League
- Scored against Brazil in an international match
3. Dangmei Grace (Forward – India National Team)
Club: Nasaf (Uzbekistan)
State: Manipur
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Dangmei Grace is known for her speed, agility, and clinical finishing. She has played in Uzbekistan’s top division and continues to be a key player for the Indian national team. Her ability to perform under pressure makes her one of India’s best attacking players.
✔ Achievements:
- Played for foreign clubs in Uzbekistan and Nepal
- Helped India win multiple SAFF Championships
4. Aditi Chauhan (Goalkeeper – India National Team)
Club: Gokulam Kerala FC
State: Delhi
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Aditi Chauhan is India’s top female goalkeeper and has played in England for West Ham United Ladies. She is known for her quick reflexes, leadership, and shot-stopping abilities.
✔ Achievements:
- First Indian female footballer to play in England
- AIFF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Key player in multiple SAFF Championships
5. Soumya Guguloth (Midfielder – India National Team)
Club: Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
State: Telangana
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Soumya Guguloth is an attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling and passing abilities. She recently signed with Dinamo Zagreb, becoming one of the few Indian women to play in Europe.
✔ Achievements:
- First female player from Telangana to play for a European club
- Key player in the Indian national team
6. Shilky Devi (Defender – India National Team)
Club: Gokulam Kerala FC
State: Manipur
⭐ Why She’s Special?
At just 18 years old, Shilky Devi is already considered one of India’s best young defenders. She captained the India U17 team and has a bright future ahead.
✔ Achievements:
- AIFF Emerging Player of the Year
- Captain of India’s U17 FIFA World Cup squad
7. Renu (Forward – India National Team)
Club: Sethu FC
State: Haryana
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Renu is a clinical striker and one of the best goal-scorers in Indian women’s football. Her positioning and ability to find the back of the net make her a valuable asset to the national team.
✔ Achievements:
- Top scorer for India in multiple tournaments
- Helped India win SAFF Women’s Championships
8. Anju Tamang (Midfielder – India National Team)
Club: Odisha FC
State: Sikkim
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Anju Tamang is a versatile midfielder known for her creativity and vision. She is one of the few footballers from Sikkim to represent India at the highest level.
✔ Achievements:
- Regular starter for the Indian women’s team
- Key playmaker in midfield
9. Indumathi Kathiresan (Midfielder – India National Team)
Club: Gokulam Kerala FC
State: Tamil Nadu
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Indumathi is a box-to-box midfielder with an excellent ability to control the tempo of the game. She is one of India’s most consistent players in domestic and international football.
✔ Achievements:
- Captain of the Tamil Nadu team that won the Indian Women’s League
- Regular starter for India’s national team
10. Dalima Chhibber (Defender – India National Team)
Club: Ottawa University (Canada)
State: Delhi
⭐ Why She’s Special?
Dalima Chhibber is a solid defender with great ball-playing ability. She is currently studying and playing football in Canada, gaining valuable international experience.
✔ Achievements:
- Captain of India’s U19 team
- Played in Canada’s university football system
Honorable Mentions
- Sweety Devi (Defender – India National Team)
- Sanju Yadav (Winger – India National Team)
- Karthika Angamuthu (Goalkeeper – Indian Women’s League)
Conclusion: The Future of Women’s Football in India
The Indian women’s football team is filled with talented players who are breaking barriers and making history. With more Indian women playing in European clubs, the future looks bright for women’s football in the country.
However, challenges like lack of sponsorships, fewer tournaments, and lower media coverage still need to be addressed. The Indian Women’s League (IWL) and international exposure are helping these players shine, but more support is needed.
Who is your favorite Indian female footballer? Let us know in the comments! ⚽
Anurag is the founder and editor of SportsScroller.com, a premier platform dedicated to delivering comprehensive coverage of various sports, including cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, and chess. With a deep passion for sports journalism, Anurag ensures that the content is both engaging and informative, catering to sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. Because of his passion and under his leadership, SportsScroller.com has become a trusted source for the latest sports news, in-depth analyses, and insightful articles, reflecting his commitment to excellence in sports media.
