The FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament’s top goal scorer, celebrating attacking brilliance and finishing power. Since the first edition in 1991, this award has been claimed by some of the greatest players in women’s football history. From Michelle Akers’ record-breaking 10 goals to Hinata Miyazawa’s sharp finishing in 2023, the Golden Boot winners reflect the evolution of the game across decades.
Here’s the complete list of Women’s World Cup Golden Boot winners from 1991 to 2023, along with their unforgettable impact.
🏆 Complete List of Women’s World Cup Golden Boot Winners
| World Cup | Golden Boot Award | Goals |
| 1991 China | Michelle Akers | 10 |
| 1995 Sweden | Ann Kristin Aarønes | 6 |
| 1999 United States | Sun Wen, Sissi | 7 |
| 2003 United States | Birgit Prinz | 7 |
| 2007 China | Marta | 7 |
| 2011 Germany | Homare Sawa | 5 |
| 2015 Canada | Célia Šašić | 6 |
| 2019 France | Megan Rapinoe | 6 |
| 2023 Australia & New Zealand | Hinata Miyazawa | 5 |
Golden Boot Winners by Year
1991 – Michelle Akers (USA) – 10 Goals
The very first Women’s World Cup in China belonged to Michelle Akers, who scored a record 10 goals—a milestone that still stands today. A powerful striker with unmatched strength and precision, Akers led the USA to victory and established herself as one of the game’s all-time legends. She also scored 5 goals in a single match against Chinese Taipei, setting a tournament record.
1995 – Ann Kristin Aarønes (Norway) – 6 Goals
Norwegian forward Ann Kristin Aarønes was a key figure in her country’s golden generation. With 6 goals, she guided Norway to the final, where they finished runners-up to Germany. Known for her aerial ability and positioning, Aarønes remains one of Norway’s greatest women’s players and a pioneer in European women’s football.
1999 – Sissi (Brazil) & Sun Wen (China) – 7 Goals Each
The 1999 Women’s World Cup in the USA was historic for its popularity and thrilling matches. The Golden Boot was shared:
- Sissi (Brazil): A creative attacking midfielder with a deadly left foot, Sissi scored 7 goals, dazzling fans with her skill and flair. Despite Brazil’s semifinal exit, she was a standout performer.
- Sun Wen (China): Widely regarded as China’s greatest female footballer, Sun Wen also scored 7 goals and was instrumental in leading China to the final, where they narrowly lost to the USA in the famous penalty shootout.
This remains the only shared Golden Boot in Women’s World Cup history.
2003 – Birgit Prinz (Germany) – 7 Goals
German striker Birgit Prinz dominated the 2003 World Cup with 7 goals, driving Germany to their first Women’s World Cup title. Prinz was powerful, clinical, and consistent, later winning the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times. Her leadership and finishing ability cemented her as one of the greatest strikers in the game’s history.
2007 – Marta (Brazil) – 7 Goals
The 2007 tournament saw the rise of Marta, often called the “Pelé in skirts” by fans. She scored 7 goals and mesmerized the world with her dribbling, flair, and charisma. Brazil reached the final, but lost to Germany. Marta has since become the all-time leading scorer in Women’s World Cup history (17 goals total) and an icon for women’s football worldwide.
2011 – Homare Sawa (Japan) – 5 Goals
In 2011, Homare Sawa inspired Japan to a historic World Cup victory, becoming the first Asian nation to win the title. With 5 goals, including crucial strikes in the knockout rounds, Sawa also won the Golden Ball (Best Player). Her leadership after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan made her triumph even more symbolic, uniting a nation through football.
2015 – Célia Šašić (Germany) – 6 Goals
Germany’s Célia Šašić claimed the Golden Boot with 6 goals, edging out Carli Lloyd on assists. Šašić was clinical inside the box, scoring twice in Germany’s 4–1 win over Sweden in the Round of 16. Despite Germany’s semifinal exit, she retired soon after the tournament as one of the most efficient forwards of her generation.
2019 – Megan Rapinoe (USA) – 6 Goals
The 2019 Women’s World Cup was defined by Megan Rapinoe. Scoring 6 goals, including crucial penalties in the knockout rounds, she won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball. Rapinoe’s leadership, outspoken advocacy for equality, and clutch performances made her one of the most influential players of her era. She led the USA to their fourth World Cup trophy.
2023 – Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) – 5 Goals
Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa was the breakout star of the 2023 World Cup, scoring 5 goals in a dazzling group-stage run. Quick, intelligent, and clinical, Miyazawa’s finishing helped Japan shine even though they exited in the quarterfinals. Her performance put her on the global map as one of the brightest young talents in women’s football.
The Women’s World Cup Golden Boot winners represent the evolution of the women’s game—each name tied to a story of determination, skill, and leadership. From Akers’ dominance in 1991 to Miyazawa’s emergence in 2023, these winners are not only top scorers but also global icons of women’s football.
As the sport continues to grow, the Golden Boot will remain a symbol of excellence, inspiring future generations to chase glory on the world’s biggest stage.
