• The modern-day Championship was formed in 2004

• Billy Sharp is the most prolific goal scorer in Championship history with 130 goals

• Find out the five players who have scored more Championship goals than anyone else below

IT is blatantly stating the obvious but goals win football matches! And they are particularly important in our EFL Championship which offers a massive financial carrot via promotion to the Premier League.

Before I outline the most prolific Championship strikers of all-time, let’s take a quick look at how the current 2023/24 scoring chart is shaping up… 

• 21 - Sammie Szmodics, Blackburn Rovers

• 18 - Adam Armstrong, Southampton

• 18 - Morgan Whittaker, Plymouth Argyle

• 15 - Jack Clarke, Sunderland

• 15 - Crysencio Summerville, Leeds United

It is fascinating to note three of the top five marksmen don’t play at clubs battling within the Play-Offs or automatic promotion spots.

Indeed, Blackburn Rovers and Plymouth Argyle are hovering precariously close to the dreaded dotted drop line in 17th and 18th places respectively and could still be relegated.

Moving on to analyse the situation historically, these are the top five goal scorers since the Championship was rebranded in 2004….

Seasons as Championship Top Scorer

Since 2004, only two players have finished as Championship top scorer on multiple occasions. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake achieved the feat in consecutive seasons in 2007-08 and 2008-09, scoring 48 goals across the two campaigns.

Ebanks-Blake spent the first half of 2007-08 with Plymouth Argyle before joining Wolves, where he scored 51 goals in 101 Championship appearances across two-and-a-half seasons.

Aleksandar Mitrovic joined Ebanks-Blake with two seasons as top goal scorer in 2021-22. Mitrovic shared the goal-scoring lead with Ollie Watkins in 2019-20, with the pair tied on 26 apiece.

After one season in the Premier League, Fulham dropped back down to the Championship in 2021, and Mitrovic finished as top scorer for the second time in three seasons with 43 goals in 44 outings. 

Most Goals In A Championship Season

Aleksandar Mitrovic’s dominant 2021-22 season was the most prolific in Championship history, shattering previous records. 

Glenn Murray’s 30 goals for Crystal Palace in 2012-13 were the record until 2020-21, when he was overtaken by Ivan Toney, who netted 31 for Brentford.

Mitrovic blew both of those seasons out the water in 2021-22, netting 43 goals as Fulham topped the table.

The Serbian international has been a dominant force whenever he has featured in Championship odds. Over 126 second tier appearances, the former Newcastle striker has netted a whopping 96 goals. 

Highest Scorers in Championship History

5th) Chris Martin - 114 goals

Norwich City, Crystal Palace, Derby County, Fulham, Reading, Hull City, Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers.

Aged 35, Martin remains in fine form delivering 15 goals for Bristol Rovers this season. In fact, he won the League One Player of the Month award for January. 

After receiving his accolade, Martin said: “I am confident I can continue to contribute so I don’t even think about my age! I hope to keep finding the back of the net when chances come my way. I just aim to score in every single match I play.”

4th) Ross McCormack - 120 goals

Cardiff City, Leeds United, Fulham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

McCormack is 37 years old and recently signed for Doncaster City FC in the Central Midlands Alliance League at the 11th level of English football. 

Reflecting on his fruitful past spell gracing the second tier, McCormack said: “Playing in the Championship, you had no breathing space to recover from games.

“Even if you hit a hat-trick for your team on a Saturday, you just couldn’t let it sink in because you went into training on the Sunday and then immediately had another match to face in midweek. But I enjoyed it all.”

3rd) David Nugent - 121 goals

Preston North End, Portsmouth, Leicester City, Middlesbrough and Derby County.

Nugent is now 38 and last turned out for Tranmere Rovers on loan in 2020/2021.

He actually made his solitary England appearance whilst featuring in Championship predictions back in March 2007. Going on as a 79th minute substitute away to Andorra, Nugent scored in the final seconds.

He recalls: “It was a totally crazy international experience for me. I was at Preston at the time I got the call-up and no one expected it.

“Scoring for your country is top of the list for things you can do in football. I shot home merely a yard out and it was only against Andorra but no one can take that away from me. It was one of my childhood dreams which came true.”

2nd) Jordan Rhodes - 123 goals

Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City.

Rhodes, 34, is presently on loan from Huddersfield Town at Blackpool in League One. He has notched 15 goals for the Tangerines in 2023/24.

Rhodes said: “I’m really enjoying my football and long may it continue. Once I turned 30 I adopted a policy of staying as fit and trim as possible, working in the gym and eating right.

“So I am training well and I would love to keep playing while anyone requires me.” 

1st) Billy Sharp - 130 goals

Sheffield United, Doncaster Rovers, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Reading and Leeds United.

Aged 38, Sharp can still add to his tally having signed for Championship outfit Hull City on January 1st this year. 

He said: “I am at the stage in my career where I might not be selected every week. But I’m working hard and keep the younger boys on their toes. I feel I can help Hull hopefully get into the Play-Offs come the end of the campaign.

“I give my all each time I am called upon by the manager who has shown a lot of faith in me. And I want to play on next season. Yes, I’ve heard people say: ‘He’s old, he’s slow.’ However I’ve never relied on pace in my entire life so now I draw on my experience.” 

Nevertheless, Sharp has yet to score in Tigers’ colours.

*Credit for all photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

With a simple scoring system and limited set of rules, darts is one of the easiest sports to follow.

You don’t need to be a tungsten expert to get involved with darts betting and a packed schedule of tournaments can keep punters entertained.

The PDC World Championship is the darts competition that everyone wants to win.

As of 2024, the prize fund stands at a colossal £2.5 million, with £500,000 going to the winning player. Winning the World Championship is the dream for every aspiring darts player.

Best Darts Tournaments For Prize Money:

1. PDC World Championship - £2.5 million

2. Premier League Darts - £1 million

3. World Matchplay - £800,000

4. Grand Slam Of Darts - £650,000

5. World Grand Prix - £600,000

6. European Championship - £600,000

7. UK Open - £600,000

8. Players Championship - £500,000

9. World Cup Of Darts - £450,000

10. World Series Of Darts - £300,000

Some of the greatest players of all-time have flourished at these tournaments.

Take Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor for example – he had won an incredible 16 PDC World Championship titles when he retired following the 2018 event.

Without further ado, it is time to take a look at the top 10 darts tournaments for prize money.

Follow the latest darts betting news, tips and odds with 888sport and be sure to keep an eye on the darts tournaments schedule throughout the year.

*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*

• There are over 50 professional snooker referees, including the likes of Jan Verhaas, Tatiana Woollaston and Paul Collier

• Senior snooker referees earn a base salary of $25,000 per season

• Top male snooker referees can earn up to $250,000 per year while female snooker referees can earn close to $175,000

It isn’t an easy journey to become a famous snooker referee. Years of work is required before appearing in the premium sports betting events, learning and perfecting the science of snooker officiating prior to any opportunity at The Crucible. 

Not every young snooker fan will aspire to referee at the highest level. Of course, enforcing the rules in any sport comes with pressure, scrutiny, and often some awkward situations.

Snooker in-play betting odds can swing on a poor decision, and you can find yourself dealing with some riled up players on occasion.

So, let’s learn a bit more about the role, qualifications and salaries of snooker referees.

What Does A Snooker Referee Do?

Snooker referees might not have to deal with the confrontation which is frequent in physical sports like rugby or football but their role is still vital.

They make sure each frame and match is played following the rules. Certain regulations can vary from tournament to tournament - it is important that the referees keep up to date.

An eye for detail is vital. While maintaining fairness and integrity throughout, snooker referees are encouraged to keep the pace of each frame at a decent level.

It is a sport of tactics, tension and calm, yet snooker is often pondering if the sport needs to be sped up. Referees should have a minor role in proceedings, with their interventions being subtler than their brasher peers in other sports.

At times, snooker referees will be forced to make big calls. These can be significant in high-stakes tournament play, leading to the occasional disagreement between players and officials. This is inevitably when they face greater pressure. 

How Much Do Snooker Referees Get Paid?

There is considerable flexibility when it comes to how much snooker referees get paid. A figure of £70 per match has been quoted for some tournaments in the past, but there can be significantly smaller sums for local tournaments. 

Naturally, the amount snooker referees get paid depends on the event’s revenue and the experience of the referee. The highest-profile officials will have a base rate, functioning much like a retainer, along with a figure agreed per match. 

At the higher levels, some take on snooker refereeing as a full-time occupation. World Snooker will cover expenses for travel, food and accommodation for big events, which supplements their salary and earnings per match. The exact figures that snooker referees earn are not publicly available. 

World Snooker Referees:

With all exams passed and the necessary experience accumulated, snooker referees can oversee official ranking events.

Not only do these matches impact the world rankings, they also carry significant prize money and can make or break careers. The pressure, as a result, is sky high for the referees.

Paul Collier, Olivier Marteel and Marcel Eckardt are three of the most famous snooker referees in the world. Between them, they have overseen six world finals. Former referee Brendan Moore has taken charge of three world finals, with the 2023 being his last before retirement. 

Of active officials, Jan Verhaas has the most experience on the biggest stage, refereeing six world finals throughout his illustrious career. 

Ascendant referees are always looking to make their names on the biggest stages. In truth, the most successful snooker referees are seldom recognisable, but keep the game ticking over while remaining even-tempered.

Verhaas, for instance, has professionally dealt with some awkward circumstances involving star players and chatty crowd members in the past.

Female Snooker Referees:

Female snooker referees have not always been prevalent in the men’s game.

The World Women’s Snooker Championship has been running since 1976, but it is only in recent years that significant progress has been made towards equality among snooker referees. 

Described as a trail blazer, and a well-known face to snooker fans worldwide, Michaela Tabb has been among the world’s best snooker referees for over a decade-and-a-half.

Tabb has cleared a path for others, including Tatiana Woollaston and Desislava Bozhilova. 

Tabb, however, remains the only woman to oversee a World Championship final after refereeing John Higgins’ 2009 win and Ronnie O’Sullivan’s triumph three years later. 

Since Tabb broke into a male-dominated role, a generation of female snooker referees have emerged across the world.

Malgorzata Kanieska, Maike Kesseler, Proletina Velichkova and Monika Sułkowska are just a few to have taken the responsibility of refereeing at tour events. 

Bozhilova is reportedly the highest-paid female snooker referee at the time of writing.

Snooker Referees Salary:

The salary of snooker referees at the professional level is a base rate of roughly £20,000.

Those refereeing women’s snooker have a lower base rate, but these figures are added to throughout the season with fees per match. Expenses are covered.

Those refereeing the biggest matches can receive over £500 per fixture, which racks up over a lengthy tournament like the World Championships.

Entry level referees have a base salary of roughly £4,000, and will be looking at around £50 per match when they are starting out. 

Snooker referees do not have wealth comparable to the game’s stars like Ronnie O’Sullivan or Mark Selby, yet the most accomplished will be on a more than comfortable salary throughout the course of a busy season. 

Some outlets claim the highest-paid snooker referees have a salary in the region of £200,000, though this is not widely reported.

Much like officials in other sports, exact figures for the salary of individual snooker referees are hard to come by.

*Credit for all of the images in this article belongs to Alamy*

Our cricket expert @SamRCox_ tackles the Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli debate. Who deserves to be recognised as India's greatest batsman?

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are two of the greatest batters of all-time.

There are similarities in their paths to stardom, both breaking onto the international scene at a young age, both delivering some marquee knocks against the world’s best attacks.

Tendulkar has been the yardstick for Indian batters, just as Sunil Gavaskar was before. Kohli, though, is a player and personality of a different era.

Weighing up Tendulkar vs Kohli is a debate which will run on for decades. Like with Stokes vs Botham, Messi vs Maradona or LeBron vs Jordan, there are objective and subjective elements.

Comparing two eras is never easy, even for those with a lifetime of experience betting on cricket. 

A raw statistical comparison is perhaps the cleanest way to identify their strengths and weaknesses, but that misses out their overall impact and the quality of opposition. Each faced different challenges throughout their careers which cannot always be quantified. 

The demeanours of the Little Master and King Kohli are in stark contrast. Their place in the history books is remarkably similar, however, and they are almost equally adored by the hundreds of millions of cricket fans in India.

Kohli has conquered all three formats. International T20 cricket came a bit late for Tendulkar, but he was similarly skilled in adapting his game as the colour of the ball changed.

Other than longevity (and that gap is closing), there is little to choose between the numerical records of Kohli and Tendulkar.

Kohli vs Tendulkar Stats

Virat Kohli’s Test average has slipped below 50 after a subpar couple of years by his standards.

As of March 2024, Kohli averages just 49.15 in Tests, but he’s climbed to 19th in all-time Test runs, and has a place in the top 10 in his sights if he plays into his late thirties.

Tendulkar is the all-time leading Test run scorer having played 200 matches and batting a grand total of 329 times. His average is a few runs superior to Kohli at 53.78.

Only Adam Voges, Kumar Sangakkara and Jacques Kallis have bettered Tendulkar’s average of retired players to play in the 21st century.

While Kohli’s returns in recent online betting matches have seen a clear decline, he still has a better career average than many greats of the game, including Michael Clarke and Graeme Smith.

Of course, given the favourable conditions batting in India, direct comparison of averages with other players isn’t entirely fair.

Where Kohli looked on a Tendulkar-esque Test trajectory not so long ago, he has slipped to over four runs shy of the Little Master. Tendulkar has the edge here, though it is very possible Kohli closes the gap in the coming years.

Kohli has the advantage in white-ball cricket, however. His ODI strike rate is seven runs per 100 balls better than Tendulkar’s. And yes, scoring rates have increased considerably since Tendulkar retired, but that is a sizeable difference. 

Only five players have a better ODI average than Kohli’s 58.67. Tendulkar’s 44.83 is still impressive, but only one of the players ahead of Kohli has played more than 48 One-Day Internationals. 

The pure numbers also do not take into account the sheer number of match-winning knocks Kohli has played in white-ball cricket. He is a genius in run chases.

It’s only fair to take Kohli’s T20 prowess into account here, too. Aside from his various IPL records, he’s also owner of the second-best batting average in international T20 cricket.

Tendulkar ultimately played just a few IPL seasons in his twilight years. Averaging just under 33 is a solid return, but he is far short of Kohli’s 41.40 in domestic T20 cricket.

Kohli also had a considerable lead in strike rate, up at 133.50 compared to Tendulkar’s 121.08.

Captaincy Impact

Tendulkar captained India just 16 times in Test cricket, winning only four matches. He captained 73 ODIs, winning just 23. It is not even a competition with Kohli in this department.

Kohli is India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches. His winning percentage is the highest of any Indian skipper to lead the team in more than six Tests.

That trend continues in ODI cricket with 60 wins from 95 matches. He also won 30 of 50 T20is and led Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.

Obviously, a captain’s record is predominantly about the talent around them. India were far less competitive when Tendulkar was in charge, while Kohli benefited from a deep pool of international-calibre players. 

It also shouldn’t be ignored that Kohli is a natural, fiery leader. Tendulkar is a reserved, quieter character. Kohli is a battler, a thoroughbred competitor. 

Tendulkar is adored partly because of his gentle nature. Kohli was made for captaincy; Tendulkar was not. How much this matters in the Tendulkar vs Kohli argument will depend on your mindset, but it is at least a factor to consider. 

On top of being the star batter in three formats alongside IPL commitments and all that comes with being a mega-celebrity in India, Kohli was the driving force of the national team.

His attitude changed the Indian team for the better, making an irrepressible force in T20s, ODIs and Tests. The impact of Kohli the captain is hard to overstate.

How India play cricket has changed, perhaps for good, and their standing among the world’s best teams improved greatly during Kohli’s reign.

Yes, other factors are at play, but just as Allan Border transformed Australia, Kohli has played a seismic role in cementing India’s standing. 

Being a leader and captain for so long obviously takes its toll – it asks so much of a player to do that in multiple formats, particularly with the force of personality that Kohli brought to the role.

Tendulkar vs Kohli Verdict

The packed nature of the cricket calendar for three-format players will probably mean Kohli does not match Tendulkar’s longevity.

Kohli is only just over halfway to Tendulkar’s Test run tally and two-thirds of the way to his ODI mark. The statistics are going to look different comparing players from these eras, such is the role of T20 cricket in the modern calendar.

This isn’t just about aggregate stats, though. Kohli and Tendulkar overlapped, yet they are cricketers from different eras. Kohli has seen the highest T20 scores climb and climb.

The skills modern players possess are remarkable – even technically superb, generally orthodox players like Kohli are playing shots that were not even invented during Tendulkar’s career.

Tendulkar probably could have adapted to the current game if his career came a decade later.

Yet, Kohli and many modern players have had to meet demands that simply did not exist 15 or 20 years ago. That’s before we even consider his influence and workload as a captain.

Kohli will not match Tendulkar’s level of adoration in India, but he’s far closer to the Little Master than most would have imagined when he debuted in international cricket in 2008.

It will take a remarkable final few years of Kohli’s career for him to match Tendulkar in the record books.

In all likelihood, Kohli will not put up the same run totals as Tendulkar, but if he regains his best form for another three or four years, there will be a compelling case to put Kohli at least level with Tendulkar, particularly if India enjoy further team success.

*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

Variety of stadiums is a major part of baseball. Where atmosphere and facilities are usually the focus in other sports, the specific dimensions and conditions of an MLB ballpark have a direct impact on gameplay. 

The biggest MLB stadiums can rival the top sports arenas in the Premier League, holding over 50,000 spectators.

Biggest Major League Baseball Stadiums:

1. Dodger Stadium – 56,000

2. Coors Field – 50,144

3. Chase Field – 48,405

4. T-Mobile Park – 47,929

5. Oakland Coliseum – 46,847

6. Yankee Stadium – 46,537

7. Angel Stadium – 45,517

8. Busch Stadium – 45,494

9. Oriole Park at Camden Yards – 44,970

10. Great American Ball Park – 43,500

11. Citizens Bank Park – 42,792

12. Citi Field – 41,922

13. Miller Park – 41,900

14. Wrigley Field – 41,649

15. Rogers Centre – 41,500

16. Nationals Park – 41,339

17. Oracle Park – 41,265

18. Minute Maid Park – 41,168

19. Truist Park – 41,084

20. Comerica Park – 41,083

21. Guaranteed Rate Field – 40,615

22. Globe Life Field – 40,300

23. Petco Park – 40,209

24. PNC Park – 38,747

25. Target Field – 38,544

26. Kauffman Stadium – 37,903

27. Fenway Park – 37,755

28. Marlins Park – 36,742

29. Progressive Field – 34,830

30. Tropicana Field – 25,000

While not always full, the dimensions, the climate, are important factors to take into any baseball betting decision.

From smallest to biggest, we have ranked MLB’s permanent stadia.

Darts has gone from the traditional pub game to a fully functioning sport in a relatively short space of time – and darts is now watched by millions around the world.

Hitting a nine dart finish is akin to scoring a hat-trick; you are adored by fans in attendance and 9 darter highlight reels can be found splashed across social media.

Best 9 Dart Finish Guide:

For darts betting fans, the nine dart finish is a popular pick – whether that is for a player to hit the perfect leg in a set, match or game.

The sport has evolved somewhat since John Lowe notched the first televised nine darter in 1984, with fans almost expecting a perfect leg every time one of the top players opens with a 180.

Here, we look at some of the best 9 dart finishes in the sport. From the top TV nine darters to darts prize money for the perfect 9 darter, we’ve got you covered here at 888sport.

Like most sports, boxing has evolved throughout time to maintain its status in the modern era. Boxing betting fans still enjoy watching a heavyweight title fight but it is no longer the be all and end all.

With a number of boxing divisions for the boxing weight classes, punters can get stuck into major upcoming bouts on a regular basis.

The sport has changed somewhat since the days of Muhammad Ali but most would say it has changed for the better…

Boxing Weight Classes

Nowadays, British boxing is thriving and the United Kingdom fighters are dominating some of the biggest divisions in the sport.

With the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury flying the flag in the heavyweight division, boxing fans in Britain have been spoiled in recent years.

Without further ado, it is time to take a closer look at the boxing divisions. Our guide to the boxing weight classes begins with a list, sorted by the upper limits of each division.

*Credit for all photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

Nowadays, darts is unrecognisable compared to 20 years ago.

From live darts betting odds on the Premier League to the hype surrounding darts walk on songs, the sport has evolved and tungsten fans follow darts news all year round.

The biggest darts event of the year is the PDC World Championship, with an incredible £2.5 million in prize money up for grabs.

Michael van Gerwen, who has one of the best darts walk on songs, heads the betting for this tournament.

Best Darts Walk On Songs:

The crowd plays a major part in modern darts. Whether that is hyping players up on the way to the oche or celebrating a nine dart finish, darts relies on crowd interaction.

Without further ado, it is time to look at our top five best darts walk on songs. Keep an eye out for these darts walk ons during the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship.

Famous Darts Walk On Music:

Darts fans will remember the Ted Hankey walk on theme while Raymond van Barneveld’s walk on music is a hit known around the world.

Here, we look at three of the best darts walk on songs from retired players, starting with 16-time PDC world champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor. 

Phil Taylor Walk On Song

*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

• England’s Lionesses are among the world’s elite 

• Internationally, the USWNT are still the side to beat 

• Lyons are officially the best club side in world football but only for now

At club level and internationally these teams continue to take the fastest growing sport in the world to new heights, pushing the boundaries and winning silverware by the plentiful. 

Best Women’s International Soccer Teams 

10) Australia 

The Matildas’ slow-build to prominence enjoyed a substantial accelerated boost when they co-hosted last summer’s World Cup, reaching the semi-finals in the process.

Their journey, that included a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over a side in France who were much fancied in the online betting, ignited interest in the sport down under and saw Tony Gustavsson’s team on the front pages from Sydney to Perth.

Whether that’s a high-water mark or the start of something special remains to be seen but certainly the latter is a possibility given the thousands of Australian girls who have been inspired to take up the game.

Not for nothing, the Matildas are also fronted by Sam Kerr, one of the greatest players in the history of women’s football.  

9) Brazil

The Canarinhas have gained an unwelcome reputation for being nearly women in recent years, so often encountering misfortune at World Cups and winning the less desirable metals at the Olympics. 

Yet still they remain a force to be reckoned with, re-entering the FIFA tip ten rankings these past twelve months with a young side determined to outshine their predecessors and go the full distance. 

The post-Marta age of Brazilian women’s football looks full of promise. 

8) Japan

For Brazil, read Japan then additionally factor in that women’s football is a very big deal in East Asia with a full professional league launched in 2021/22. 

Many a football prediction tipped the Nadeshiko to reach the last eight at last year’s World Cup and they duly did that, delighting fans with their attacking mandate until exiting in close fashion to Sweden. One prominent pundit described them as a ‘joy to watch’.

Furthermore, even better things await them, this being a young side nowhere near its peak. 

7) Holland

Oranje remain a technically skilled and eminently watchable outfit and that hasn’t changed even if results have gone against them on the biggest stages in recent years.

For that reason alone, they have drifted out to seventh in our rankings where previously they would have been much higher.

With the formidable partnership of Lieke Martens and Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema up front the Netherlands are an offensive threat but a failure to qualify for this summer’s Olympics has to count against them.

6) France

With the explosive and exceptional Kadidiatou Diani in attack supplemented by the emerging Vicki Becho, Les Bleues have the firepower to trouble the great and the good, while elsewhere theirs is a team sprinkled with genuine quality, mainly sourced from an all-conquering Lyon side.

Yet continually, a last four spot in a major tournament deserts them, last summer’s penalty trauma at the hands of host nation Australia the latest example of an if-only.

This summer’s Olympics being held in France naturally makes 2024 a huge year for Herve Renard’s side.

5) Sweden

Whether it’s the World Cup, Euros or Olympics, the Blågult are always in the mix, as illustrated by semi-final appearances at the last three major tournaments and reaching – but alas losing – the last two Olympic finals. 

In the latter of the latter, Peter Gerhardsson’s side can count themselves unlucky not to grab gold, committing 30 shots on Canada’s goal to no avail.

Blessed with outstanding talents such as Stina Blackstenius, and with a recent Algarve Cup success as a reminder of their capacity for brilliance, the Swedes has consistently been one of the best international sides around for a decade and more. 

4) Germany

The two-time World Champions have barely a handful of their squad plying their trade overseas which illustrates the strength of the Frauen-Bundesliga.

It is their international exploits however that has really elevated the profile of the sport, courtesy of German legend Birgit Prinz and in recent times Alexandra Popp, the latter taking on the mantel of national heroine.

3) England 

Success in the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 acted as a springboard for the Lionesses but if this instilled belief into the squad the seismic changes came later, when Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman was appointed in 2021.

A new, exciting dawn saw Beth Mead and company secure a famous Euros triumph at Wembley and this game-shifting achievement – that propelled women’s football into the mainstream in the UK – was soon followed up by last summer’s World Cup adventure. 

England’s closely-fought defeat to Spain in the final was watched by 14.8 million, broadcast simultaneously on BBC1 and ITV. 

2) Spain 

The reigning world champions have benefited hugely by having the nucleus of Barcelona’s formidable dream-team, not least Aitana Bonmati pulling the strings in their midfield, the recent Ballon d’Or winner instrumental in Spain’s dramatic rise.

Ahead of the balletic 26-year-old, Salma Paralluelo scores goals for fun and it’s a testament to La Roja’s ridiculous strength in depth that they attained a world crown in 2023 minus Mapi Leon, arguably the best defender on the planet.

What we’re witnessing is a golden generation who are proving time and again why there is only one other team who inhabit their stratosphere.  

1) USA 

And that team is the USWNT.

Their shock last 16 exit at the World Cup was seen as the closing of a chapter for a number of household names who have come to define the international game. Meghan Rapinoe has retired. Alex Morgan is unlikely to add to her 221 caps. 

Within that vacuum has come a period of struggle but for so long now the USWNT has been the dominant force in women’s football – winning four Olympic gold medals and more World Cups than any other nation – that it’s unimaginable that the new crop, under incoming boss Emma Hayes, don’t emerge soon and rule the roost again.   

So let’s get ahead of the curve and maintain them at number one, even if just this week their world ranking has plummeted to a record low of fourth. 

When it comes to women’s football, write off the USA at your peril.

Best Women’s Soccer Club Teams

10) Paris Saint Germain

Founded in 1971, PSG Feminine have been at the forefront of the game throughout its duration and growth, but of course major investment into the club from Qatar has propelled them into another orbit altogether in recent years.

Even so, their vast resources are not enough to match Lyon domestically though any encounters with them in the Champions League are usually box-office. 

9) AS Roma

Founded in 2018, Roma were one of the big stories of 2022/23, winning their first Serie A title and progressing through to the quarter-finals in the Champions League.

They may not be in possession of the highest paid female footballers around but theirs is a group effort, forged on no little quality. La Lupa are a team to watch going forward. 

8) Bayern Munich

After a five-year absence, the Bundesliga crown was brought back to Bavaria in 2020/21, with a fourth title sewn up last season.

Almost as meaningfully, another quarter final appearance was made in the Champions League, the sixth consecutive campaign where Bayern have made at least the last eight. 

With Klara Burl and Pernille Harder doing the damage in the final third, and Georgia Stanway scavenging in midfield, whisper it quietly but the swagger is returning to the Bayern Campus.  

7) SL Benfica

As Aguias are only seven years old but already they have snagged three consecutive league titles, their eminent name acting as a lure for promising young Portuguese players.

In two of those seasons a domestic double was secured and should they continue on this sharp trajectory it won’t be long before Filipa Patao’s side are holding their own in the Champions League.

In 2022/23 a cruel group draw had them outclassed by Bayern and Barcelona but lessons will have been learnt. 

6) Real Madrid 

For a good spell it seemed like Real Madrid Feminino were destined to dwell firmly in Barcelona’s shadow, an also-ran if that can dared be said of any club that boasts such a famous name. 

Yet in recent seasons a series of shrewd purchase has resulted in Las Blancas closing the gap on their sublime rivals, as much as is humanly possible at least.

Last term’s output is a case in point, Madrid losing only three games all campaign only to still finish runner-up. Pertinently, two of those losses were against Barca. 

5) VfL Wolfsburg

In the last decade Die Wölfinnen have dominated German football with multiple league titles definitive proof of that. Reaching six Champions League finals meanwhile – triumphing in two of them – has them pegged as a genuine European giant.

A lethal front partnership of Polish striker Ewa Pajor and Alexandra Popp routinely terrorise rearguards but it’s from Lena Oberdorf and Lena Lattwein’s midfield orchestration where Wolfsburg really take full advantage. 

4) Chelsea 

Tactically adroit and always on the front foot, the Blues have proven far too strong for their English peers under Emma Hayes.

It will be fascinating therefore to see how they fare from next season on, this being Hayes’ last year in charge before moving to the States. 

Five WSL titles in the last six years exactly mirrors the league achievements of Manchester City in the men’s game, and once again this term Chelsea are short-priced in the football bets, topping the table several months in. 

3) Corinthians

Founded 27 years ago, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista Futebol Feminino have claimed the last four Campeonato Brasileiro titles, their side containing several key members of the national team.

By some distance the most successful South American outfit, what they’re building at the Stadio Parque Sao Jorge is little short of a dynasty.  

2) Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais have staggeringly won 16 D1 Feminine titles in 17 years, often transferring their imperious football to the continental stage for good measure. They have lifted the Champions League on eight occasions, an unparalleled amount.

All of which means Les Fenottes are historically the most successful club side in women’s football and with a magnificent spine in recent seasons of Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry and the eternally prolific Ada Hegerberg it was hard to imagine the relinquishing their stranglehold on the European game.

Certainly it was going to take a phenomenal creation to usurp them. And then that phenomenal creation came into being...

1/ Barcelona

A direct parallel can be drawn between Pep Guardiola’s extraordinary Barca, who changed football irrevocably for the better, and their female counterparts who did likewise some years later. 

In possession, Jonatan Giraldez’s side are fluid and forever probing. Without the ball they press relentlessly. 

But for all that their style and methods impress, it’s the sheer welter of fabulous players that Barca Femini possess that puts them head and shoulders above their peers.

At times during their ascendancy the illustrious likes of Alexia Putellas, Aitana Botmati, Fridolina Rolfo have decimated all-comers in the league, racking up record point hauls, while last term they secured a second Champions League success.  

It would take a very brave punter to back against this incredible outfit in the live betting. Or daft.

*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

The 2025 Stayers Hurdle is shaping up to be an exciting affair and there is plenty of value in the ante-post betting for those who enjoy a bet on Cheltenham.

Teahupoo cruised to victory at the 2024 meeting and he is currently the ante-post favourite to retain his Stayers Hurdle crown.

Gordon Elliott has already hinted that he will follow a similar path back to the Festival and connections will hope that keeping him fresh works in their favour once again.

There aren't too many new kids on the block in the staying division but there are a couple of lurkers at a nice price - including French raider Theleme.

He was due to come over this year but a minor setback meant that he would skip Cheltenham and there is unfinished business there ahead of the 2025 Stayers Hurdle. He's one to follow for sure...

At this stage though, the Cheltenham betting odds favourite has a fantastic chance. He's lightly raced and has age on his side, plus following the 'tried and rested' route is a huge plus for him.

*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*