Link: https://www.allforxi.com/soccer/18138/nwsl-most-valuable-player-mvp-top-five-frontrunners-nc-courage-washington-spirit-portland-thorns-utah-royals-orlando-pride

Ashley Sanchez, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, Cloé Lacasse and Barbra Banda are on our short-list for NWSL 2026 MVP. Are we forgetting someone?

If she breaks the all-time goal scoring record, you kinda have to give it to her, right?

Ashley Sanchez

The NC Courage forward is having the season of her life. Ashley Sanchez has tallied 19 goals with five matches left and it’s just a matter of time before she tops Temwa Chawinga’s 20-goal record.

She’s the clear favorite, having already broken the record for most goals by an American in a single season, beating Alex Morgan and Crystal Dunn, both with 15 goals. Sanchez also leads the league in combined goals + assists with 23.

I agree it is hard to make a convincing case against Sanchez...but I do want to give credit to Banda for managing to keep the Golden Boot race competitive despite being on an Orlando team that has been unsteady. Her goals/appearance are even higher this season compared to her MVP 2024 season.