Photo Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez has won the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League Golden Boot for scoring the most goals this regular season. She also added 5 assists with 20 goals, second most in a single NWSL season.
Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda surpassed Sanchez with 17 goals in 23 games. Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson was third with 15 goals in 28 games, including a Decision Day brace.
Sanchez started scoring earlier in the season in the season opener against Racing Louisville. He stayed on fire and finished the season with four total braces and a hat trick. Sánchez scored his 20th goal of the season against the Royals on 27 September, equaling the record set by Temwa Chawinga in 2024. However, he failed to break the record as he went scoreless in the last three of his 30 games.
