- Elisabeth Terland became Brighton’s most clinical WSL goalscorer
- Kayleigh Green helped establish Albion as a top-flight force
- Fran Kirby and Chiamaka Nnadozie are reshaping Brighton history
This article ranks Brighton and Hove Albion Women’s three greatest players of the WSL era while also examining the rising influence of stars such as Fran Kirby and Chiamaka Nnadozie in the club’s modern history.
Brighton and Hove Albion Women have steadily built a reputation as one of the Women’s Super League’s most resilient and ambitious clubs. From battling to establish themselves in the top flight to producing memorable moments against the league’s elite the Seagulls’ rise has been shaped by a handful of influential figures who defined the modern era of the club.
While several stars have worn the blue and white stripes in recent years three players stand above the rest for their impact consistency and importance to Brighton’s journey in the WSL era.
3. Inessa Kaagman gave Brighton control and creativity
Position: Midfielder
Brighton record: 12 goals in 43 appearances
If Brighton needed composure and creativity in midfield Inessa Kaagman delivered both in abundance.
Signed from Everton in 2020 the Dutch midfielder became a central figure during Hope Powell’s tenure and played a major role in Brighton’s evolution into an established WSL side. Calm in possession and intelligent in transition Kaagman brought a level of control and technical quality that transformed the Seagulls midfield.
She also produced decisive moments in front of goal. Renowned as one of the league’s most reliable penalty takers Kaagman regularly stepped up in high-pressure situations and delivered with remarkable composure.
Beyond the statistics her influence on the pitch was undeniable. Kaagman dictated tempo linked play effortlessly and helped raise standards across the squad during a key stage of the club’s development. Her performances even earned WSL Player of the Month nominations during an impressive two-year spell.
For many Brighton supporters Kaagman remains the player who truly brought polish and authority to the club’s midfield identity.
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2. Kayleigh Green embodied Brighton’s fighting spirit
Position: Forward
Brighton record: 110-plus appearances
Every successful side needs players willing to fight for the badge and few embodied that spirit more than Kayleigh Green.
The Wales international joined Brighton in 2018 shortly after the club’s promotion to the WSL and became one of the defining personalities of the dressing room. Fiercely committed and endlessly reliable Green helped guide the Seagulls through some of their toughest seasons in the top flight.
Whether operating in attack or filling in across multiple positions her work rate leadership and physical presence made her indispensable. Green was not always the headline maker but she was often the heartbeat of the side and a player supporters instantly connected with.
Across more than 110 appearances she helped lay the foundations for Brighton’s long-term future in the WSL before departing for Charlton Athletic in 2023.
1. Elisabeth Terland became Brighton’s ultimate match winner
Position: Striker
Brighton record: 23 goals in 49 appearances
When Brighton needed a match winner more often than not Elisabeth Terland delivered.
The Norwegian forward arrived from SK Brann in 2022 and quickly established herself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the WSL. Sharp inside the penalty area and ice cold under pressure Terland combined clinical finishing with a knack for scoring when it mattered most.
Her standout campaign came during the 2023-24 season when she scored 13 WSL goals to break club scoring records and keep Brighton comfortably clear of the relegation battle. Several of those strikes arrived in dramatic fashion with late winners becoming a trademark of her time on the south coast.
Terland’s movement intelligence and composure elevated Brighton’s attack to new heights and her performances soon attracted wider attention across the league. By the time she departed for Manchester United she had firmly cemented her place as arguably the club’s greatest ever forward.
Also read: Brighton’s most iconic matches as Wembley final eyes place in club history
Brighton Women’s Greatest Ever debate is still evolving
Because the Brighton and Hove Albion Women’s team has only been fully professional and established in the top tiers for a relatively short period an undisputed “greatest ever” player has yet to be fully cemented in the club’s history.
However two current stars are rapidly building a case to sit alongside the club’s modern icons.
Fran Kirby is widely considered one of the most talented English playmakers of her generation and her arrival brought elite experience and proven quality from a trophy-filled career at Chelsea. Since joining Brighton her creativity leadership and attacking drive have transformed the side and she was deservedly named Brighton Women’s Player of the Season for the 2024-25 campaign.
Meanwhile goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest shot stoppers in women’s football. The CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year has been hailed as the gold standard in goal and her match-saving performances against elite sides such as Manchester City and Arsenal have already made her one of Brighton’s most impactful defensive signings.
Victoria Williams also deserves recognition for her contribution during Brighton’s formative WSL years. The experienced defender became a cornerstone of the side following promotion to the top tier in 2018 bringing grit leadership and consistency to the back line across five seasons with the club.
For now though Terland, Green and Kaagman remain the defining trio of Brighton’s rise from ambitious underdogs to an established force in the Women’s Super League.
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