2023 is nearly consigned to the history books, and given the roller-coaster ride many people worldwide experienced for varying reasons, it's safe to say that many are looking forward to putting a topsy-turvy year behind them and look forward to 2024.
Sports certainly weren't exempt from plenty of drama, with plenty of talking points to keep fans buzzing, especially in the second half of 2023 when all the new campaigns in women's football get underway.
So without further ado, here is a look at the state of play in the biggest women's leagues as all go on hiatus until January 2024.
Women's Super League: Manchester City and Arsenal look to shake things up
A very interesting title race is shaping up in the Women's Super League. Although reigning champions Chelsea conclude 2023 on top of the table, the Blues' position is far from secure. Emma Hayes's team were shockingly beaten 4-1 by Arsenal earlier in December, which sent a clear signal to many fans that the Gunners are really looking to challenge for the WSL title this season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are another team to key one's eye on, as they sit in second place, just three points behind Chelsea. Indeed, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal have mostly dominated the top three places as of late, while Manchester United, who impressed many by finishing in second last term, will hope to have a say. However, the Red Devils have looked less than consistent at various points this term, and will need to kick into a higher gear if they want to start closing the gap on the top three.
Liga F: Barcelona look comfortable...but there are plenty of teams in hot pursuit
2019. That was the last time any other team besides Barcelona won the Liga F title. The Blaugrana are one of three teams in the women's top tiers (the others being Roma and Lyon) to have made a perfect start to their domestic campaign, and as such have also built up a seemingly comfortable lead over everyone else, with 12 wins from first 12 games.
Or have they? Barcelona have shown in the not too recent past that they are not infallible. Although they won the title as expected last term, they saw their perfect winning streak snapped in the last days of the campaign, so anything is possible in 2024. In hot pursuit are Real Madrid (second, 27 points), Levante (third, 27 points), Madrid (fourth, 27 points), and Atletico Madrid (fifth, 26 points). At the very least, there will be a very interesting battle for Champions League football between all of these teams, and potentially, even for the league title depending on how things shape up once Liga F gets back underway next year.
Serie A: Can anyone stop Roma?
It seems like not too long ago that Juventus were dominating the women's football scene in Italy. However, Roma have now changed things, as the Giallorosse pipped the Bianconere to their first ever Scudetto last season. This term, Roma have clearly proved that they are no one season wonder, as they conclude 2023 with a perfect 11 wins out of 11 Serie A games, and sitting six points clear of Juventus heading into the second part of the 2023/24 season.
Of course, given that Juventus had won the last five Serie A titles prior to being dethroned last season, it would be unwise to totally rule them out. Meanwhile, Fiorentina, who sit in third spot and are the last team other than Roma or Juventus to win the Scudetto, will naturally be looking to have their say. But for now, it appears that the Scudetto is set to remain in the Eternal City for yet another year - unless if 2024 throws up plenty of surprises along the way.
Frauen-Bundesliga: Will Bayern be able to hold onto the title?
Last season saw huge celebrations in Munich as both the men's and women's teams won their respective Bundesliga titles. However, both needed last-gasp victories to clinch it, with the women's team crushing Turbine Potsdam 11-1 on the final matchday to make sure that the coveted prize remains in their hands for another season and narrowly edge out Wolfsburg.
Given that they have won seven titles - the joint most alongside Eintracht Frankfurt - Wolfsburg are never a side to be discounted when it comes to the title race. At the moment, Bayern have slipped into second spot following a frustrating and shocking 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Nurnberg, while Wolfsburg's gritty 1-0 win over Werder Bremen leaves them in top spot heading into 2024.
As of now, the title race looks mostly set to be contested between Bayern Munich (second, 24 points) and Wolfsburg (first, 25 points), but Eintracht Frankfurt, who are in third spot and just four points behind Bayern, will certainly look to force their way into the conversation in 2024.
Division 1 Féminine: Same tune that's been playing for well over a decade? Or will we things being mixed up?
2021 was a very seismic year in French football - as it marked the first time since 2006 that a team other than Lyon had won the league title. Lyon have managed to regain control of the narrative as they won the title in 2022 and 2023, and conclude 2023 with a perfect start to the current campaign. With an eight point gap over the chasing pack, it's hard to see anyone but Lyon winning it - but anything is possible. Back in during the 2020/21 campaign, Lyon once again raced into an early lead, but a loss to PSG coupled with a draw to the same opponent later on that term saw them have to settle for a runners-up berth.
At the moment, PSG are 11 points behind, while Paris FC will look also to have their say. From a neutral perspective, many will be hoping to see things shaken up in the top flight once the league resumes action in January.
And there we have it. With 2023 set to come to a close and 2024 just around the corner, fans will not have to wait too long to see many of the women's top leagues resume in January. However, in the meantime, make sure to bookmark our special women's football page so you don't miss out on the action, and have another look at this article plus part one of the series to keep you busy until football resumes in just a few weeks' time.
