Determining the “best lacrosse player in the world” in 2024 depends on several factors, including player statistics, team contributions, accolades, and the level of competition. Men’s and women’s lacrosse feature different formats—field, box, and the emerging Sixes format—which make it challenging to crown a singular player across the board. However, based on current statistics and performance, a few standout players across these categories dominate the conversation.
Top Contenders for Best Lacrosse Player in 2024
- Tom Schreiber (USA, Midfielder)
Tom Schreiber continues to be a dominant force in professional lacrosse, especially in field lacrosse. Known as “Captain America,” Schreiber is celebrated for his playmaking ability, vision, and leadership on the field. In 2024, Schreiber remains a crucial player in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), where he has previously won multiple MVP awards and led the Archers Lacrosse Club. His ability to control games from the midfield, score under pressure, and provide assists makes him one of the most well-rounded players in the world. Schreiber has also excelled in international competition, helping Team USA secure World Lacrosse Championship golds (Athletes Unlimited)(SportsFoundation). - Lyle Thompson (Haudenosaunee, Attackman)
Lyle Thompson is frequently mentioned as one of the best lacrosse players globally due to his incredible agility, stick skills, and scoring prowess. Thompson’s ability to dominate both field and box lacrosse sets him apart. He consistently ranks among the top scorers in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the PLL. As a representative of the Haudenosaunee national team, Thompson has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of Indigenous lacrosse players worldwide, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s elite(SportsFoundation). - Charlotte North (USA, Attackwoman)
In women’s lacrosse, Charlotte North has been the most dominant player in recent years. Known for her exceptional scoring ability and range, North was pivotal in winning a national championship with Boston College. She holds NCAA records for career goals and is known for her ability to execute under pressure. North has seamlessly transitioned into professional play, continuing to impress in the Athletes Unlimited (AU) Lacrosse League, which features the top female players in the world (Athletes Unlimited). - Blaze Riorden (USA, Goalie)
As one of the best goalies in the world, Blaze Riorden is an integral part of both box and field lacrosse. In the PLL, he has been named Goalie of the Year multiple times, anchoring the defense for Chaos Lacrosse Club. Riorden’s agility and shot-stopping ability are unparalleled, and his contributions helped lead Chaos to a PLL championship. His skills also translate well into box lacrosse, where the faster pace and smaller goals demand quick reflexes and keen defensive awareness (Athletes Unlimited). - Taylor Moreno (USA, Goalie)
Taylor Moreno is arguably the top goalkeeper in women’s lacrosse, with back-to-back AU Pro Lacrosse championships to her name. Her consistency and poise in goal, coupled with her athleticism, have set her apart from the competition. In 2024, Moreno continues to be one of the top performers in professional women’s lacrosse, maintaining her status as a two-time champion in the AU league(Athletes Unlimited). - Rob Pannell (USA, Attackman)
Rob Pannell is another standout in field lacrosse, known for his high lacrosse IQ and prolific scoring ability. Pannell has been a key figure in both the PLL and in international play, leading Team USA to multiple victories. His skill set as an attackman, coupled with his versatility in creating opportunities for teammates, make him one of the best offensive players in the game (SportsFoundation).
Statistical Overview
| Player | Position | League/Team | Key Achievements (2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Schreiber | Midfielder | PLL (Archers) | Multiple MVP awards, World Championship gold | Dominant midfield playmaker with leadership qualities |
| Lyle Thompson | Attackman | NLL, PLL | Top scorer, Haudenosaunee team leader | Known for his stick skills and ability to perform in both field and box |
| Charlotte North | Attackwoman | AU Pro Lacrosse | NCAA scoring record holder, AU star | Exceptional goal scorer, known for dominating NCAA and professional level |
| Blaze Riorden | Goalie | PLL (Chaos), NLL | PLL Goalie of the Year, PLL Champion | Dominant goalie with quick reflexes in both box and field lacrosse |
| Taylor Moreno | Goalie | AU Pro Lacrosse | AU Champion (2x), Pro Goalie of the Year | Top female goalie with consistent performances |
| Rob Pannell | Attackman | PLL (Redwoods), Team USA | Tewaaraton winner, World Championship gold | One of the most precise offensive players in the game |
Key Leagues and Formats
- Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)
The PLL is a tour-based league that features many of the top male lacrosse players in the world, including Tom Schreiber, Lyle Thompson, and Blaze Riorden. The PLL’s unique format, where teams are not tied to specific cities, has expanded the sport’s reach. In this league, individual stats, goals, and saves are often the benchmarks for ranking players (World Lacrosse). - Athletes Unlimited (AU) Lacrosse
AU Lacrosse is a leading women’s professional league, where players like Charlotte North and Taylor Moreno shine. This league emphasizes individual performance, with players accumulating points for every goal, assist, save, and even for being part of a winning team each week (Athletes Unlimited). - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Box lacrosse’s premier competition, the NLL, features Lyle Thompson and Blaze Riorden as standout performers. Box lacrosse is a faster and more physical version of the game, played indoors, which provides a different set of challenges and often highlights different skill sets compared to field lacrosse (SportsFoundation).
International Competition
At the international level, the United States remains the top-ranked lacrosse nation, followed closely by Canada and Haudenosaunee. Players like Schreiber and Thompson have shone in World Lacrosse Championships, helping their respective teams win multiple titles. The world rankings highlight the dominance of these nations, and many of the top players regularly compete in both domestic leagues and international tournaments (World Lacrosse).
| Men’s National Teams | Women’s National Teams |
|---|---|
| 1. USA | 1. USA |
| 2. Canada | 2. Canada |
| 3. Haudenosaunee | 3. England |
| 4. Australia | 4. Australia |
In The End
While many players make a strong case for being the best lacrosse player in the world in 2024, Tom Schreiber, Lyle Thompson, Charlotte North, and Blaze Riorden are at the forefront of the discussion. Their consistent performance at both the professional and international levels sets them apart. As lacrosse continues to grow globally, these athletes serve as the standard-bearers for excellence in the sport.
