Muhammad AsifAs anticipation builds for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland, a new generation of footballing talent is ready to take centre stage. While Germany’s Lena Oberdorf – the standout young player at Euro 2022 – misses out through injury, several other under-23 stars are poised to light up the tournament.
Here are seven emerging players who could make a major impact this summer.
🇬🇧 Aggie Beever-Jones (England)
- Age: 21
- Position: Forward
- Club: Chelsea
After a hat-trick against Portugal in the Nations League, Beever-Jones emerged as a potential breakout star for England. With key forwards Alessia Russo and Ella Toone sidelined, she seized her chance—and the headlines.
Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley described her as a “true goalscorer” who thrives in multiple attacking roles. Beever-Jones, a product of Chelsea’s academy, led the Blues in scoring in the Women’s Super League last season and scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup semi-final.
🏴 Carrie Jones (Wales)
- Age: 21
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: IFK Norrköping
Wales’ historic first appearance at a major women’s tournament will be spearheaded by Carrie Jones. Despite being only 21, Jones made her international debut at 15 and has built a solid club career with Manchester United, Leicester, and Bristol before moving to Sweden in 2024.
She’s a versatile, hard-working attacker, praised for her composure and team-first mentality. Former Welsh international Gwennan Harries predicted Jones would be “one of Wales’ best players over the next 10-20 years.”
🇪🇸 Salma Paralluelo (Spain)
- Age: 21
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Barcelona
Paralluelo is no stranger to success. The dynamic winger has won World Cups at U-17, U-20, and senior levels, lifted the Nations League trophy, and boasts two Champions League titles with Barcelona.
A former elite sprinter, she is known for her pace, power, and lethal left foot. Though injuries and fatigue have limited her minutes lately, her quality is undeniable. She’s widely expected to be a key figure in Spain’s title bid.
🇳🇱 Wieke Kaptein (Netherlands)
- Age: 19
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Chelsea
Kaptein’s rise has been meteoric. After domestic success with FC Twente, she became a key figure in Chelsea’s treble-winning season, starting in most of their Champions League games.
Respected for her tireless work ethic and composure, Kaptein has already earned 20 international caps. Netherlands manager Andries Jonker has often deployed her as part of a midfield trio, where her calm presence and intelligence shine.
🇩🇪 Franziska Kett (Germany)
- Age: 20
- Position: Defender
- Club: Bayern Munich
Kett, a dynamic left-back, is one of the youngest players in Germany’s squad. A standout at the 2023 U-19 Euros, she earned her senior debut in April 2025.
Known for her pace and high-energy style, Kett has impressed at Bayern Munich in both domestic and European competitions. Head coach Christian Wuck has praised her “explosive” qualities and sees her as a long-term fixture in the national setup.
🇨🇭 Sydney Schertenleib (Switzerland)
- Age: 18
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Barcelona
Schertenleib has quickly made her mark in Spain, becoming a regular for Barcelona after her move from Grasshopper Zurich. Capable of playing in midfield or attack, she brings flair and versatility.
Switzerland coach Pia Sundhage has utilised her as a striker, and the youngster has responded with goals and energy. Playing on home soil, Euro 2025 offers her the perfect stage to announce herself globally.
🇫🇷 Alice Sombath (France)
- Age: 21
- Position: Defender
- Club: Lyon
With Wendie Renard absent from France’s Euro squad, the door is open for new defensive leaders—and Alice Sombath is stepping in. A Lyon graduate, she made her debut alongside Renard and now plays a central role for both club and country.
Former Lyon boss Joe Montemurro called her a future star, noting her maturity and technical quality. Comfortable at centre-back or right-back, Sombath is expected to be one of France’s defensive cornerstones for years to come.
Final Whistle
With the Euros fast approaching, these young talents are ready to make their mark. Whether it’s scoring goals, anchoring the midfield, or holding firm in defence, each has the potential to become one of the tournament’s defining figures. Euro 2025 might just be the moment they step into the global spotlight.