NXGN 2026: Top 25 Teenage Stars in Women’s Football

NXGN 2026: The Best Young Female Football Talents

GOAL returns with its annual NXGN list for 2026, spotlighting 25 of the most promising teenage players in women's football born on or after January 1, 2007. This list spans five continents and 20 countries, showcasing a blend of established internationals, title winners, and rising stars ready to shine on the biggest stages.

Here are the standout young talents, each with unique stories and potential to shape the future of women’s football.

25. Aissatou Fall (Aigles de la Medina)

Senegal’s 18-year-old centre-back was vital during the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, playing every minute as Senegal reached the quarter-finals for only the second time. With just eight caps before the tournament, she showed remarkable composure filling in for the injured Mbayang Sow. Following AFCON, she joined national champions Aigles de la Medina, becoming a key part of Senegal's future alongside striker Hapsatou Malado Diallo.

24. Yu Jong-hyang (Naegohyang Sports Club)

North Korea’s 16-year-old forward starred in their successful defense of the U17 Women’s World Cup in 2025. Scoring eight goals and assisting three in seven games, she earned the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Her performances suggest a bright path towards senior international football.

23. Winfrida Gerald (JKT Queens)

Tanzania’s promising 18-year-old forward helped her nation qualify for consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. At just 15, she became the youngest scorer in CAF Women’s Champions League history. She continues to develop with JKT Queens, aiming to make an impact on the senior national team.

22. Giulia Galli (Roma)

Italy’s 18-year-old striker shined at the U17 Euros and World Cup, earning the Bronze Boot. Though opportunities at Serie A club Roma are limited, her goal-scoring talent keeps her firmly in the first-team picture.

21. Habiba Essam (Al Ahly)

Signed by Al Ahly at 17 on a significant contract, the Egyptian forward has impressed with her scoring rate. After debuting for Egypt at 16, she has become a key figure for both club and country, showing skill and versatility in front of goal.

20. Laura Berry (Rangers)

The Scottish forward exploded onto the scene with impressive goal tallies during loan spells at Motherwell, prompting Rangers to recall her. At 18, Berry is a potent attacking threat in the SWPL and is close to breaking into Scotland’s senior squad.

19. Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto)

Canada’s 18-year-old striker made a huge impact in the Northern Super League’s first season, scoring 16 goals in 25 appearances. Praised for her mentality and hunger by Canada’s head coach Casey Stoney, Hunter is regarded as one of the country's brightest prospects.

18. Lola Brown (Chelsea - loan at Crystal Palace)

A quick, skillful winger able to use both feet, Brown impressed in cameo appearances for Chelsea before going on loan to Crystal Palace to develop physically. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor highlighted her ruthless mentality and potential as one of England’s top young talents.

17. Indiana dos Santos (Sydney FC)

Sydney FC’s creative playmaker became their youngest-ever player at 15 and earned Young Footballer of the Year honors in the A-League. Despite an ACL injury in 2025, her strong mindset suggests a return to form is imminent.

16. Giovanna Waksman (FC Florida)

Brazilian teen Waksman dazzled in high school soccer in Florida, scoring 87 goals in 19 matches. She impressed at the U17 World Cup before a knee injury sidelined her. Linked with European giants Lyon, her future looks bright.

15. Laila Harbert (Arsenal - loan at Everton)

Arsenal’s holding midfielder spent time on loan in the US with Portland Thorns and currently at Everton. Having gained experience in different environments, she is a promising candidate to break into Arsenal’s first team during a transitional period.

14. Ranneke Derks (Ajax)

Part of a talented Dutch generation, Derks was Player of the Tournament at the U17 Euros and scored efficiently in the Eredivisie with Ajax after moving from PSV. At 17, she shows versatility and attacking threat beyond a traditional striker role.

13. Anais Ebayilin (Paris Saint-Germain)

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Ebayilin is recognized for her game reading, strength, and technical skill. Overcoming an ACL injury, she now features regularly for PSG’s first team at 18.

12. Camila Haro (Atlas)

At 18, the Mexican goalkeeper rose quickly, winning the Golden Glove at the U17 CONCACAF Championship and becoming Atlas' first-choice keeper despite the team’s struggles. Mexico's depth in this position is strong with younger talents emerging as well.

11. Miharu Shinjo (Tokyo Verdy Beleza)

Japan’s Shinjo, dubbed 'the next Yui Hasegawa,' was MVP of the U17 Asian Cup. Making her senior debut at 17, she helped her club win the league and earned Best Young Player honors, with foreign clubs reportedly interested.

10. Sophie Proost (Twente)

After leaving Ajax, the Dutch forward has become a regular starter at Twente, helping them chase another Eredivisie title. Known for creativity and work ethic, Proost impressed in Champions League qualifiers at 19.

9. Kennedy Fuller (Angel City)

American midfielder Fuller had a breakout second NWSL season, praised for her creativity, versatility, and leadership. Signing with Angel City before turning 17, she is considered one of the league's rising stars.

8. Luisa Agudelo (San Diego Wave)

Colombia’s goalkeeper kept multiple clean sheets en route to domestic and continental finals, also shining at youth international level. At 18, she signed a three-year deal with San Diego Wave, bringing confidence and strong leadership to the position.

7. Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)

Signed by San Diego Wave at 17 to replace Naomi Girma, Armstrong impressed with composure and defensive skills, starting 18 games in her rookie season. She played a key role in the U17 World Cup for the US and is on the national team’s radar.

6. Aiara Agirrezabala (Real Sociedad)

Spain’s 17-year-old versatile left-sided player earned Team of the Tournament honors at U17 Euros and has been a regular starter for Real Sociedad. Known for adaptability and football intelligence, she recently received her first senior Spain call-up.

5. Claudia Martinez (Washington Spirit)

At 17, Paraguayan forward Martinez shared the Copa America Golden Boot with six goals, making her the tournament’s youngest top scorer. She signed with Washington Spirit in a major transfer, joining a squad featuring stars like Trinity Rodman.

4. Clara Serrajordi (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s 18-year-old midfielder, developed through La Masia, broke into the first team amid financial and injury challenges. Praised for her game understanding and control, she debuted for Spain at 17 and renewed her contract until 2028.

3. Felicia Schroder (Hacken)

Sweden’s Schroder exploded in 2025 with 30 goals and nine assists, leading Hacken to the Damallsvenskan title and earning MVP and Forward of the Year awards. At 18, she attracts interest from top European clubs.

2. Lily Yohannes (Lyon)

Yohannes made history as Ajax’s youngest pro signing and Champions League starter. Now at Lyon, she has committed to the US national team, scoring quickly on her debut. At 18, she is considered one of the most exciting young players worldwide.

1. Sydney Schertenleib (Barcelona)

The 19-year-old Swiss midfielder quickly advanced from Barcelona B to the first team, impressing with her technical skills and vision. Former coach described the ball as an extension of her body. Already a star for Switzerland, she dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or.