You know, I get this question all the time from young soccer enthusiasts and parents alike: "Who's really the best rising female soccer player right now?" As someone who's followed women's soccer for over a decade, I've seen incredible talent emerge, but this current generation? Something special is brewing.
What makes a young player truly exceptional versus just good?
Having scouted numerous youth tournaments across Europe and the Americas, I've noticed that transcendent players possess this almost intangible quality - they play like they've already seen the game unfold before it happens. Take Salma Paralluelo from Spain. At just 20, she's already won both the FIFA Women's World Cup and the U-20 World Cup in the same year. But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet when she was transitioning from track and field to football. Her explosive speed and technical development have been nothing short of remarkable - she's redefining what's possible for dual-sport athletes in women's football.
Which young players are dominating European football right now?
If we're talking about the "Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player? Top 10 Rising Stars Revealed" conversation in Europe, my personal favorite to watch is England's Lauren James. At 22, she's already Chelsea's creative engine, but what fascinates me is her football intelligence. Watching her manipulate defenders with subtle body feints reminds me of Ronaldinho in his prime. The way she creates space where none exists - honestly, I haven't seen this level of innate creativity since Marta's early days.
Meanwhile in Spain, 19-year-old Vicky López is making waves at Barcelona. But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet when she was playing youth football. Her vision and passing range at such a young age are frankly ridiculous - she completed 92% of her passes in last season's Champions League, a statistic that would be impressive for veterans twice her age.
What about the American pipeline - any standout prospects?
The US development system continues to produce phenomenal talent, though I'll admit I'm slightly biased toward Alyssa Thompson. At 19, she's already starting for Angel City FC and made her World Cup debut. But what really blows my mind is her acceleration - she clocked the fastest sprint speed in the NWSL last season at 21.5 mph. When discussing "Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player? Top 10 Rising Stars Revealed," Thompson's raw athleticism makes her impossible to ignore.
Another American who's captured my attention is Olivia Moultrie. At 18, she's already in her fourth professional season! I remember watching her train at 13 thinking she was special, but no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet when she was challenging the league's age restrictions. Her technical maturity is beyond her years - she completed 88% of her dribbles in the last NWSL season, which is just insane for a teenager.
Are we seeing emerging talent from traditionally smaller football nations?
Absolutely, and this might be the most exciting development in women's football. South Korea's Casey Phair, at just 16, became the youngest player ever at a Women's World Cup last year. But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet when she was playing high school soccer in New Jersey. Her physical presence at 5'9" combined with technical precision makes her a nightmare for defenders - she's already scored against professional teams twice her age.
From Nigeria, 20-year-old Deborah Abiodun is turning heads at Pittsburgh University. What impresses me most isn't just her athleticism but her football IQ - she reads the game like a veteran. During Nigeria's World Cup campaign, she covered more distance than any other midfielder in her age group, averaging 11.2 kilometers per match.
What about the next generation - any 15-17 year olds to watch?
This is where it gets really exciting for me as a scout. Brazil's Júlia Bianchi, though 21, plays with the wisdom of a 30-year-old veteran. But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet when she was recovering from her ACL injury in 2021. Her comeback has been inspirational - she's now one of the most complete midfielders in South America.
Then there's Germany's Jule Brand, who at 21 already has 30 national team caps. What separates Brand in the "Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player? Top 10 Rising Stars Revealed" discussion is her versatility - she's excelled at wingback, winger, and attacking midfielder. Personally, I think her future is as a creative midfielder where she can influence every attacking phase.
Who's your personal pick for the most exciting prospect?
If you're forcing me to choose one player from the "Who Is the Best Girl Soccer Player? Top 10 Rising Stars Revealed" list who keeps me up at night thinking about her potential, it has to be Colombia's Linda Caicedo. At 19, she's already a global superstar, but what fascinates me is her fearlessness. Beating three defenders? No problem. Taking shots from 30 yards out? Routine. But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet when she was battling ovarian cancer at 15. Her resilience combined with her technical brilliance makes her, in my professional opinion, the most compelling young talent in women's football today.
Watching these young women develop reminds me why I fell in love with this sport. They're not just playing football - they're rewriting what's possible for the next generation. The future of women's soccer has never looked brighter, and honestly, I can't wait to see which of these stars will ultimately claim that "best in the world" title in the coming years.
French Soccer League©