EMERGING STARS: TEN YOUNG TALENTS POISED TO DOMINATE WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN 2026

by Denis Campbell

The coming year promises to be a pivotal one in women’s football, with a new generation of players ready to step into the global spotlight. Here are ten young talents expected to make a significant impact.

Alara Sehitler (19, Midfielder, Bayern Munich & Germany)
Having seamlessly integrated into Bayern Munich’s first team, Sehitler has become a key creative force. Her contributions, including crucial goals in the Frauen Bundesliga and the Champions League, have been instrumental. Following her senior debut for Germany late last year, she is positioned to become a mainstay in the national squad.

Giulia Galli (17, Forward, Roma & Italy)
Galli is heralded as Italy’s most promising prospect in years. After breaking records as Roma’s youngest Serie A debutant, she has continued her ascent, scoring her first senior goal and gaining Champions League experience. Her standout performances for Italy’s youth teams, where she claimed individual accolades, signal a bright future.

Fridah Mukoma (19, Striker, Kansas City Current & Zambia)
Mukoma represents the exciting new wave of Zambian talent. Though awaiting her club debut in the NWSL, she announced herself on the international stage by winning the golden boot in a major regional championship, setting high expectations for her in upcoming continental tournaments.

Daniela Galic (19, Attacking Midfielder, Vittsjö & Australia)
Galic has quickly proven her worth in Sweden’s top flight, making an immediate impact with goals and assists after joining Vittsjö. With a strong record for Australia’s youth teams, she is now aiming to break into the senior national squad.

Paula Comendador (18, Forward, Real Madrid & Spain)
A prolific scorer throughout her youth career, Comendador’s talent is undeniable, evidenced by her impressive haul of medals and awards with Spain’s junior sides. Now with Real Madrid’s senior team, further experience at the Under-20 World Cup could fast-track her to the full national team.

Montserrat Saldívar (19, Winger, Club América & Mexico)
Already a veteran with over 100 club appearances, Saldívar has been central to Mexico’s youth success. After making her senior international debut, the coming year offers major platforms at both youth and senior levels to solidify her status as a key player.

Wassa Sangaré (19, Defender, London City Lionesses & France)
On loan from Lyon, Sangaré has adapted impressively to the English Women’s Super League, securing a starting role. Her successful youth career with France, culminating in a senior debut last December, marks her as a defender of considerable promise.

Kaylee Hunter (17, Forward, AFC Toronto & Canada)
The launch of Canada’s new professional league provided a stage for Hunter to shine. As a runner-up for the golden boot and rookie of the year, her performances earned a national team call-up, and a senior debut appears imminent.

Lucia Kendall (21, Midfielder, Aston Villa & England)
Kendall’s rise has been meteoric. A move to the WSL was swiftly followed by an England debut, where she delivered a player-of-the-match performance and scored her first international goal. She is now expected to be a central figure in England’s midfield.

Trinity Armstrong (18, Defender, San Diego Wave & USA)
Armstrong enjoyed a standout rookie season in the NWSL, becoming a defensive pillar for San Diego. Her maturity and consistent performances for the USA’s youth teams have firmly placed her on the radar for a senior call-up as the team continues to evolve.

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