NXGN 2026: Ranking the Top 25 Teenage Female Football Talents Worldwide

NXGN 2026: The Best 25 Young Talents in Women's Football

GOAL's annual NXGN list returns for 2026, highlighting the 25 most promising female footballers born on or after January 1, 2007. This global ranking covers talents from five continents and 20 countries, featuring established internationals and emerging stars set to shine in the years ahead.

Here are the top 25 teenage players to watch:

25. Aissatou Fall (Aigles de la Medina): At 17, Fall was pivotal in Senegal reaching the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations quarter-finals, playing every minute and helping secure two clean sheets. Her composure and height make her a key defensive prospect for Senegal and her club.
24. Yu Jong-hyang (Naegohyang Sports Club): The North Korean forward dominated the 2025 U17 World Cup with eight goals and three assists, earning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Her technical skills promise future success at higher levels.
23. Winfrida Gerald (JKT Queens): Gerald made history as the youngest scorer in CAF Women’s Champions League at 15. A consistent national champion with JKT Queens, she is a vital part of Tanzania’s youthful national team.
22. Giulia Galli (Roma): Italy’s rising striker impressed at U17 Euros and World Cup, earning promotion to U19s. Though game time at Roma is limited, her goal-scoring threat from the bench is evident.
21. Habiba Essam (Al Ahly): Signed at 17 on a significant contract, Essam quickly became a prolific scorer and earned a spot in the Egyptian Women’s Premier League Team of the Year. She’s making waves with Egypt’s national team too.
20. Laura Berry (Rangers): Berry has delivered impressive goal tallies on loan at Motherwell before making an impact with Rangers, including a crucial brace against Celtic. Her all-around attacking ability stands out in the Scottish league.
19. Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto): Hunter scored 16 goals in her rookie NSL season, winning Rookie of the Year and Team of the Year honors. Praised for her mentality and physicality, she’s a promising Canadian forward.
18. Lola Brown (Chelsea, on loan at Crystal Palace): A skillful and quick winger equally adept on both flanks, Brown is gaining valuable experience in the second tier. Chelsea’s coach praises her ruthless mentality and potential.
17. Indiana dos Santos (Sydney FC): Australia’s young star made her debut at 15 and quickly became a key player. Despite an ACL injury in 2025, her creativity and determination mark her as one of the country’s brightest prospects.
16. Giovanna Waksman (FC Florida): Waksman’s remarkable scoring record at high school level and performances at U17 World Cups have drawn attention, with top European clubs monitoring her progress.
15. Laila Harbert (Arsenal, on loan at Everton): After a loan spell in the US with Portland Thorns, Harbert is gaining experience in different leagues. Her versatile midfield play and exposure to top-level football hint at a future Arsenal first-team role.
14. Ranneke Derks (Ajax): Derks shone during the Netherlands’ successful youth campaigns, combining goal-scoring and creative play. Now competing in the Eredivisie, she scores efficiently despite limited senior experience.
13. Anais Ebayilin (Paris Saint-Germain): Known for her defensive midfield skills and vision, Ebayilin overcame a serious injury to become a regular starter for PSG, showcasing strength and creativity.
12. Camila Haro (Atlas): The Mexican goalkeeper took over as Atlas' first choice, demonstrating strong shot-stopping abilities and earning accolades at youth international tournaments.
11. Miharu Shinjo (Tokyo Verdy Beleza): Named MVP of the 2024 U17 Asian Cup, Shinjo has become a key figure for her club, winning the WE League title and Best Young Player award.
10. Sophie Proost (Twente): After moving from Ajax, Proost has developed into a reliable starter for Twente, contributing goals and assists both domestically and in European competitions.
9. Kennedy Fuller (Angel City): Fuller impressed in her second NWSL season with Angel City, noted for her creativity, ambidexterity, and leadership, already earning senior national team call-ups.
8. Luisa Agudelo (San Diego Wave): Agudelo helped Deportivo Cali win titles and reach the Copa Libertadores final before moving to the NWSL. Her command in goal and leadership stand out.
7. Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave): Signed as a promising replacement for Naomi Girma, Armstrong started regularly in the NWSL, showing composure and strong defending at just 17.
6. Aiara Agirrezabala (Real Sociedad): Spain’s adaptable left-sided player has excelled at youth levels and broken into Real Sociedad’s first team, recognized for her technical skill and football intelligence.
5. Claudia Martinez (Washington Spirit): Martinez burst onto the scene at the 2025 Copa America, becoming the youngest Golden Boot winner. She joined Washington Spirit amid high expectations.
4. Clara Serrajordi (Barcelona): A La Masia product, Serrajordi quickly became a key midfielder for Barcelona, praised for her understanding and control of the game. She debuted for Spain at 17.
3. Felicia Schroder (Hacken): The Swedish forward had a breakout season in 2025, scoring 30 goals and assisting nine, winning multiple individual awards and attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
2. Lily Yohannes (Lyon): Having set records at Ajax as the youngest professional and Champions League starter, Yohannes committed to the USA and now plays for Lyon, impressing with her technical skill and work rate.
1. Sydney Schertenleib (Barcelona): Schertenleib rose quickly through Swiss and Spanish football ranks, now a versatile midfielder for Barcelona and a star for Switzerland. She aims for the Ballon d’Or and shows the talent to reach it.