Top News

The NXGN rankings have returned for 2026, with GOAL unveiling its annual list spotlighting the world’s finest teenage footballers in both men’s and women’s games. The winners join an illustrious group that includes Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Lena Oberdorf, and Linda Caicedo — all previously celebrated as the brightest young stars in world football.

Spanning all five footballing continents and featuring talents from 20 nations, the NXGN 2026 women’s list is truly global in scope. It features players who have already tasted senior international football and championship success, alongside emerging names destined to shine in major competitions for years to come.

While some of these players are already recognised globally for their performances at elite level, others are just beginning their ascent, marking themselves as talents to follow closely as they chart their paths toward the top of the women’s game.

Without further delay, here are the NXGN 2026 selections — the 25 most promising young female footballers born on or after January 1, 2007.

25. Aissatou Fall (Aigles de la Medina)

At just 17 during the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, Aissatou Fall played a pivotal role in Senegal’s journey to the quarter-finals — only the second time in their history. Filling in for the injured Mbayang Sow, the young centre-back showed no nerves, playing every minute of the tournament in Morocco and helping her side keep two clean sheets, including one against defending champions South Africa in a match that went to penalties. Despite defeat in the shootout, Fall’s performance stood out, earning her a move to national champions Aigles de la Medina. Calm under pressure and commanding in defence, the 18-year-old is a cornerstone of Senegal’s future — complementing the attacking prowess of Galatasaray forward Hapsatou Malado Diallo.

24. Yu Jong-hyang (Naegohyang Sports Club)

North Korea’s dominance in youth women’s football continued with Yu Jong-hyang at the heart of their 2025 U17 World Cup triumph. The 16-year-old forward netted eight goals and registered three assists in seven games, including a brace in the semi-final against Brazil. Her efforts earned her the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and three Player of the Match awards. With her creativity and flair, Yu looks set to make her mark at U20 and senior level soon.

23. Winfrida Gerald (JKT Queens)

Tanzanian football is on a rapid rise, and Winfrida Gerald is among the brightest talents leading the charge. After becoming the youngest scorer in CAF Women’s Champions League history at 15, she has since starred for JKT Queens, helping them to two national titles in three seasons. Gerald also featured in Tanzania’s 2024 AFCON campaign as one of nine teenage players, further cementing her reputation as one of Africa’s most exciting prospects.

22. Giulia Galli (Roma)

Italy’s Giulia Galli made a strong impression at youth level in 2025, scoring three goals at the U17 Euros and five more at the U17 World Cup to claim the Bronze Boot. Now 18 and part of Roma’s senior setup, the prolific striker continues to develop, gaining valuable experience with a club that has dominated Serie A in recent years.

21. Habiba Essam (Al Ahly)

When Al Ahly signed 17-year-old striker Habiba Essam to a three-year contract worth over one million Egyptian pounds in 2024, expectations were high — and she has delivered. Named in the Egyptian Premier League Team of the Year, Essam has also made her mark internationally, scoring crucial goals in AFCON qualifiers. Her instinctive finishing and composure in front of goal underline her immense promise.

20. Laura Berry (Rangers)

Scotland’s Laura Berry has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in the SWPL. After prolific loan spells at Motherwell — where she scored 20 goals across two seasons — Berry returned to Rangers and starred in their SWPL Cup semi-final win over Celtic. The 18-year-old attacker’s consistent scoring and versatility make her a strong contender for a senior national team call-up.

19. Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto)

Kaylee Hunter lived up to the hype surrounding her move to AFC Toronto ahead of the Northern Super League’s inaugural season in 2025. Scoring 16 goals in 25 appearances, she helped Toronto finish top of the regular-season table and earned both Rookie of the Year and Team of the Year honours. Canada head coach Casey Stoney praised her hunger and mindset, calling her potential “extremely high.”

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

Dynamic, two-footed, and direct, Lola Brown is one of England’s most exciting young wingers. After making promising cameo appearances for Chelsea, she joined Crystal Palace on loan to gain more experience. Manager Sonia Bompastor described her as having a “ruthless, winning mentality,” traits that bode well for her future at both club and international level.

17. Indiana dos Santos (Sydney FC)

Labelled “Australia’s brightest young talent” by Sydney FC, Indiana dos Santos has already justified that tag. The attacking midfielder became Sydney’s youngest-ever player at 15 and later won the A-League’s Young Footballer of the Year award. Despite an ACL injury in 2025, her creativity and determination ensure she remains one of Australia’s top prospects.

16. Giovanna Waksman (FC Florida)

Brazilian prodigy Giovanna Waksman’s incredible record for her school team — 87 goals and 14 assists in 19 games — speaks volumes. Having impressed at the 2025 U17 World Cup before injury struck, the 17-year-old forward is already being linked with a move to Lyon. Her technical ability and eye for goal make her one to watch.

15. Laila Harbert (Arsenal – loan at Everton)

Arsenal midfielder Laila Harbert gained valuable experience during her loan spell with Portland Thorns, featuring in the NWSL playoffs. Now at Everton, the 18-year-old continues to grow in confidence and tactical understanding. With Arsenal entering a transitional phase, Harbert’s homegrown talent could soon earn her a permanent first-team place.

14. Ranneke Derks (Ajax)

After leading the Netherlands to victory at the 2025 U17 Euros — where she was named Player of the Tournament — Ranneke Derks joined Ajax. The 17-year-old striker’s combination of movement, finishing, and teamwork has translated well to senior football, making her one of Europe’s standout attacking prospects.

13. Anais Ebayilin (Paris Saint-Germain)

Paris Saint-Germain’s 18-year-old midfielder Anais Ebayilin combines defensive awareness with creative flair. Following a serious ACL injury at 16, she has returned stronger, establishing herself as a regular starter for PSG. Her vision, positioning, and anticipation make her one of France’s most complete young midfielders.

12. Camila Haro (Atlas)

Camila Haro is breaking barriers as a teenage goalkeeper. After starring at the 2024 U17 CONCACAF Championship — winning the Golden Glove — she earned the starting role with Atlas in Liga MX Femenil. Now part of Mexico’s U20 setup, Haro’s maturity and shot-stopping ability continue to impress.

11. Miharu Shinjo (Tokyo Verdy Beleza)

Dubbed “the next Yui Hasegawa,” Miharu Shinjo has lived up to the billing. The agile midfielder was named MVP at the 2024 U17 Asian Cup and later played a key role in Tokyo Verdy Beleza’s WE League title-winning campaign. Now 19, Shinjo’s intelligence and creativity make her a future mainstay for Japan’s senior team.

10. Sophie Proost (Twente)

Since joining Twente from Ajax in 2024, winger Sophie Proost has flourished, helping the club chase another Eredivisie crown. The 19-year-old has impressed with her dribbling, work rate, and ability to score and assist, particularly in Champions League qualifiers.

9. Kennedy Fuller (Angel City)

American midfielder Kennedy Fuller has been a rising star in the NWSL, playing key minutes for Angel City in 2025. Known for her creativity and leadership, the 18-year-old previously represented Nike as one of its youngest signees. Her decision to bypass college football has paid off, cementing her as one of the USA’s top young playmakers.

8. Luisa Agudelo (San Diego Wave)

Colombian goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo was instrumental in Deportivo Cali’s 2025 league title and Copa Libertadores run. Her performances earned her a move to the San Diego Wave on a three-year contract. Commanding and composed, Agudelo already has senior international experience and is a future star between the posts.

7. Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)

Signed by San Diego Wave as a 17-year-old, Trinity Armstrong immediately justified the club’s faith, stepping up after Naomi Girma’s departure. A strong and poised centre-back, Armstrong helped her team reach the NWSL playoffs and impressed internationally at the U17 World Cup. She’s firmly on the radar of USWNT coach Emma Hayes.

6. Aiara Agirrezabala (Real Sociedad)

Spain’s Aiara Agirrezabala has been a revelation for Real Sociedad, excelling as a left-sided player in various roles. After starring at the U17 and U19 European Championships, she earned her first senior Spain call-up in 2026. Her technical skill and adaptability make her one of La Liga’s most promising talents.

5. Claudia Martinez (Washington Spirit)

Paraguay’s Claudia Martinez burst onto the scene at the 2025 Copa America, scoring six goals in five games to win the Golden Boot at just 17. Her performances earned her a record transfer to Washington Spirit, where she’ll play alongside US star Trinity Rodman. Martinez’s goal-scoring instinct and pace make her a generational forward.

4. Clara Serrajordi (Barcelona)

Barcelona’s midfield prodigy Clara Serrajordi has seamlessly stepped into the first team following injuries to key players. Making her Spain debut at 17 and signing a new deal until 2028, she has been praised by Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas for her intelligence and composure. Serrajordi embodies the technical elegance of Barcelona’s football philosophy.

3. Felicia Schroder (Hacken)

Sweden’s Felicia Schroder has been unstoppable in the Damallsvenskan, scoring 30 goals and providing nine assists in 26 matches for Hacken in 2025. Named MVP, Best Young Player, and Forward of the Year, the 18-year-old is already attracting interest from top European clubs including Barcelona and Lyon.

2. Lily Yohannes (Lyon)

After becoming Ajax’s youngest-ever professional and Champions League starter, Lily Yohannes is now shining with Lyon. The 18-year-old midfielder’s technical finesse and composure earned her a debut goal for the US national team. Representing both Lyon and the USA, Yohannes stands among the most complete young players in world football.

1. Sydney Schertenleib (Barcelona)

Swiss sensation Sydney Schertenleib tops the NXGN 2026 rankings. Joining Barcelona in 2024, she quickly advanced from the B team to the senior side. Described by her former coach as having “the ball as an extension of her body,” the 19-year-old’s vision, passing, and goal-scoring have made her indispensable. Already a star for Switzerland, Schertenleib dreams big: “My absolute dream is to win the Ballon d’Or,” she said. Judging by her trajectory, few would bet against it.