NXGN 2026: The Top 25 Teenage Stars in Women's Football

The annual NXGN rankings by GOAL have returned for 2026, highlighting the 25 most remarkable young footballers born on or after January 1, 2007. This list celebrates emerging stars from across the globe, representing 20 countries and all five major continents, featuring both established internationals and promising newcomers poised to shine for years.

Some players are already well-known at elite levels, while others are just beginning their ascent, making this a fascinating glimpse into the future of women's football. Here’s the NXGN 2026 countdown of the top 25 teenage female footballers.

25. Aissatou Fall (Aigles de la Medina)

At just 17 during the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, Aissatou Fall played every minute for Senegal as they reached the quarter-finals for only the second time ever. Filling the gap left by the injured veteran Mbayang Sow, Fall showed composure beyond her years and helped the team keep two clean sheets. Her strong tournament performance earned her a move to champions Aigles de la Medina, marking her as a key piece of Senegal’s future alongside striker Hapsatou Malado Diallo.

24. Yu Jong-hyang (Naegohyang Sports Club)

Yu Jong-hyang starred for North Korea in defending their U17 Women’s World Cup title in 2025, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in seven games. She won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, showcasing lethal scoring and creative skills that make her a rising force likely to advance to U20 and senior levels soon.

23. Winfrida Gerald (JKT Queens)

Tanzania’s Winfrida Gerald has been a standout in her nation’s rise, becoming the youngest scorer in CAF Women’s Champions League history at 15. Integral to JKT Queens’ national titles and continental qualifications, she’s a versatile forward gaining ground with Tanzania’s increasingly competitive national team.

22. Giulia Galli (Roma)

Giulia Galli impressed at youth tournaments, including netting five goals in the U17 World Cup and earning the Bronze Boot. Though playing time at Serie A powerhouse Roma is limited, the club values her enough to retain her in the first team squad instead of loaning her out, signaling faith in her goal-scoring potential.

21. Habiba Essam (Al Ahly)

At 17, Habiba Essam signed a lucrative contract with Al Ahly, then proved her worth by scoring frequently and making the Egyptian Premier League Team of the Year. She’s also impacting Egypt’s national team, with vital goals in African Cup of Nations qualifiers, showing a natural instinct for finding the net.

20. Laura Berry (Rangers)

Laura Berry has thrived in Scotland’s SWPL, scoring double-digit goals during loan spells at Motherwell before impressing at Rangers. Her knack for important goals, including in cup matches against Celtic, makes her a promising attacking talent on the cusp of a senior Scotland call-up.

19. Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto)

Kaylee Hunter burst onto the scene in Canada’s new professional league, the Northern Super League, scoring 16 goals in 25 appearances. Recognized as Rookie of the Year and named to the Team of the Year, her technical skill and hunger caught the eye of Canada’s national coach, who praised her mentality and physicality.

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

A dynamic winger with excellent two-footed ability, Lola Brown made an impact in Chelsea’s limited appearances before moving on loan to Crystal Palace for more experience. Chelsea’s coach Sonia Bompastor praised Brown’s ruthless winning mentality and potential as one of England’s brightest prospects.

17. Indiana dos Santos (Sydney FC)

Indiana dos Santos, dubbed Australia’s brightest young star, debuted for Sydney FC at 15 and earned Young Footballer of the Year honors. Although sidelined by an ACL injury in 2025, her creative talent and resilience make her a player to watch when she returns.

16. Giovanna Waksman (FC Florida)

Known for staggering high school stats—87 goals and 14 assists in 19 games—Giovanna Waksman impressed at the 2025 U17 World Cup before a knee injury cut her tournament short. Linked to Lyon, this Brazilian prodigy’s trajectory suggests a bright future ahead.

15. Laila Harbert (Arsenal - loan at Everton)

Laila Harbert experienced high-level competition on loan with Portland Thorns in the NWSL, facing big stadium atmospheres and travel challenges. Now on loan at Everton, her development continues as she aims to break into Arsenal’s first team amid a squad transition.

14. Ranneke Derks (Ajax)

Among a talented Dutch generation, Ranneke Derks stood out by winning Player of the Tournament at the U17 Euros and joining Ajax in 2025. Efficient in scoring and versatile in attack, she’s establishing herself in the Eredivisie despite being only 17.

13. Anais Ebayilin (Paris Saint-Germain)

Anais Ebayilin is valued for her defensive midfield prowess, reading the game well and creating chances. After recovering from an ACL injury, she’s become a regular starter at PSG, demonstrating maturity and technical skill at just 18.

12. Camila Haro (Atlas)

Camila Haro broke through as Atlas’ first-choice goalkeeper, having won the Golden Glove at the 2024 U17 CONCACAF Championship. Despite her team’s struggles, she consistently performs well and represents Mexico’s promising crop of young goalkeepers.

11. Miharu Shinjo (Tokyo Verdy Beleza)

Dubbed “the next Yui Hasegawa,” Miharu Shinjo was MVP at the 2024 U17 Asian Cup and played a key role in Tokyo Verdy Beleza’s 2024-25 league title. At 19, she’s expected to soon become a regular for Japan’s senior team and attract overseas interest.

10. Sophie Proost (Twente)

Sophie Proost left Ajax for Twente in 2024, quickly becoming a regular starter and contributing goals in the Eredivisie and Champions League qualifiers. Her creativity and work ethic mark her as a promising Dutch winger at 19.

9. Kennedy Fuller (Angel City)

With over 10 appearances as a teenager in the NWSL, Kennedy Fuller impressed Angel City by combining creativity, ambidexterity, and leadership. Signed by Nike early, Fuller’s rapid rise reflects her confidence in competing at the highest level without college soccer.

8. Luisa Agudelo (San Diego Wave)

Luisa Agudelo emerged as Deportivo Cali’s starting goalkeeper in 2025, helping win the league and reach the Copa Libertadores final. Now with San Diego Wave, her confident command and reflexes anchor Colombia’s youth and senior teams.

7. Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)

Signed by San Diego Wave at 17 to fill Naomi Girma’s shoes, Trinity Armstrong started 18 games in 2025 and scored a last-minute winner. She was instrumental for the US U17s in 2024 and is tipped to feature more with the senior national team.

6. Aiara Agirrezabala (Real Sociedad)

Spain’s young talent Aiara Agirrezabala impressed at U17 and U19 European tournaments before breaking into Real Sociedad’s first team. Versatile on the left flank, technically gifted, and tactically smart, she earned her first senior Spain call-up in 2026.

5. Claudia Martinez (Washington Spirit)

At 17, Claudia Martinez shared the Golden Boot at the 2025 Copa America with six goals, becoming the youngest to do so. After starring at youth levels and Copa Libertadores, she signed for Washington Spirit in a high-profile transfer, joining a squad with stars like Trinity Rodman.

4. Clara Serrajordi (Barcelona)

Despite Barcelona’s financial difficulties and injuries, Clara Serrajordi has become a key midfielder, known for her game intelligence and technique. She debuted for Spain at 17 and extended her Barca contract to 2028, earning praise from Alexia Putellas for her composure.

3. Felicia Schroder (Hacken)

Sweden’s Felicia Schroder exploded onto the scene with 30 goals and nine assists in 26 games in 2025, helping Hacken win the Damallsvenskan and collecting multiple individual awards. Clever and clinical, she is linked with several European giants after signing a contract until 2029.

2. Lily Yohannes (Lyon)

Lily Yohannes became the youngest pro at Ajax at 15 and played Champions League group games at 16. After choosing to represent the USA internationally, she scored quickly on debut and now plays for eight-time European champions Lyon, thriving under immense pressure at 18.

1. Sydney Schertenleib (Barcelona)

Sydney Schertenleib joined Barcelona from Switzerland in 2024, quickly earning first-team minutes. Known for exceptional ball control and vision, she has become a Swiss national team star. Ambitious and talented, she dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or and shows no sign of slowing down.