The Golden Girl Nominees: Our Predictions

The Golden Girl award was established in 2022 by the Italian Newspaper Tuttosport, and celebrates the best U21 female football players in Europe's top leagues. This year brought to light a plethora of young players that could become the future faces of the sport.

Photo Credits: @fcbfemeni

However, Clara Serrajordi's introduction to the big stage felt standout last season, which is why she would be my 2026 Golden Girl. At 17 years old she officially registered with the FC Barcelona first team, but it wasn't guaranteed she'd get many minutes considering her competition for a starting spot would mean replacing Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí or Alexia Putellas. However, with injuries having plagued the team early on, Serrajordi was trusted to not only start league games and knockout round ties, but became Barça's youngest ever player to start in the Champions League final. At just 18 years and 167 days old she became a Champions League winner, completing the quadruple with Barça as a consistent starter for the team. Her quality under Pere Romeu landed her the Spain call-up at just 17, making her not only one of Barça's brightest prospects, but Spain's too.

Photo Credit: @feliciashroder

My second place spot goes to Felicia Shröder, as her big move to Real Madrid this season is a reflection of her eye-catching numbers at BK Häcken these last couple years. At just 18 years old she registered 57g/a in 42 games for her former club, numbers that players wouldn't dare to produce on the big stage, especially so young. However, her 10g/a in 8 games as Real Madrid's teenage prodigy striker is proof enough that changing clubs doesn't change her outrageous output. There are only a handful of strikers that are delivering similar numbers right now, and her age should only frighten defensive opposition, that with time she will only get better...!

Photo Credits: @chelseafcw

Veerle Buurman would take 3rd place podium spots for me, having been a trusted defensive player under Bompaster in her debut season for Chelsea. Despite Chelsea slightly disappointing season, Buurman became crucial for Chelsea's pick up in form, overall keeping 16 clean sheets, but also starting in Champion's League knockout rounds at just 19 years old.

Photo Credits: @fcbfemeni

Having been scouted by Barça via Instagram DM 4 years ago, Sydney Schertenleib's quadruple winning year wasn't her "breakout" season, but a reminder that at just 19 years old she has become a trusted and versatile player in the team. Unlike her current shift at rightback this season due to injuries, last season Schertenleib was playing in midfield and on the left wing, registering 12g/a in all competitions. Her presence in the team is a reminder that Barça's future continues to signal at unwavering dominance.

Photo Credits: @smilla.holmberg

Smilla Holmberg's debut season at Arsenal was last season, and she undoubtedly brightened their attack. Most notably her assist to Alessia Russo to equalise against Lyon in the Chamions League semi-final proved that she has the composure and quality to deliver in the biggest moments.

Photo Credits: @iman.beney

Iman Beney's debut season at Manchester City was nothing short of special. Winning the WSL for the first time in 10 years, Beney became vital in their defensive and attacking quality. Playing predominantly as a rightback, she still registered 2 goals and 10 assists, numbers wingers attempt to rack up per season! At just 20 she has already won one of football's most prestigious trophies, and her game is still growing, not just in preventing oppositional threat, but creating chances for her team too.

Photo Credits: @alara.seh

Having grown up through the Bayern Munich program, Alara Şehitler is slowly gaining recognition for her quality, having joined the first team at just 16! 3 years later, and her role in Bayern's midfield is one that shouldn't be underrated. Her ability to prevent counterattacking play and calm the game's tempo while still progressing the ball to dangerous areas exposes her footballing maturity.

Photo Credits: @galligiulia35

Giulia Galli's season at Roma showed promise and earnt her the move to Barça's academy. The hope she'll soon make her move to the senior team is one that most teenagers dream of. The 18 year old winger registered 5 goals in 6 games for Italy U19's, impressing the Spanish scouts to such lengths that they saw her as a potential bright star for their pioneering club!

Photo Credits: @maeline_mendy

Maeline Mendy's loan to Paris FC last season has been deeply beneficial for her growth in the game, and her second year at the club has started off strong. At just 19 she was trusted to take the penalty against Arsenal in the last minutes of the game which gave Paris a point in this years UWCL league phase. Her composure last year was no different, scoring against Real Madrid to try and get her side back in the game, and proving a quality attacking option for the strong French side.

Photo Credits: @gettyimages

Azzurra Gallo, on loan at Toulouse, represented Italy at the U20 World Cup and produced standout defensive performances, including a 2-1 win over the USA, making her a solid defensive reliability. Defensive players usually peak in form later that attacking players, making her an impressive prospect that can only improve!

With so much young talent, the Golden Ball shortlist is revealing how young players are now being trusted on the biggest stages. From youth football to playing under the stadium lights on Champions League nights, these stars are proving that the future of women's football is looking more bright and competitive than ever!