Future Queens

Irune Dorado is an expert in achieving small goals that have big results. The first of them was achieved in 2025, when as a Real Madrid B player, she managed to make her debut with the first team. In addition, she became the youngest player to do so with the white club in Liga F since the competition became professional in 2022.

When manager Sarina Wiegman called up relatively unknown 17-year-old midfielder Erica Meg Parkinson to the Lionesses’ April 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying matches, women’s football fans were intrigued and curious. Although she has yet to earn her first cap for the senior squad, Parkinson has been making waves, most recently after signing a four-year contract with the North Carolina Courage of the NWSL. Who is this promising wonderkind drawing attention from all over the world?

Although the German U19 national team ultimately fell short of winning its seventh UEFA Women's Under-19 Euro title, the entire tournament demonstrated that an exceptionally strong generation of talent is emerging in the country. Among the players who drew the most attention were goalkeeper Janne Krumme and captain Luzie Zähringer.

FC Barcelona Femení has suffered one of its most sensitive losses in recent years. After the 25/26 season, Mapi León said goodbye to the club, leaving a large gap free in the team’s defense. The Zaragoza centre-back, who has become one of the best players in the world, left the team and her absence will be great in the central area of the defence. With Laia Aleixandri recovering from the cruciate ligament injury, the club is now looking for and alternative for Mapi León.

The 2026 UEFA Women's U19 EURO has come to an end, with Spain crowned champions for the fifth consecutive time after narrow 1:0 win in the final against Germany. The decisive goal came from Real Madrid midfielder Irune Dorado, who finished off an assist from tournament MVP Rosalia Dominguez. Hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina, this year's tournament once again highlighted the extraordinary depth of young talent emerging across Europe.

You probably noticed Alba Cerrato on UEFA U19 women's Euro 2026. But do you know her story? Years go by and the women’s football academies in Spain continues bringing out young talents which are now knocking on the door of the elite. The case of Alba Cerrato had a before and after in 2023, when she made her debut with Sevilla’s first team in Liga F.

Lia Wälti, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, Géraldine Reuteler and Manchester City's rising star Iman Beney. While Switzerland has never been considered one of football's traditional powerhouses, it has produced a remarkable number of talented players. The latest name to emerge is Grasshopper Zürich striker Emanuela Pfister, who caught the eye at this summer's UEFA Women's U19 EURO.