France bring record holder and rising stars to U17 World Cup

France head to Morocco five months after suffering defeat in the European Championship final. Their squad features Manchester City record holder Rachael Adedini alongside two promising OL Lyonnes academy players who were among the standout performers at this year's Euros.

When France lost 1:0 to Germany in the Women's U17 European Championship final in May, they had just completed a tournament in which they had beaten Spain and scored ten goals in the group stage alone.

Now they have an opportunity to end their international year on a more successful note. France arrive at the U17 World Cup in Morocco with ambitions of challenging for a medal, although a group featuring Japan, Venezuela and Zambia promises some difficult encounters.

Head coach Franck Plenecassagne has assembled a squad made up predominantly of players from French academies. One notable exception is a Manchester City forward whose experience at major international tournaments is remarkable for someone so young.

Rachael Adedini: Record holder with three European Championships behind her

Manchester City forward Rachael Adedini, 17, has already competed at more major international tournaments than many players several years her senior. She has represented France at three European U17 Championships.

She first attracted widespread attention in 2024, when, aged just 14, she came off the bench against Norway and scored a hat trick in the space of 16 minutes.

Two years later, she scored three times at the European Championship and shared the Golden Boot with Norway's Stine Ariell Solemdal. Her tally of nine goals across three editions of the tournament also saw her equal the all time record held by Germany's Shekiera Martinez.

Born in Le Havre, Adedini began her career with French clubs Ingré and Orléans before moving to Manchester United in 2022. Two years later, she switched to their city rivals.

She also arrives in Morocco with experience from last year's U17 Women's World Cup, where she scored against the Netherlands. Her ability to deliver in important matches could prove crucial to France's ambitions.

Léa Motyka: Another promising talent from Lyon

Léa Motyka, 17, is a forward at OL Lyonnes, whose academy has supplied five players to the French squad.

She scored twice at the U17 Women's European Championship in May, including the opening goal of the semi final against Norway. France eventually prevailed on penalties to reach the final.

Across the qualifying campaign and the tournament itself, Motyka scored six goals. UEFA subsequently named her in its Team of the Tournament.

She is also part of Lyon's successful youth generation, which won the French U19 championship this year. Her sister and international teammate Emma Motyka plays for the same academy.

Motyka offers France another dangerous attacking option alongside Adedini. Her development will also be worth following as part of the wider question of how Lyon's academy players make the transition into professional football.

Rosie Olando: Defender who earned place among Europe's best

Rosie Olando, 17, is another OL Lyonnes player who made her mark at the U17 Women's European Championship.

The defender featured in all five of France's matches at the tournament, playing the full 90 minutes against Poland, Finland, Norway and Germany. Her performances were recognised as she was selected for the Team of the Tournament. 

Before joining OL Lyonnes in 2024, she played for the smaller French club FCO Saint Jean de la Ruelle. This year, she became a French U19 champion alongside several of her academy teammates.

Olando could be particularly important when France come up against stronger opposition. Their meeting with Japan on 21 October should provide an early indication of how the European runners up cope with a different attacking style from those they encountered at the Euros.