U17 WWC stars: Ángela Gálvez: From Real Betis prospect to Atlético Madrid's rising star

Spain's U17 World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16, but several young talents made their mark. Among them was Ángela Gálvez, an Andalusian midfielder who has already taken the next step in her career with Atlético Madrid.

Spain's FIFA U17 Women's World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to the United States in the round of 16, exiting the tournament at the same stage as last year. Despite the early elimination, several players showed why they could have bright futures in Spanish football.

One of them was Ángela Gálvez.

The Andalusian midfielder was named Player of the Match in Spain's second group-stage fixture against Australia, scoring twice in a 3:1 victory. Her performance was one of the highlights of Spain's campaign and further underlined her potential.

From Andalusia to Real Betis

Gálvez began attracting attention at an early age. At just 11, she stood out while representing Andalusia at the Spanish U12 Championship, already showing signs of the talent that would eventually take her to the national team.

After representing five different clubs, she joined the Real Betis academy, where she continued her development in a more professional environment.

It was at Betis that she formed a close friendship with Andrea Caro, who now plays for Real Madrid. The pair shared several important milestones during their time together at the club.

In November 2024, both received call-ups to Spain's U15 national team and made their international debuts at the same time. A year later, they were reunited in the U17 squad as Spain prepared for the second round of qualification for the UEFA Women's U17 European Championship.

A role model in her hometown

Gálvez's progress has also made her an inspiration to young footballers in Mairena del Alcor, a town near Seville where she grew up.

While still playing for Betis, she took part in a school radio programme at CEIP Huerta Retiro, a school she knew well. During the programme, first-year secondary school pupils had the opportunity to interview her about her footballing journey.

Gálvez recalled how she first attracted the attention of Real Betis and the moment she realised her career was beginning to take shape.

"I was told that Betis wanted to get in touch with me. I went through a lot of trials and, during one of them, they told me they wanted to sign me. After that, I had to do some more trials and they confirmed they were signing me. They also told me afterwards that I was on the preliminary squad list for the Spanish national team," she explained.

During the interview, she also revealed the players she looks up to most.

"Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, because they're world-class role models. What's more, Aitana has won three consecutive Ballon d'Or awards and is one of the best players in the world."

Both players operate in midfield, the same position in which Gálvez is hoping to establish herself at the highest level.

Her ambition is to make a living from football. However, she is also thinking about life beyond the pitch. If a professional playing career does not work out, she hopes to combine football with a job as a PE teacher. Nutrition is another of her interests and something she could potentially pursue alongside her sporting career.

A new chapter at Atlético Madrid

Gálvez took another significant step forward this summer when she left Real Betis to join Atlético Madrid.

Although she has yet to make her first-team debut, she has already established herself as an important member of Atlético's reserve side, competing in Spain's second division. For a player who was representing Andalusia at youth level only a few years ago, the move represents another milestone in her development.

Her two-goal performance against Australia offered a glimpse of what she can produce on the international stage. Now, with regular experience in senior football at Atlético Madrid, Gálvez has the opportunity to continue her progress towards the top level of Spanish women's football.