NXGN 2026: The Top 25 Teenage Stars in Women's Football
The NXGN list for 2026 is here, spotlighting 25 of the brightest young footballers born on or after January 1, 2007. This global roster from GOAL showcases players who are either established internationals or emerging stars ready to dominate the game for years.
Representing 20 countries across five continents, these teenagers include some familiar faces and others just beginning their rise in women’s football.
25. Aissatou Fall (Aigles de la Medina)
At just 17 during the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, Aissatou Fall was vital in Senegal reaching the quarter-finals for only the second time ever. Filling in for the injured Mbayang Sow, Fall played every minute, helping Senegal keep two clean sheets in four games. Though they lost on penalties to South Africa, her commanding presence earned her a move to national champions Aigles de la Medina. Standing tall with calm composure, Fall is a key piece in Senegal’s future alongside Galatasaray striker Hapsatou Malado Diallo.
24. Yu Jong-hyang (Naegohyang Sports Club)
North Korea continues to produce incredible talent. After back-to-back U17 World Cup wins, 16-year-old Yu Jong-hyang was the standout player in the 2025 tournament, scoring eight goals and assisting three in seven games. She earned three Player of the Match awards, the Golden Boot, and the Golden Ball. Her sharp instincts and technical skill will likely push her into the U20s and senior squad soon.
23. Winfrida Gerald (JKT Queens)
Tanzania has risen as a force in women’s football. Winfrida Gerald, a versatile goal-scorer, became the youngest scorer in CAF Women’s Champions League history at 15. She was part of Tanzania’s youthful 2024 AFCON team and has helped JKT Queens claim multiple national titles. Gerald is quickly establishing herself as an important figure in Tanzania’s promising squad.
22. Giulia Galli (Roma)
Italy’s Giulia Galli impressed in the U17 Euros and World Cup, netting multiple goals and earning the Bronze Boot at the latter. Now 18, she has been promoted to Italy’s U19 squad. Although playing time at Roma has been limited due to strong competition, the club values her enough to keep her in the first team rather than loan her out.
21. Habiba Essam (Al Ahly)
At 17, Habiba Essam signed a major deal with Egyptian giants Al Ahly. She quickly proved her worth by scoring frequently and making Egypt’s Premier League Team of the Year. Essam also contributed crucial goals for Egypt’s national team during Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Known for her natural goal-scoring talent, she is developing rapidly in senior football.
20. Laura Berry (Rangers)
Laura Berry has stood out in the Scottish Women’s Premier League with impressive scoring records while on loan at Motherwell. At 18, she returned to Rangers and has been delivering match-winning performances, including a brace in the SWPL Cup semi-final against Celtic. Berry’s versatility and work rate hint at a soon-to-come senior Scotland debut.
19. Kaylee Hunter (AFC Toronto)
Signed before the inaugural Northern Super League season, Canadian Kaylee Hunter impressed immediately, scoring 16 goals in 25 games and earning Rookie of the Year honors. Already recognized as a top prospect in Canada, Hunter’s hunger and physicality drew praise from national coach Casey Stoney upon her senior call-up.
18. Lola Brown (Chelsea, loan at Crystal Palace)
Lola Brown is a fast, skilled winger capable on both flanks, known for her balanced use of both feet. Chelsea’s coach Sonia Bompastor highlighted Brown’s strong mentality, calling her one of England’s most talented young players. Currently gaining tough experience on loan at Crystal Palace, Brown is sharpening the strength needed for top-level football.
17. Indiana dos Santos (Sydney FC)
Called Australia’s brightest young talent, Indiana dos Santos became Sydney FC’s youngest-ever player at 15. She earned Young Footballer of the Year honors after a breakout season but suffered an ACL injury in June 2025. Her mental strength suggests she’ll bounce back and continue to shine creatively.
16. Giovanna Waksman (FC Florida)
Brazilian Giovanna Waksman made waves training in the US with astounding youth numbers: 87 goals and 14 assists in 19 matches. She shone at the 2025 U17 World Cup before a knee injury cut her tournament short. Linked to Lyon, her future looks bright as a powerful attacking talent.
15. Laila Harbert (Arsenal, loan at Everton)
Laila Harbert gained valuable experience on loan with Portland Thorns and Everton. The 18-year-old midfielder impressed with her adaptability and maturity far from home. Harbert looks poised to break into Arsenal’s first team during a period of transition, having also featured for England’s U23s.
14. Ranneke Derks (Ajax)
Part of a strong Dutch youth generation, Ranneke Derks was Player of the Tournament at the U17 Euros, scoring four goals in as many games. Now with Ajax, she balances goal-scoring and creative play despite limited minutes. At 17, her efficient finishing points to a bright senior career ahead.
13. Anais Ebayilin (Paris Saint-Germain)
Anais Ebayilin excels as a defensive midfielder with great positioning and anticipation. She combines strength with excellent ball control and vision, enabling her to create chances. After recovering from an ACL injury, the 18-year-old has become a regular starter at PSG, showcasing her resilience and quality.
12. Camila Haro (Atlas)
Goalkeeper Camila Haro earned recognition early by winning Golden Glove at the 2024 U17 CONCACAF Championship. As Atlas’ first-choice keeper, she stands out even when her team struggles. Mexico’s goalkeeper future looks promising with Haro and Valentina Murrieta, another Golden Glove winner, providing depth.
11. Miharu Shinjo (Tokyo Verdy Beleza)
Dubbed the “next Yui Hasegawa,” Miharu Shinjo was MVP at the 2024 U17 Asian Cup. Debuting as a senior at 17, she helped Tokyo Verdy Beleza win the league and was named Best Young Player. Her creative agility and vision suggest she will soon be a regular for Japan and attract overseas interest.
10. Sophie Proost (Twente)
Sophie Proost moved from Ajax to Twente in 2024 and has since become a key player. She scored three goals in Champions League qualifying and regularly impresses with her two-footed creativity and work ethic. At 19, Proost is an exciting talent in the Eredivisie and European competitions.
9. Kennedy Fuller (Angel City)
Kennedy Fuller is one of the top young Americans in the NWSL. Signed by Angel City just before turning 17, she has delivered impressive performances with creativity, goal-scoring, and leadership. Fuller’s ambidexterity and fearless approach have earned her a senior national team call-up.
8. Luisa Agudelo (San Diego Wave)
After competing for the starting spot at Deportivo Cali, Luisa Agudelo became their No.1 keeper in 2025, helping win the league and reach the Copa Libertadores final. She regularly keeps clean sheets and captains youth national teams. In 2026, she signed a three-year contract with San Diego Wave, showing her steady rise.
7. Trinity Armstrong (San Diego Wave)
San Diego Wave signed 17-year-old Trinity Armstrong as a replacement for Naomi Girma. Armstrong started 18 games in 2025 and scored a decisive late winner. She was key to the US finishing third at the 2024 U17 World Cup, keeping four clean sheets. Armstrong’s composure and defensive skills mark her as a rising star.
6. Aiara Agirrezabala (Real Sociedad)
Aiara Agirrezabala was the youngest player in Spain’s 2024 U17 Euros winning squad and made the Team of the Tournament. She has since thrived at Real Sociedad, playing multiple roles on the left and showing tactical intelligence. Agirrezabala earned her first senior Spain call-up in early 2026, reflecting her rapid development.
5. Claudia Martinez (Washington Spirit)
At 17, Paraguayan Claudia Martinez shared the Golden Boot at the 2025 Copa America with six goals. She had already dominated U17 tournaments and impressed in Copa Libertadores. Now with Washington Spirit after a high-profile transfer, Martinez aims to continue proving her goal-scoring and athletic prowess at the top level.
4. Clara Serrajordi (Barcelona)
Barcelona’s financial troubles have pushed them to rely on youth, and Clara Serrajordi is a shining example. Since her senior debut in 2025, the versatile midfielder has shown great technical skill and game understanding. Praised by Alexia Putellas, she renewed her Barca contract until 2028 and debuted for Spain at 17.
3. Felicia Schroder (Hacken)
Felicia Schroder exploded onto the Swedish Damallsvenskan scene with 30 goals and nine assists in 26 games in 2025, leading Hacken to a league title. Awarded MVP, Best Young Player, and Forward of the Year, the 18-year-old is linked with Europe’s biggest clubs. She blends clinical finishing with flair and creativity.
2. Lily Yohannes (Lyon)
At 15, Lily Yohannes became the youngest pro signing at Ajax and quickly made her Champions League debut. Committing to the US national team, she scored in her first game. Now at Lyon, Yohannes combines vision, work rate, and composure, thriving under pressure and promising a thrilling future.
1. Sydney Schertenleib (Barcelona)
Sydney Schertenleib joined Barcelona in 2024 and swiftly moved from the B team to the first team. Known for her exceptional ball control and creativity, she plays a box-to-box midfield role. At 19, she is already a Swiss national team star with ambitions to win the Ballon d’Or. Her blend of talent and personality makes her the NXGN 2026 winner.
