As the 2025/26 season progresses in Europe’s premier women’s leagues, a new generation of talent is emerging from the shadows of established names. These players, all 23 or under, are delivering performances that suggest bright futures but haven’t yet captured widespread attention.
With data highlighting their contributions in goals, assists, expected metrics, and on-ball actions, this article spotlights nine underrated young stars in women’s football across the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL), Liga F, Première Ligue, and Frauen-Bundesliga.
In a sport where youth development is key to sustaining growth, keeping an eye on these prospects could reveal the next big breakthroughs.
Underrated Young Stars in Women’s Football from the WSL
The WSL continues to be a breeding ground for talent, and this season, several young players are proving their worth in competitive squads.
Michelle Agyemang, a 19-year-old forward for Brighton & Hove Albion, has appeared in five matches, logging 448 minutes. She’s scored one goal against an expected goals (xG) of 2.1, showing efficiency in front of the net despite limited opportunities.
Her shot-creating actions (SCA) stand at 12, with two goal-creating actions (GCA), and she’s demonstrated dribbling ability with successful take-ons in recent outings. Born in England and representing the national team at youth levels, Agyemang’s touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive carries mark her as a dynamic option up top.
Nelly Las, an 18-year-old defender at Leicester City, has featured in four games this season, totaling just 44 minutes, but has already shown promise. With an xG of 0.2 from limited play, her defensive contributions include blocks and interceptions, fitting into a team that’s navigated a challenging campaign.
As a youth international for England, Las’s nationality and age position her as a potential long-term asset in the backline, where her progressive passes and carries add value in build-up play.
Carla Carrillo, a 20-year-old forward who joined Brighton from Real Madrid, has played in 10 matches totaling 296 minutes. Though yet to score, her xG sits at 1.5, indicating she’s getting into good positions.
With four SCA and progressive carries, Carrillo’s youth national team experience with Spain underscores her technical quality. Her pass completion rate of 82.8% and ability to receive progressive passes make her a reliable outlet in attack.
Underrated Young Stars in Women’s Football in Liga F
Liga F boasts some of the world’s best academies, producing players who blend skill with tactical acumen.
Vicky López, a 19-year-old forward-midfielder at Barcelona, has started 10 of 14 matches, amassing 944 minutes. She has netted seven goals with five assists, outperforming her xG of 6.6by a slight margin.
López’s SCA of 77 and GCA of 15 highlight her creativity, while 58 progressive carries and 202 progressive passes received show her involvement in build-up. A Spain international, her contract with Barcelona runs long-term, signaling high expectations.
Esmee Brugts, a 22-year-old defender-forward also at Barcelona, has started nine of 12 matches for 755 minutes. With two goals and an xG of 2.5, Brugts contributes defensively with 14 tackles and offensively through 35 SCA and eight GCA. Her progressive passes (73) and carries (25) demonstrate versatility. Representing the Netherlands, Brugts’s move from PSV has paid dividends.
Linda Caicedo, a 20-year-old forward-midfielder for Real Madrid, has appeared in 10 games, starting six for 592 minutes. Scoring two goals with one assist against an xG of 1.6, Caicedo’s 30 SCA and four GCA reflect her playmaking. With 34 progressive carries and 62 progressive passes received, the Colombian international remains a key figure despite injury concerns earlier in her career.
Broader Context for These Underrated Young Stars in Women’s Football
Beyond Spain, the Première Ligue and Frauen-Bundesliga feature promising talents adapting to high-level demands.
Jule Brand, a 23-year-old forward-midfielder at OL Lyon, has played in 10 matches, starting five for 515 minutes. Scoring two goals with one assist against an xG of 0.7, Brand’s 22 SCA and six GCA show her impact.
Her progressive carries (24) and Germany national team status make her a player to monitor in a star-studded Lyon side. For more on women’s football trends, check out The Athletic’s coverage.
In the Frauen-Bundesliga, Delice Boboy, a 19-year-old forward at RB Leipzig, has started 12 of 14 matches, totaling 1,050 minutes. With one goal and two assists against an xG of 2.6, Boboy’s 29 SCA and six GCA indicate creativity. Her 14 progressive carries and Germany youth caps suggest potential for higher levels.
Kassandra Potsi, a 17-year-old midfielder at Essen, has featured in 10 games, starting four for 442 minutes. Though goalless, her one assist and xG of 0.6 come from creative play, with 13 SCA. Potsi’s 10 progressive carries and youth international experience with Germany position her as a midfield prospect in a rebuilding Essen team.
Wrapping Up
These underrated young stars in women’s football represent the depth of talent across Europe’s leagues, often overshadowed by bigger names but crucial to their teams’ strategies.
The 2025/26 season is highlighting how many young stars in women’s football are still underrated, as they step up and combine raw talent with real impact on the pitch. From Agyemang’s finishing in the WSL to Caicedo’s flair in Liga F, these players are offering exciting glimpses of what the future holds. As the leagues continue to grow, following their progress could reveal the next generation of global icons.
