Jule Brand, Lauren James, Melchie Dumornay, Linda Caicedo & Co: Top 10 rising stars to watch at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
With 32 nations participating in the 2023 edition of the Women's World Cup, there is a plethora of talent on display. We've picked 10 up-and-coming starlets who you should watch out for this summer.
Football
The 2023 Women’s World Cup is officially upon us.
This year’s edition will be held across Australia and New Zealand, with two nations hosting together for the very first time.
It also marks the launch of the extended version of the tournament, with 32 countries now vying for football’s most coveted prize.
From Alexia Putellas to Alex Morgan, some of the sport’s biggest stars will be on show this summer.
But it also provides the opportunity for up-and-coming stars to introduce themselves to the world stage.
With that in mind, we’re taking a look at ten of the most exciting youngsters set to feature in the 2023 World Cup (in no particular order!).
PLOVDIV, BULGARIA - SEPTEMBER 06: Jule Brand of Germany looks ond during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Qualifier group H match between Bulgaria and Germany at Lokomotiv on September 06, 2022 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images for DFB)
Jule Brand (Germany)
In late 2022, Jule Brand was named Europe’s first-ever ‘Golden Girl’, which is a testament to the talent she possesses even at the age of 20. A pacey and powerful winger, the youngster knows how to impact games, whether from the off or when called upon from the bench.
She demonstrated the kind of impact she can have during VfL Wolfsburg’s UCL semi-final against Arsenal at the Emirates, which they went on to win after an inspired display off the bench from Brand in extra-time. This is a player Germany can rely on at the World Cup.
Melchie Dumornay (Haiti)
At just 19 years old, Melchie Dumornay is destined to go to the very top. The ball is already rolling on that matter, having agreed a move to French giants Lyon that will see her join the club this summer. But first, she must help Haiti in their maiden appearance in this competition.
The technical ability this player possesses is second to none. She is excellent in tight areas and attacking the space behind defenders, as well as a pure striker of the ball. Dumornay’s 98th-minute goal secured Haiti’s place in the competition and there is no doubt she will continue to shine as the whole world watches on.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Alyssa Thompson #7 of the USA Women's National Team takes a shot on goal against the Wales National Team in the first half of the Send Off Match at PayPal Park on July 09, 2023 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Alyssa Thompson (USA)
The United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) has entered a new era under head coach Vlatko Andonovski, who has overseen the transition of a new crop of players into the setup that includes the likes of talented youngsters Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman. Among those, is 18-year-old Alyssa Thompson.
The Angel City FC winger is the very definition of fearless. She has only been playing with her NWSL side since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, beginning earlier this year, but already looks right at home. A player that loves to pick up the ball and drive towards the byline, she is making herself a nightmare for opposition defenders who find it difficult to deal with her twisting and winding runs toward goal. If her NWSL outings are anything to go by, and she gets the backing of her manager, she is certainly a player who can set the world stage alight.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (Australia)
At just 21 years old, tournaments simply do not come bigger than that of the World Cup. Add into the mix that it is played on home soil, and you’ll get what Kyra Cooney-Cross is about to experience.
She is a far cry from home when it comes to club football, playing for Hammarby in Sweden, but it has paid dividends when it comes to her game. Despite Cooney-Cross’ youth, she plays in the middle of the park with the composure of a veteran. Her display against England, in which she helped completely nullify the threat of Lionsses duo Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, is evidence enough that she is ready to deliver on the biggest stage of all.
CALI, COLOMBIA - JUNE 21: Linda Caicedo of Colombia looks on during a friendly match between Colombia and Panama at Estadio Pascual Guerrero on June 21, 2023 in Cali, Colombia. (Photo by Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
Linda Caicedo (Colombia)
Colombia are back in the Women’s World Cup having last appeared in 2015 and have a new crop of talent in their arsenal–one of which includes 18-year-old Linda Caicedo. Having made her professional debut at just 14, it was obvious Caicedo’s career was set on an upward trajectory, and after helping Deportivo Cali be crowned league champions, this year saw her get a move to Liga F club Real Madrid.
She has already demonstrated her talent on the big stage when she was named the best player at the 2022 Copa America Femenina. That’s right, not the best young player, but the best player point blank. Regardless of her age, she can be a real point of difference for Colombia this summer.
Salma Paralluelo (Spain)
It is hard to imagine a world in which Salma Paralluelo had chosen to continue pursuing athletics over football. A life on the track instead of one in which she helps FC Barcelona to the league and Champions League double. The 19-year-old thankfully opted for football, and is now reaping the rewards of her choice with the Catalan giants.
One of the key strengths of her game is her versatility, with the exciting attacker able to play anywhere across the front three while maintaining her threat on goal. Unsurprisingly, with a history on the track, she has electric pace–but the most impressive thing is her ability to use that in the right moments, showing her intelligent reading of the game by knowing which runs to make and when to make them.
FUERTH, GERMANY - JULY 07: Lena Oberdorf of Germany plays the ball during the Women's international friendly between Germany and Zambia at Sportpark Ronhof Thomas Sommer on July 07, 2023 in Fuerth, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
Lena Oberdorf (Germany)
The German holding midfielder already had a breakout tournament last year, when she helped her nation to the final of the European Championships. Though they were ultimately beaten by England in extra time, Lena Oberdorf was rightfully crowned Young Player of the Tournament.
Oberdorf was on hand once again, this time for her club VfL Wolfsburg, to help them reach the final of the Champions League, showcasing her abilities in spite of their eventual loss. It feels like this 21-year-old has been around for quite some time now, yet there is still so much more to come from the German.
Kathrine Kühl (Denmark)
It is not common for a football player to be comfortable with the ball at both feet, but it comes as second nature to Kathrine Kühl. The young Dane acts as a creative hub for the side she is playing for and not only has the vision to pick a pass, but the execution to make sure it reaches her teammate perfectly.
She may only be 20, but Kühl plays with a lot of maturity. The starlet has often been referred to in the past as the next Pernille Harder, a fellow Dane who will captain their homeland at the upcoming World Cup. But, quite simply, she is not the next someone, she is the first Kûhl, and she is no doubt ready to introduce herself to the world this summer.
SENDAI, JAPAN - JULY 14: Maika Hamano of Japan in action during the international friendly match between Japan and Panama at Yurtec Stadium Sendai on July 14, 2023 in Sendai, Japan. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)
Maika Hamano (Japan)
When Maika Hamano won the Golden Ball award at the FIFA Under-20s World Cup last year, it was clear to see that the 19-year-old has a bright future. Fast forward to 2023. She signed a long-term contract with English giants Chelsea, before heading out on loan to the Damallsvenskan with Hammarby IF to hone her craft.
The Japanese international took the Swedish scene by storm, helping her temporary club to Cup glory with her contributions all over the pitch. A particular strength of her game is her vision – known to drop deep and receive the ball, her ability to be able to pick out passes becomes even more valuable. With Mana Iwabuchi a shock exclusion from Japan’s World Cup squad, Hamano looks destined to fulfil that role going forward.
Lauren James (England)
Whether you’re new on the scene or a veteran of the game, you can be forgiven for finding it difficult to get the ball off Lauren James. It is almost as though there is a magnetic pull that keeps it attached to her feet, partnered with her ability to navigate tight spaces and emerge from them still in possession, making her one of the most difficult opponents on the pitch despite still being just 21.
James has been navigating the senior scene for some time now, but it feels as though 2022/23 with Chelsea was a real breakout year for her. She became a fixture of Emma Hayes’ side domestically and in the UEFA Champions League too, ending the Women’s Super League campaign with seven-goal involvements on the way to lifting the title. There is no doubt this could be the tournament that sees her really break out on the international stage, too.