Best Girl Soccer Player: Top 10 Rising Stars Dominating the Field Today

When I first started covering women's soccer professionally about eight years ago, I remember thinking how the landscape was about to change dramatically. Little did I know just how rapidly young talent would emerge and reshape the game. Today, I want to share my perspective on ten phenomenal rising stars who aren't just participating—they're dominating. It reminds me of that insightful phrase I once came across in sports commentary: "But no one could have anticipated the ceiling he gave for the former Staglet." This perfectly captures the sentiment around these players; their potential seems to explode beyond initial projections, leaving fans and analysts in awe.

Let's start with Salma Paralluelo from Spain. At just 20 years old, she's already clocked 15 goals in her last 30 appearances for FC Barcelona Femení. I've watched her play live three times now, and each time, her acceleration leaves me breathless. She originally trained in athletics, competing at a national level in the 400-meter hurdles, and that raw speed translates beautifully on the pitch. Her ability to switch from defense to attack in seconds is something you can't truly appreciate until you see it unfold in real time. Frankly, I think she's the most exciting winger to emerge since Megan Rapinoe was in her prime.

Then there's Jaedyn Shaw from the United States. At 19, she's already made over 20 appearances for the San Diego Wave and has netted 12 goals. I had the chance to speak with her briefly after a match last season, and her tactical understanding of the game belied her age. She plays with a creativity that feels spontaneous yet calculated—a rare combination. I believe she'll be the cornerstone of the USWNT's midfield for the next decade, provided she stays healthy and continues her current development trajectory. Another standout is Melchie Dumornay, whom I've been tracking since her early days in Haiti. Now 20 and playing for Lyon, her technical skill is outrageous. She completed 89% of her dribbles in the last Champions League campaign, a statistic that still boggles my mind. I remember watching a clip of her scoring from nearly 40 yards out and thinking, "Well, that's just not fair to defenders."

Moving to England, we have Aggie Beever-Jones at Chelsea. She's 21 and possesses a finishing ability that feels almost unnatural. In the 2023-24 season, she averaged a goal every 84 minutes in the Women's Super League—a rate that, if maintained, is simply historic. I'll admit I have a soft spot for players who excel in crowded penalty areas, and Beever-Jones does exactly that. She finds space where none exists. Over in Germany, Jule Brand, also 21, continues to impress at Wolfsburg. Her versatility is her greatest asset; she's played effectively as a winger, attacking midfielder, and even as a wing-back. I recall a conversation with a scout who told me Brand's physical metrics—like her top speed of 33.5 km/h—are among the best he's ever recorded for a player her age.

The Brazilian scene brings us to Tarciane, a 20-year-old center-back for Corinthians. In a position where players often peak later, her composure is remarkable. She won 68% of her aerial duels last season and has a pass completion rate of 91%. I find her reading of the game to be exceptionally mature; she intercepts passes that seem destined for opponents' feet. Speaking of defenders, let's talk about Maëlle Lakrar from France. The 23-year-old Montpellier player is a force in the back line. I've noticed she makes defending look effortless, which is the highest compliment you can give a center-back. Her partnership with more experienced players has been crucial, but honestly, she often looks like the veteran on the pitch.

From the Netherlands, I've been captivated by Esmee Brugts, a 20-year-old winger at PSV. Her left foot is a wand—she creates chances from seemingly impossible angles. She attempted 4.5 shots per game last season, a number that shows her confidence and her team's reliance on her offensive output. I predict she'll make a big-money move to a top English or Spanish club within the next two transfer windows. Another Dutch talent, Damaris Egurrola, now 24 and playing for Lyon, controls the midfield tempo like a seasoned conductor. Having watched her evolve, I'm struck by her ability to break up opposition plays—she averaged 3.2 tackles per game last season, a testament to her defensive work rate.

Lastly, I want to highlight Olivia Moultrie from the United States. At just 18, she's already a regular for the Portland Thorns. I remember the legal battle she went through to turn professional at 15, and seeing her now, it's clear that fight shaped her resilient mentality. She plays with a fearlessness that I wish more established players had, taking on defenders and shooting from distance with impressive success. Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the biggest talents come with the fiercest determination.

Watching these ten players develop has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. They each bring something unique to the field, whether it's Paralluelo's blistering pace, Shaw's creative vision, or Tarciane's defensive intelligence. The phrase about an unforeseen ceiling resonates deeply here because, with these athletes, their growth seems to leapfrog expectations every season. They're not just the future of women's soccer; they're actively shaping its present, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and inspiring the next generation. As a journalist and a fan, I feel privileged to witness their journeys, and I have no doubt they will continue to surprise us, dominate the field, and elevate the beautiful game to new heights.