STARLETS WHO SHONE IN 2018
We look at 10 youngsters who impressed at this year’s FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups
PATRI GUIJARRO
Winner of both the adidas Golden Ball and Golden Boot at France 2018, the Spain midfielder was truly outstanding. Vision, athleticism and goalscoring ability mark her out as a future star of the women’s game.
SAORI TAKARADA
Fast, skilful and deadly in front of goal, the dynamic Takarada served up five goals and three assists during Japan’s march to the U-20 Women’s World Cup title.
GEORGIA STANWAY
The skilful and industrious Manchester City forward specialises in spectacular goals, and she scored six times to help England to an impressive third-place finish.
MOEKA MINAMI
Classy and commanding, the tall defender – Japan’s captain – was a key factor in the champions conceding just three times in six France 2019 matches.
SANDY MACIVER
The young England goalkeeper was rewarded with the adidas Golden Glove award for some superb saves in France, including two in the shootout win over the hosts that secured her team’s best-ever U-20 Women’s World Cup finish
CLAUDIA PINA
It seemed everything in Spain’s title-winning U-17 Women’s World Cup side revolved around Pina. Speedy, skilful and composed in front of goal, the Barcelona youngster was named the tournament’s outstanding player after tallying seven goals and an assist.
NICOLE PEREZ
The influential central midfielder was a joy to watch in Mexico’s run to the final, picking up three Player of the Match awards and captaining her team with skill, intelligence and tenacity.
MUKARAMA ABDULAI
This irrepressible striker is one of African women’s football’s great hopes for the future. She was the top scorer at Uruguay 2018, ending the tournament with seven goals and two assists in just four appearances.
CATALINA COLL
One of her position’s rising stars, Spain's goalkeeper – a penalty shootout heroine against Korea DPR in the last eight – conceded just three times in six appearances en route to picking up a winner’s medal and the adidas Golden Glove award.
GRACE WISNEWSKI
Fast, athletic and packing a powerful shot, the striker inspired New Zealand to a historic bronze-medal finish with a brace in their third-place play-off win over Canada. She also picked up two Player of the Match awards over the course of the Kiwis’ campaign.
BIG STAGE BECKONS
Will any of these youngsters be called upon to represent their senior sides at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup?
FRANCE 2019