Seven players to watch at Women’s Euro 2025

It’s not long before the 2025 Women’s Euro gets underway in Switzerland.

England Women are the defending champions, and four years ago, many of Sarina Wiegman’s squad went from relative unknowns to household names.

There’s no question: across the past decade, the women’s game is growing at an accelerated rate, and even to casual supporters, those who will be strutting their stuff in the landlocked country are familiar faces.

Even with that being said, it’s worth pointing out seven players who need to be kept an eye on, whether they’re representing a favourite to take home the prize or an underdog looking to make an impact.

Klara Buhl (Germany)

Germany stand as a dominant force in European women’s football, boasting eight championships – six more than their nearest rival. However, their last triumph came in 2013, marking a remarkable sixth consecutive title.

In the 2022 final at Wembley, they narrowly lost to England in extra time. Many key players from that squad return, including left-winger Klara Bühl, who, despite missing the semi-finals and final due to a positive COVID test, was named in the Team of the Tournament.

Now 24, Buhl has solidified her status as a key player, contributing to Bayern Munich’s recent Bundesliga success and earning a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics. Alongside Lea Schuller and Jule Brand, she forms a formidable German attack that enters the finals in exceptional scoring form (averaging 4.8 goals across their previous five matches).

Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway)

Recognised at an early age for her refined technique, vision, and remarkable ability to excel in one-on-one duels. Caroline Graham Hansen first made a name for herself at Wolfsburg before becoming a standout player for Barcelona in 2019.

Today, she is widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the world, thanks to her speed, creativity, and impressive efficiency in both assists and goal-scoring. If she can regain her best form at the Euros, the vice-captain has the potential to lead Norway far in the tournament.

At Barcelona, she typically plays on the right wing, often combining with Aitana Bonmati. However, for the Norwegian national team, she has a more versatile role, finding space behind Ada Hegerberg. Last year, the 30-year-old finally received the recognition she deserved, finishing second in the Ballon d’Or and being included in the Fifa Best team.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France)

France are embarking on a new chapter in their football journey, one that emphasises teamwork over reliance on star players. This transition places significant importance on experienced starters, particularly Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Now fully recovered from the serious ACL injury she sustained during the last Euros against Belgium, the 26-year-old Katoto is expected to play a crucial role as France seek to meet high expectations following recent tournament disappointments.

Although her performance for Paris Saint-Germain last season didn’t showcase her typical impressive statistics, partly due to a strained relationship with head coach Fabrice Abriel and her subsequent departure after 11 years, she still managed to score 12 goals in 16 league appearances. With her recent transfer to Lyon in early June, Katoto has moved away from the challenging atmosphere at PSG, positioning herself for a potential breakout at the Euros.

Known for excelling on big stages, demonstrated by her five goals in four matches at last year’s home Olympics, Katoto’s role as a central figure in the attack will be vital for France’s ambitions of making a deep run in Switzerland.

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Alessia Russo (England)

If England aim to reach the final and defend their title, Alessia Russo could play a pivotal role. She gained recognition during England’s 2022 victory for her consistent performance, showcasing her talent in crucial moments. Her contributions were also vital in the Lionesses’ journey to the 2023 World Cup Final, solidifying her position as Wiegman’s primary offensive asset. While playing for Arsenal, she secured the WSL Golden Boot with 12 goals in the 2024-25 season and was instrumental in their historic Champions League win in 2025, finishing with seven goals.

Stina Blackstenius (Sweden)

Tournament football is defined by key moments, and few players are as adept at seizing them as Stina Blackstenius. The Swedish forward possesses a remarkable ability to be in the right place at the right time.

While she may not be Arsenal’s leading striker, often playing behind Russo, her impact last season underscored her worth. A career-defining moment came in May when she netted the sole goal in the Champions League final, contributing to an inspiring underdog narrative during a season marked by several teams ending long trophy droughts.

As she gears up to represent Sweden this summer, Blackstenius will be determined to showcase her talent for delivering in critical moments on the international stage. With Sweden’s last major title dating back to 1984, the pressing question is whether Blackstenius can rise to the occasion and shine when it truly counts.

Alexia Putellas (Spain)

A two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, Alexia Putellas is a name synonymous with excellence in women’s football, yet her journey is marked by resilience. Just as she was poised to showcase her prowess at Euro 2022, an ACL injury sidelined her on the tournament’s eve.

Fast-forward to now, the Barcelona midfielder has been in remarkable form with both club and country. With only Ewa Pajor surpassing her in goals scored in Liga F, and no player matching her assist tally, she achieved double figures in both categories.

Her impact extends to European competitions, exemplified by her three assists in the Chelsea semi-final. As Spain seek to claim a title that has eluded them, Putellas has the potential to deliver the performance that was missed in 2022, possibly leading to a third golden ball this autumn.

Ewa Pajor (Poland)

Barcelona had long sought an elite No. 9, and the acquisition of Ewa Pajor from Wolfsburg last summer fulfilled that need. Her remarkable tally of 47 goals in 46 matches during the 2024-25 season not only helped secure another Spanish title for the club but also underscored her status as one of the world’s top strikers.

Despite her impressive track record, Pajor has often been overlooked, partly due to the relative obscurity of the Bundesliga and the fact that her Polish national team had not qualified for major tournaments. However, her pivotal role in leading Poland to this summer’s Euros marks a turning point, as she now has the opportunity to gain the recognition she deserves.

Facing formidable opponents like Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, Poland will likely adopt a defensive strategy, making Pajor’s relentless pursuit of scoring opportunities crucial in their opening matches.

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