12 Up and Coming International Soccer Stars

Sports are star-driven entities that make us want to tune in and watch the best of the best. If it weren’t for the stars that we love to watch, the beautiful game would not be the same. As one generation of stars starts to fade, a new generation will come to take their place. We’re putting this list together to let you know who that next generation is. Here’s our current list of 12 up-and-coming international stars that you need to know now and in the future. 

 

Yui Hasegawa – Man City and Japan

The 27-year-old Japanese midfielder has blossomed into a star at Manchester City after moving from West Ham. Hasegawa made a huge sacrifice and slid deeper into a defensive No. 6 role compared to playing higher up the pitch at West Ham. Hasegawa managed to learn the new position on the fly while putting together her best season as a pro. Players like Hasegawa are hidden until they move to a bigger club, her move to Man City has shown she’s set to lead the Japan national team into the future. 

 

Sjoeke Nusken – Chelsea and Germany

Sjoeke Nusken has quickly emerged as one of the more versatile midfielders in the world. The Germany international is only 23 and has her best years in front of her. Chelsea’s scouting department did an incredible job finding her at Eintracht Frankfurt before bringing her in last year. From the moment she entered the starting lineup, she’s shown that she belongs and will surely be an anchor for Germany’s midfield in the future. 

 

Manuela Giugliano – Roma and Italy

Manuela Giugliano is Italy’s latest up-and-coming sensation who has become the nation’s best player. The Italian midfield maestro recorded a ridiculous 16 goals and 15 assists in one calendar year. If that isn’t pulling the strings for her team, I don’t know what is. Thanks to her, Roma has become a legitimate player in the Champions League and will surely be the most important player for Italy in future competitions. 

 

Tarciane – Houston Dash and Brazil

Houston splashed the cash to bring in Tarciane, and while the Dash struggled, she was one of their lone bright spots this season. The 21-year-old starlet was a commanding presence who is on a trajectory to become one of the top three defenders in the world at the minimum. Houston needs to improve its roster and become competitive quickly in order to keep Tarciane in the long term. If not, she’s destined for a big club, and Houston could certainly use the money.

 

Laura Freigang – Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany

Laura Freigang is an unsung hero who doesn’t get enough shine for what she does. Freigang has been loyal to Eintracht Frankfurt for the last six years and is looking to restore the club to its former glory as four-time winners of the Champions League. Freigang is the main reason why Frankfurt sits in third place in the Frauen Bundesliga. Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich are giants ahead of them right now, but if Freigang keeps this up, one of those two clubs will surely come after her in the future. 

 

Melchie Dumornay – Lyon and Haiti

Melchie Dumornay was a record signing for Lyon and for a Haitian player. All Dumornay has done is live up to the hype, with 19 goals for the club in 27 appearances up until this point. At just 21, she might be the player on this list with the most potential to become a superstar. If you get the chance to watch Lyon play, keep an eye out for Dumornay; she’s something special. 

 

Ingrid Engen – Barcelona and Norway

The Norwegian international didn’t get many opportunities on a star-studded Barcelona squad in the prior seasons. This year, Engen has emerged as a starter and key piece for the Catalonian side. Engen was one of the team’s starting center-backs in the last Champions League Final. Norway has to be thrilled with her progress at the club level, and it will help make Norway even stronger as they prepare for the EURO 2025 this summer. 

 

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – Chelsea and Sweden

The Swedish international, otherwise known as “JRK,” has come out of nowhere to become a key figure for Chelsea in the midfield. A void needed to be filled with a few stars leaving the club, and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd stepped up in a big way. Kaneryd was plucked from the Swedish league and has made a name for herself in the WSL with four goals in ten games already this season. Coming from the midfield position, that is highly productive and should seal her place in the starting lineup for other key fixtures for the club.

 

Teresa Abelleira – Real Madrid and Spain

Teresa Abelleira is one of those future stars who could play an even bigger role in Spain’s midfield as their golden generation gets older. At 24, she’s already a leader for Real Madrid and gives the squad some skill, versatility, and toughness alongside Linda Caicedo and Olga Carmona. Real Madrid is doing what it can to break into Barceolona’s dominance, and Teresa Abelleira will be at the forefront of that. 

 

Laia Aleixandri – Manchester City and Spain

Laia Aleixandri is a prime example of how deep Spain’s player pool is. The Spanish international burst onto the scene for both club and country this year but simply couldn’t get into either team’s starting lineup if it weren’t for injuries. Aleixandri took her opportunity and ran with it, making 26 appearances for Manchester City and Spain combined. There’s another new defender to keep an eye on, and that’s Laia Aleixandri.

 

Damaris Egurrola – Lyon and Netherlands

The Dutch international actually has dual status with Spain but ended up playing for the Netherlands from 2022. Lyon have experienced injuries over the last year which allowed for Egurrola to become an important player for Lyon. Egurrola is only 25 which means Lyon have a player who is entering her prime, her best years are ahead of her and she’s only getting better with each season.

 

Niamh Charles – Chelsea and England

Niamh Charles experienced some growing pains early on when playing for Chelsea but she’s starting to figure it out and emerge as a major player for the club. Whenever Lucy Bronze chooses to retire, England has their next great fullback to take over. Charles is a converted attacker, and those instincts make her great in attack as well. She’s a huge piece for Chelsea moving forward. 

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