The inaugural Women’s Kopa Trophy, set to honour the world’s best under-21 female footballer, has announced its shortlist ahead of the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, and England’s Michelle Agyemang is the headline act.
Just four years ago, the 19-year-old was a ball girl at Wembley during England’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland, the first game of head coach Sarina Wiegman.
Now, she’s one of the most talked-about young players on the planet and a stronger contender for the Kopa trophy award.
At UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, Agyemang delivered a tournament to remember after scoring two last-gasp equalisers that rescued England from elimination.
She then came off the bench in the final against Spain in Basel, helping England clinch the title.
But Agyemang is not alone on the list of exceptional young talent. Below is a list of young female players who can equally win the Kopa trophy after an incredible year.
Linda Caicedo (Colombia)
Already a global name at just 20, Caicedo shone at both the 2023 Women’s World Cup and Copa América Femenina.
The Real Madrid winger combines flair, intelligence, and maturity beyond her years, a consistent match-winner for both club and country.
Wieke Kaptein (Netherlands)
A commanding presence in midfield, the 19-year-old plays with the composure of a veteran.
Kaptein played a key role for FC Twente before securing a move to Chelsea.
She’s considered the future of Dutch women’s football, with tactical sharpness and elite vision.
Claudia Martinez Ovando (Paraguay)
Perhaps the least known globally, the 17-year-old striker lit up South America’s U-20 scene with her prolific goal-scoring.
Her physical strength, positional sense, and deadly finishing have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s best centre-forwards.
Vicky Lopez (Spain)
A technically gifted attacking midfielder, Lopez has already debuted for Spain’s senior team and continues to thrive at Barcelona.
At 19, she was part of the Spain side that reached the Euro 2025 final and is widely seen as one of La Masia’s finest female products.
While each nominee brings something special, it’s Agyemang’s fairytale rise, from ball girl to Euro champion, that captures the imagination.
The winner of the first-ever Women’s Kopa Trophy will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, September 22, 2025.
The prestigious event will celebrate the world’s finest footballing talent across both the men’s and women’s game.
FKA/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Derrick Maccaire opens up on challenges in kickboxing, MMA in Ghana
