2023 Women's World Cup: Potential tournament breakout stars
The Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be packed with the game's biggest stars, but there are a number of up and coming youngsters ready to make their mark on the global stage.
With the competition having more competing teams than ever, the expectation for a brilliant tournament is higher than ever.
Let's see who has the potential to be a breakout star at the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
1. Mary Fowler
Age: 20
Country: Australia
Club: Manchester City
Having made her international debut at the age of 15, participated in the 2019 World Cup at 16, and moved to Montpellier at 17, Fowler has long been regarded as Australia's beacon of hope for the future.
Renowned for her creativity as a forward, Fowler confidently takes on defenders and possesses the ability to unleash powerful shots. Moreover, her exceptional vision and adeptness at finding teammates with both feet mark her as a prospective playmaker.
In fact, few individuals elicit such effusive praise from the Matildas skipper, Sam Kerr herself, who insists that Fowler, not even Kerr as Australia's leading goalscorer, holds the title of the team's finest and most natural finisher.
However, such accolades, remarkable as they may be, are not a recent phenomenon. The intelligent forward has been the subject of extensive discussions within the women's game for over half a decade and entered the previous FIFA Women's World Cup as the youngest player among the 552 participants.
In front of a home crowd this summer, she's sure to make her mark.
2. Jun Endo
Age: 23
Country: Japan
Club: Angel City
From witnessing the Nadeshiko's triumph in the 2011 Women's World Cup as a mere fourth-grader, Jun Endo's journey has taken her from an inspired spectator to an integral contributor to the Japanese national team.
As a left-footed player, her speed and proficiency on the wing have been recognised by Nadeshiko head coach Futoshi Ikeda, who has said her ability to create opportunities and operate independently is invaluable.
In the 2022 NWSL season, Endo started and played 22 games for Angel City, accumulating substantial playing time and ranking among the team's top forward players.
Endo's versatility as a dangerous crosser, capable of performing anywhere along the left touchline or even in central midfield, has allowed her to alternate between being a key substitute and a starter for the Japanese team.
With Endo and fellow young talent Aoba Fujino striving to establish themselves in the national team rotation, Japan possesses creative potential on the wings that could harm opponents in the upcoming tournament.
3. Athenea del Castillo
Age: 22
Country: Spain
Club: Real Madrid
Athenea del Castillo has now established herself as one of the most potent playmakers in Spain after two seasons at Real Madrid.
While Del Castillo has always displayed flair and exceptional dribbling skills, she is rapidly evolving into one of her country's most dependable creators.
Her versatility is another asset, as she can effectively operate on either wing based on the team's needs and the coach's instructions. Although primarily deployed as a left winger, the young forward from Real Madrid has also excelled in the number 10 role.
Many will remember her giving Rachel Daly an incredibly difficult time during Spain's loss to England in the quarter-finals of the Euros. She has the capability to make the most senior defenders look foolish with her flair and trickery, and it comes as no surprise that Spain will rely on her in tough matches during the summer if they are to live up to any expectations.
4. Jayde Riviere
Age: 22
Country: Canada
Club: Manchester United
Having already made three appearances at the 2019 World Cup at the young age of 18, including a start against New Zealand in the group stage, Riviere's previous experience at this level undoubtedly brings valuable benefits.
Forming part of a fearsomely strong Canadian back line alongside Ashley Lawrence, Kadeisha Buchanan, and Vanessa Gilles, Riviere contributes to a squad that could potentially emerge as dark horses for the tournament victory this year. Despite being the reigning Olympic Gold medalists, Canada's odds to lift the World Cup trophy are lower compared to tournament favourites due to their transition period.
Riviere's exceptional speed and defensive skills make her an invaluable asset in the backline. Furthermore, her ability to contribute to the team's offensive play adds an extra dimension to their attacks. As a defender, she not only enhances the team's defensive solidity but also showcases her aptitude for creating scoring opportunities through overlapping runs and accurate crosses. With her remarkable speed and agility, Riviere poses a formidable challenge for opposing defenders.
READ MORE ON THE UPCOMING WOMEN'S WORLD CUP IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
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5. Racheal Kundananji
Age: 23
Country: Zambia
Club: Madrid CFF
Nigeria were the last African team to advance to the quarter finals of the Women's World Cup back in 1999. Since then, African nations have continuously attempted to replicate and better the feat to little success.
Should Zambia achieve the seemingly miraculous feat, there's no doubt Racheal Kundananji will play a significant role in their success.
Kundananji, who currently plays for Madrid CFF in Spain, has made a remarkable impact in her first season. With 17 goals and two assists in 23 matches, her scoring prowess is evident. Furthermore, her audacious style of play sets her apart, making her an absolute standout to watch.
At the end of the club season, she strung together a series of impressive performances including a hat-trick in Madrid's dominant 6-2 victory over Alhama, a goal in a 2-0 triumph against Valencia and a brace in the astonishing 2-1 upset over Barcelona.
Kundananji narrowly missed out on the top scorer accolade, finishing in second place with an impressive tally of 25 goals. She fell just behind Alba Redondo of Levante, who scored 27 goals, and surpassed Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona, who managed 21.
Zambia may not be a tournament favourite, or a dark horse contender, but they can certainly become everyone's favourite underdog, and Kundananji will be eager to impress.
6. Jule Brand
Age: 20
Country: Germany
Club: VfL Wolfsburg
In 2019, Giulia Gwinn made a remarkable breakthrough for Germany in the Women's World Cup, featuring in every minute of the team's five matches and earning recognition as the best young player with a goal and an assist.
Should Germany produce another player capable of claiming this accolade, it will likely be Jule Brand. At only 20 years old, Brand brings versatility to the squad, capable of playing in various positions across all three parts of the field. Her adaptability proved valuable as a super sub during the last European Championships, where Germany finished as runners-up.
While she initially served as a substitute in the tournament, Brand earned a starting role in the team's last two matches, playing the full 90 minutes in the semi final against France and until half time against England. Furthermore, her consistent performances for Wolfsburg suggest her role within the German national team will continue to grow.
Germany's attacking force benefits from the maturity of experienced players like captain Alexandra Popp, Svenja Huth, and Lina Magull. If Brand can establish strong chemistry with fellow youngsters Lena Oberdorf, Klara Buhl and Sydney Lohmann, Germany become one of the favourites in the tournament.
7. Trinity Rodman
Age: 21
Country: United States
Club: Washington Spirit
You don't become the highest paid player in the league at 19 years old for no reason, right?
Trinity Rodman is one of the NWSL's biggest breakout stories, and this World Cup is a chance to take her stardom to an international level.
After a dominant first year in the league, Rodman guided the Washington Spirit to a league champion and was subsequently named the NWSL's rookie of the year.
Recognising Rodman’s importance to the team and league, the Spirit signed her to a four-year deal worth more than $1.1m, the richest package in NWSL history.
In a league filled with accomplished attackers and national team veterans, Rodman has stood out. And her opportunity for increased playing time at the upcoming World Cup may arise due to Mallory Swanson's injury, and if she continues to refine her game and add more finesse to her exceptional speed and urgency, she has the potential to achieve great things.
Whether she represents the Washington Spirit in the NWSL or the USWNT, Rodman brings an impressive balance to her team's attacks. She displays directness and goalscoring threat. She effortlessly bypasses opposing defenders, surges forward, and produces electrifying moments.
In terms of chance creation through passing, Rodman's ability surpasses many players in the U.S. talent pool. Utilising her speed and skill to create space and find her teammates, Rodman maintains chemistry and positional rotations on the wings, while also introducing a new dimension to the team, a key quality that the United States will need if they want to retain their trophy this summer.