After the launch of NXGN 2025, GOAL picks out 10 success stories from previous editions, from USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw to Lionesses winger Lauren James
It is five years since GOAL's women's NXGN list launched, taking stock of the best wonderkids in the women's game. In the time since, there have been a lot of success stories, players who have broken records, won the biggest titles and established themselves among the best club and international teams in the sport.
It's never easy for top prospects to live up to the expectations around them. Injuries can interfere, transfers can fail to work out and plenty of other factors have the potential to come into play as these talented young players bid to become stars of the game. Fortunately, though, many of them do live up to the billing and plenty of those names on the six NXGN lists to date, after this week's launch of the 2025 edition, have been lighting up the women's game in recent times.
So, who are the biggest success stories from NXGN lists of years gone by? Here are 10 women's wonderkids who have gone on to become superstars…
Getty ImagesEsmee Brugts
Included on the NXGN 2022 list, Esmee Brugts established herself as a regular in the Eredivisie with PSV as a 16-year-old and showed enough quality in her first two senior seasons to be included in the Netherlands' squad for the 2022 European Championship. Capable of playing across the front line, as a No.10, a wing-back or a full-back, her performances for club and country put her on the radar of Europe's top clubs and, after starring in all five of her country's games at the 2023 Women's World Cup, she would sign for Barcelona.
Despite being just 20 years old at that point, Brugts quickly established herself in Catalunya and helped Barca win an historic first quadruple on the women's side in her debut season. Now in her second year there, the young forward continues to be a marvel.
AdvertisementGettyLinda Caicedo
When Linda Caicedo was first named to the women's NXGN list back in 2020, she had only just celebrated her 15th birthday and, as such, was the youngest player included. As a 14-year-old, she had won the Golden Boot in the Colombian top-flight and led America de Cali to a first league title, before signing for bitter rivals Deportivo Cali in a transfer that was supposed to lead to a Barcelona move further down the line.
As it transpired, after starring for Colombia at a flurry of Under-17, U20 and senior national-team tournaments, the flying winger would actually join Barca's historic rivals, Real Madrid, after celebrating her 18th birthday. Caicedo is a star player for Las Blancas and has done some remarkable things for her country, stealing the show as they reached the Copa America final in 2022 and enjoyed a best-ever Women's World Cup run in 2023.
Getty ImagesMelchie Dumornay
The NXGN 2022 winner, Melchie Dumornay was first included on a women's NXGN list back in 2020, having caught the eye in a number of CONCACAF youth tournaments. The versatile midfielder, who can also play in the front line, made her senior debut for Haiti in January 2020, aged 16, and would be on her way to Europe shortly after her 18th birthday.
Despite impressing Lyon, the eight-time Champions League winners, on a trial previously, and having dozens of suitors, it was Reims with whom Dumornay chose to take this next step of her career. A club with a fantastic reputation for developing young talent, the teenager would thrive under head coach Amandine Miquel and inevitably signed for Lyon, the team of her dreams, ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Now 21 years old, Dumornay is a key player for one of Europe's biggest clubs and has played in a Champions League final. More significant, though, have been her contributions for Haiti; the talented youngster helped her country qualify for a first Women's World Cup in 2023 and showcased her talents there to impress a whole new audience.
Getty ImagesMary Fowler
Named to the first women's NXGN list in 2020, Mary Fowler had already made her debut for Australia at that time, aged 15, and was included in the Matildas' squad for the 2019 Women's World Cup a year later. Following that tournament, she graced the domestic league for the first time, with Adelaide United, and impressed so quickly that she was on her way to Europe within just three months, signing for French club Montpellier.
Two years later, a switch to Manchester City beckoned, with her breaking through to become a first-team regular during the 2023-24 season. She remains key for the Cityzens today and holds perhaps an even greater status with her national team, whom she helped reach an Olympic semi-final in 2021 and, crucially, the last four of their home World Cup in 2023.