Five Women’s Olympic Football Stars to Watch in the 2024/2025 Season

Sports John Brightwater September 2, 2024

Five Women’s Olympic Football Stars to Watch in the 2024/2025 Season

The upcoming football season promises to showcase remarkable talent, especially following the extraordinary performances witnessed during the Paris 2024 Olympics. The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) triumphed in securing their fifth gold medal, triumphing over Brazil led by the legendary Marta, who bid an emotional farewell in her final Olympic appearance. With 76 goals scored throughout 26 matches in a thrilling month of competition, the Olympics served not only as a platform for established athletes but also propelled newer talents into the spotlight.

As the players prepare for the domestic season with their respective clubs, attention should be directed towards five exceptional players who made significant impacts during the Games.

**Trinity Rodman:**
One standout from the USWNT is forward Trinity Rodman, who emerged as a pivotal player during her Olympic debut. Rodman contributed three goals and one assist, showcasing her versatility on the wing as well as her impressive defensive work rate, which was integral to Coach Emma Hayes’ strategy. Her multifaceted skill set allows her to contribute in various phases of play, emphasizing teamwork throughout the tournament. Rodman currently plays for the Washington Spirit, who are in a strong position within the NWSL standings, reflecting her continued impact on the field.

**Giulia Gwinn:**
From Germany, Giulia Gwinn demonstrated her reliability under pressure, scoring critical goals including a decisive penalty that secured her team the bronze medal. Despite being a right-back, her ability to cover ground and score has made her a significant player for Bayern Munich, where she continues to perform well in club football. Her upcoming league match against RB Leipzig presents another opportunity to demonstrate her skills.

**Barbra Banda:**
Zambia’s Barbra Banda has been heralded as one of the most formidable forwards, proving her worth with an impressive Olympic performance. Banda scored three goals in a single match against Australia, setting an Olympic record with her third hat-trick, and narrowly trailing Cristiane’s record of 14 Olympic goals. Currently with the Orlando Pride, she continues to excel in the NWSL and her team is leading the standings with a solid six-point advantage.

**Simi Awujo:**
Emerging young talent, Simi Awujo, at just 20 years of age, has quickly made her presence known on the international stage. Her performances for Canada in crucial matches showcased her ability to compete among seasoned professionals. Following a successful stint in collegiate soccer, Awujo transferred to Manchester United, where she aims to further her development in one of the world’s premier leagues. The forthcoming season presents her with the opportunity to cement her place on both the club and national level as United faces West Ham.

**Marie-Antoinette Katoto:**
Lastly, Marie-Antoinette Katoto has returned to form following an ACL injury that sidelined her during significant tournaments. The 25-year-old scored five goals in the Olympics, cementing her status as the top scorer despite her team’s exit in the quarter-finals. Katoto’s success in the league and the UEFA Women’s Champions League positions her as a key player for Paris Saint-Germain as they begin their season against Montpellier.

In conclusion, as the domestic leagues commence, the talents highlighted above are anticipated to make significant contributions to their teams and beyond. Fans should keep a close eye on these athletes as they seek to build upon their Olympic successes and continue to elevate women’s football on the global stage. Their performances in the forthcoming season will be crucial to watch, and it is evident that they possess the potential to leave their mark in the world of sports.