The WSL’s Rising Stars: Who Will Take Over as the Next Big Player?

Writing by Hope Robinson (@hopeinsport). Image by Arsenal FC via Getty Images.

The Women’s Super League has built a strong reputation for scouting young international talent and spotting potential early, and that reputation is being reinforced once again. While established names continue to shine, a new wave of players from different countries and backgrounds are beginning to make their mark, showing maturity beyond their years and the quality needed to succeed at the highest level. With clubs investing in development and giving opportunities to emerging players, this article will explore 10 players who could be on the path to becoming the WSL’s next big stars.

1. Olivia Smith

It should be no surprise to see Olivia Smith on this list. The first million pound women's football player, making a transfer from Liverpool to Arsenal at just age 20. She impressed the at Liverpool WSL after just one season in the league, with them having signed the Canadian international from Sporting CP in 2024. Smith came through youth football in Canada and the US college system before turning professional. Remarkably, she made her senior international debut at just age 15, and was also involved in Canada's 2023 World Cup squad. Her playing style revolves around her excellent pace and the way in which she uses her body to beat defenders. Smith's eye for goal and ability to stretch defences with her direct running, paired with her quick acceleration and fearlessness for 1v1s in central and wide areas, make her a constant threat in transition. She also has a talent for creating huge chances out of nowhere, utilising her clever movement off the ball and sharp, direct decision-making in the final third.

2. Wieke Kaptein

Still only 20, this Dutch midfielder is already a key part of Chelsea’s squad after joining from FC Twente in 2023. Kaptein came through the Twente academy and quickly established herself in their first team before earning a move to England, where her maturity has stood out despite her young age. A senior Netherlands international, she made her senior debut in 2023 and became the youngest Dutch player to appear at a Women’s World Cup later that year. Kaptein’s game is built around intelligence and control. She is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, rarely wastes possession, and has an excellent understanding of space. Her ability to dictate tempo, progress the ball through midfield and read danger before it develops makes her a quietly lethal presence at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield. She is a starting midfielder for the Blues. With her incredible work rate, she often makes great interceptions whilst also consistantly popping up with a goal. Kaptein scored the clubs first goal at Stamford Bridge against Barcelona in the 2024/25 Champions League season (despite losing the game 4-1).

3. Katie Reid

If Arsenal fans are worried about one day losing Leah Williamson, fear no more. Katie Reid is one of the most exciting defensive prospects to emerge from Arsenal’s academy in recent years. The 19 year old centre back signed her first professional contract with the club in 2024 after progressing through the youth ranks, having been part of Arsenal’s setup from a young age. Reid has represented England at multiple youth levels and was rewarded with a senior call up in 2025, although she is yet to make her full international debut after suffering an ACL tear. What makes Reid stand out is her composure and technicality on the ball. She is calm in possession, confident stepping out with the ball, and reads the game exceptionally well for someone so young. Strong in duels and positionally disciplined, she looks comfortable defending high lines and dealing with physical forwards, which makes her a natural fit for top level football.

4. Veerle Buurman

Veerle Buurman is another young defender benefiting from Chelsea’s strong record of identifying and developing elite international talent. The teenage Dutch centre back joined Chelsea from PSV and has quickly been marked out as one for the future. Burnham has featured prominently for the Netherlands at youth level and is viewed as a long term option for both club and country. Her style of play is modern and composed. She is strong in 1v1 situations, aggressive when stepping out to intercept, and comfortable playing out from the back. Buurman’s physical presence combined with her confidence on the ball allows her to dominate defensive situations and start attacks, making her an exciting prospect in Chelsea’s defensive ranks.

5. Ruby Mace

Ruby Mace has been on the radar for a long time, and at 22 she is now entering a crucial stage of her career. A former Arsenal academy player, Mace went on to play for Manchester City and Leicester City before joining Everton, gaining valuable WSL experience along the way. She is a full England international, having made her senior debut in 2024 after representing the Lionesses at every youth level, despite not being called up to represent England at Euro 2025. Mace is known for her versatility, capable of playing in midfield or at centre back. Her game is based on strength, tactical awareness and leadership. She excels at breaking up play, winning second balls and setting the tempo from deep areas, making her a reliable and effective presence in physically demanding matches. Everton has been an excellent place for her development at this time, her performances have been overall outstanding.

6. Signe Gaupset

Signe Gaupset is one of the most exciting attacking talents to arrive in the WSL in recent years. The 20 year old Norwegian joined this Tottenham Hotspur this January from SK Brann after establishing herself as one of the standout players in Norway’s top division. Gaupset is already a senior Norway international, making her debut in 2024 and quickly becoming part of the national team setup, giving some amazing performances at Euro 2025. Her playing style is direct and creative. She thrives in advanced positions, is fearless when running at defenders, and has the technical ability to create chances from tight areas. Gaupset’s sharp movement, powerful shooting and confidence in the final third make her a constant attacking threat and a player capable of changing games on her own. Seeing her future unravel in England is a very exciting prospect.

7. Mia Enderby

A very underrated forward, Mia Enderby has continued to grow since making the step up to the WSL, and at 20 she is beginning to show her full potential. Liverpool signed her from Sheffield United in 2023 after she impressed in the Championship, and she has since become an important attacking option. Enderby is a regular for England’s youth teams but is still awaiting her senior debut. Her style of play is energetic and unpredictable. She is comfortable playing across the front line, likes to take on defenders, and is always looking to drive into space. Enderby’s pace, work rate and willingness to be direct make her difficult to defend against, particularly in transition.

8. Evie Rabjon

Evie Rabjohn is a young defender who continues to develop through valuable senior minutes. The 20 year old is contracted to Manchester United and is currently gaining experience on loan, having come through England’s youth international pathway. Rabjohn has represented England at several youth levels and is seen as a long term defensive prospect. She is a composed and intelligent defender who reads the game well and keeps her positioning disciplined. Comfortable on the ball and reliable in duels, Rabjohn’s calm approach and consistency make her a player clubs can trust in high pressure situations. It looks like she could be a big player for England in the future- one to watch.

9. Issy Hobson

The definition of a true blue, Issy Hobson has already written her name into WSL history, becoming the league’s youngest ever goalscorer at just 16. Now 18, the Everton defender is an academy product who has rapidly progressed into senior football. She represents England at youth level and is widely viewed as one of the brightest defensive talents in the country. Hobson’s playing style is defined by bravery and composure. She is confident and strong in the air, decisive in her defending and unfazed by big moments. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and contribute at both ends of the pitch makes her remarkably effective for her age.

10. Nelly Las

Still only 17, Nelly Las is one of England’s most exciting young wide players and is currently developing her game at Leicester City. Las has come through England’s youth international setup and is regarded as a long term prospect for both club and country. Her style of play is based on pace and directness. She enjoys taking defenders on, delivering dangerous balls into the box and making aggressive overlapping runs. Las combines attacking flair with a strong work ethic, making her a constant threat down the flank and a player with significant upside as she gains more senior experience.

As the WSL continues to grow in quality and global influence, the question is no longer if the next generation will arrive, but who will rise fastest. From fearless attackers to composed defenders and intelligent midfielders, these young players are already proving they belong at the top level. The league is in safe hands, and the race to become the WSL’s next big player is only just beginning.