The dust has settled on another enthralling UEFA Women’s Euro, and what a tournament it was.
Switzerland played host to a magnificent display of women’s football, culminating in a dramatic final that saw England lift the trophy for the second consecutive time. The Lionesses, once again, demonstrated their resilience and championship mettle, overcoming a formidable Spain side in a thrilling penalty shootout to settle a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Throughout the competition, we witnessed breathtaking goals, heroic saves, and tactical masterclasses, as nations battled fiercely for continental supremacy. From the opening whistle to Chloe Kelly’s decisive penalty in the final, the quality on display was testament to the incredible growth and increasing popularity of the women’s game.
While England’s triumph is a collective effort, individual brilliance often shines through in tournaments of this magnitude. Players rose to the occasion, delivering performances that captivated audiences and directly influenced their team’s fortunes. It’s these standout contributions that linger in the memory, shaping the narrative of the competition.
As we reflect on the spectacular performances of Euro 2025, The Sporting News is proud to present its definitive Team of the Tournament. This XI represents the players who consistently excelled, showcasing their talent, leadership, and impact on their respective teams. Handpicked by our team on the ground in Switzerland, selecting just eleven was no easy feat, a testament to the depth of quality across Europe.
MORE: England vs. Spain score: Euro 2025 final result, stats as Lionesses retain title after penalties epic
Women’s Euro 2025 Team of the Tournament: The Sporting News’ Best XI
Here’s our chosen lineup in a 4-3-3 formation:
Goalkeeper: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany)
Berger was a towering presence between the sticks for Germany, producing a string of phenomenal saves throughout the tournament. Her commanding presence and excellent shot-stopping ability were vital in Germany’s run to the semi-finals, consistently keeping her side in contention, even against the most potent attacks.
Right-Back: Lucy Bronze (England)
A true leader and a relentless force down the right flank, Lucy Bronze once again proved why she is one of the world’s best. Her attacking runs were incisive, her defensive contributions rock-solid, and her experience was invaluable in navigating England’s challenging knockout matches. Despite playing the tournament on a fractured tibia (which we might argue is silly, not heroic), she still shone in the right-back role.
Centre-Back: Sophia Kleinherne (Germany)
Kleinherne was a pillar of strength in the Germany defence, despite not seeing game time until the knockout phase. Her composure on the ball, intelligent positioning, and ability to break up opposition attacks made her an indispensable asset. She consistently read the game well and executed critical clearances and interceptions.
Centre-Back: Noelle Maritz (Switzerland)
As the host nation’s stalwart, Maritz delivered consistently high-level performances. Her defensive discipline, aerial prowess, and control at the back were key to Switzerland’s strong showing, holding their own against some of Europe’s attacking powerhouses and reaching their first-ever quarterfinal.
Left-Back: Esmee Brugts (Netherlands)
Brugts provided an electrifying presence on the left side for the Netherlands. Her blistering pace, skilful dribbling, and ability to deliver dangerous crosses made her a constant threat in attack, providing a goal in their opening game, while also demonstrating admirable defensive work rate.
Central Midfielder: Geraldine Reuteler (Switzerland)
Reuteler was the engine room of the Swiss midfield, displaying incredible stamina and technical ability. Winning all three player of the match trophies in the group phase, the only player in the tournament to do so, she shone as she saw her country to a history-making quarterfinal round. Her vision, passing range, and capacity to drive forward from deep were instrumental in creating chances and controlling the tempo of games for the hosts.
Defensive Midfielder: Lia Walti (Switzerland)
Alongside Geraldine Reuteler, Walti was the formidable midfield anchor for Switzerland, excelling in defensive awareness, tackling, and breaking up play to shield her backline. Her influence and power within the team as captain were evident in the respect she commanded from her teammates, who consistently looked to her for leadership and guidance.
Beyond her on-field prowess, Walti was instrumental in making Euro 2025 special. She launched “Lia’s Switzerland” on Instagram, a personal initiative guiding fans and players to help them plan for and enjoy their stay in her country, and she personally welcomed the competing teams with notes and local snacks. Partnering with brands and tourism boards, she aimed to foster a lasting connection between the hosts and women’s football in Switzerland, hoping the Euros would be the “extra push” for increased recognition and equal opportunities in the sport.
Attacking Midfielder: Aitana Bonmati (Spain)
The reigning Ballon d’Or winner and official Player of the Tournament, Aitana Bonmati, was simply sublime. Her exquisite touch, intelligent movement, and unparalleled vision made her the creative heartbeat of the Spanish team. She made opposing fans hold their breath whenever she was on the ball. She consistently pulled strings, unlocked defences, and dictated the flow of every match she played. It all made Bonmati’s failure from the spot in the final shootout against England feel particularly cruel.
Right Wing: Chloe Kelly (England)
The hero of the final, Chloe Kelly’s impact off the bench and her relentless directness were a nightmare for opposing defenders. Her ability to take on players and deliver pinpoint crosses were key to England’s many lucky escapes in the knock-out stage. Her nerveless penalty in the shootout cemented her place as a true tournament standout.
Centre-Forward: Michelle Agyemang (England)
Agyemang emerged as one of the breakout stars of Euro 2025, as outlined in our ‘Remember Her Name’ series, showcasing immense potential and a knack for crucial goals. Her physicality, intelligent runs, and ability to finish under pressure were vital for England, including her late equaliser in the semi-final against Italy. She was rightly named the Young Player of the Tournament.
Left Wing: Delphine Cascarino (France)
Cascarino was a constant menace on the left wing for France, utilising her explosive pace and dazzling dribbling skills to devastating effect. She consistently created opportunities for her teammates and was a direct threat on goal, showcasing her status as a world-class attacker.
Women’s Euro 2025 Team of the Tournament: Honourable mentions
The depth of talent at Euro 2025 meant many players deserved recognition for their outstanding contributions. Among those who narrowly missed out on our Best XI, but are certainly worthy of an honourable mention, are:
- Laura Giuliani (Goalkeeper, Italy): A commanding presence and made some incredible saves for Italy in their run to the semifinals.
- Hannah Hampton (Goalkeeper, England): Stepped up brilliantly in the knockout stages, with her penalty saves in the quarterfinal and final proving pivotal for England’s triumph.
- Livia Peng (Goalkeeper, Switzerland): Showed great promise and made some crucial interventions for the host nation.
- Jess Carter (Defender, England): Provided defensive versatility and tenacity for the Lionesses, especially in the final, and showed true strength following the disgusting racist abuse she received online during the tournament.
- Josie Green (Defender, Wales): A strong and consistent performer at the back for a spirited Welsh side, proving herself and her nation belong on the international stage.
- Victoria Pelova (Midfielder, Netherlands): A dynamic presence despite a disappointing tournament for the Dutch, contributing both defensively and in attack.
- Iman Beney (Midfielder, Switzerland): A rising star who impressed with her composure and technical skill in the Swiss midfield, covering the entire pitch from defence to attack.
- Jess Fishlock (Midfielder, Wales): The veteran midfielder showcased her enduring quality, leadership, goalscoring ability, and tenacious spirit.
- Jule Brand (Forward, Germany): Her pace and directness were a constant threat for Germany, creating numerous chances and moving through defences with ease.
- Signe Gaupset (Forward, Norway): A bright spark for Norway, displaying many moments of brilliance and goalscoring potential.
- Lea Schuller (Forward, Germany): Led the line effectively for Germany, demonstrating her predatory instincts in front of goal.
