As the UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland approaches, experts have weighed in with their predictions. Our editorial team and analysts offer diverse forecasts for the tournament`s outcomes and individual awards, suggesting that predicting the results may be as tricky as Swiss cheese.
However, there`s a strong consensus on the leading contenders. Reigning champions England, 2023 World Cup winners Spain, and 2024 Olympic bronze medalists Germany are widely considered the top favorites across most categories. Factors like recent performance, team changes due to retirements, and player injuries are expected to influence team dynamics throughout the competition.
This mix of clear favorites and potential disruptions has made it challenging for some analysts to reach full agreement, underscoring a fundamental truth in tournament football: expect the unexpected.
Based on insights from our team and analysts, here are some key predictions:
Winner: Spain
Just two years after their World Cup triumph, Spain has solidified their status as a dominant force in women`s football. They enter the Euros with an opportunity to build a lasting legacy and are widely seen as the team to beat. Their squad is again packed with talent, spearheaded by Aitana Bonmati, alongside experienced World Cup winners and promising newcomers like Claudia Pina. While Bonmati`s recovery from meningitis might initially affect her minutes, head coach Montse Tome commands a deep roster capable of covering any temporary absence. Picking Spain to win the title appears to be the logical choice.
Second place: Germany
Germany has shown a strong recovery since their early exit from the 2023 World Cup. They are well-positioned for a significant challenge at the Euros this summer, aiming to redeem their previous performance. Head coach Christian Wuck, initially in a temporary capacity despite limited women`s football experience, has earned a longer tenure after guiding the team to Olympic bronze last year. He benefits from a talented squad; Lea Schuller, following a successful season with Bayern Munich, is expected to be a leading scorer, and Ann-Katrin Berger`s excellent form in the NWSL has secured her the starting goalkeeper spot.
Third place: England
As the reigning champions, England undoubtedly remains a formidable opponent. However, defending the Euro title presents a significant challenge. Drawn into a demanding `Group of Death` alongside France, Netherlands, and Wales, the Lionesses face potentially exhausting early fixtures that could impact their performance later in the tournament. While their squad retains many players from the victorious 2022 campaign, providing valuable experience, the overall competition level this year is exceptionally high.
Golden Boot: Lea Schuller, Germany
Germany`s forward Lea Schuller is a leading contender for the Golden Boot, known for her sharp finishing and aerial prowess. Her team`s group includes opponents like Poland and Denmark, who are seen as having less robust defenses, offering an opportune platform for Schuller to accumulate early goals. In contrast, other Golden Boot hopefuls such as England`s Alessia Russo and France`s Marie Antoinette Katoto are in a much tougher Group D, potentially facing stronger defensive challenges from the start. This scenario gives Schuller an excellent chance to establish an early lead in the race for top scorer.
Player of the Tournament: Aitana Bonmati, Spain
Although meningitis may briefly sideline her, Aitana Bonmati is back in training and set to reaffirm her status as one of the world`s premier midfielders once she joins Spain on the pitch. The Ballon d`Or recipient is a crucial element of Spain`s strategy, possessing unparalleled midfield skills that facilitate scoring opportunities for their numerous attacking talents. With Bonmati playing, Spain is widely considered the favorite to lift the trophy.
Breakout Player: Claudia Pina, Spain
Claudia Pina is expected to step up from her role as an impact substitute. With uncertainty surrounding Aitana Bonmati`s health and potential limited availability in the group stage, the coaching staff may need to adjust their starting lineups. The 23-year-old forward was the leading goal scorer in the 2024-25 Champions League campaign with 10 goals, and the sting of finishing as a runner-up with Barcelona will likely provide significant motivation.
Golden Glove: Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany
Ann-Katrin Berger, one of several NWSL players participating in the Euros, has established herself as Germany`s primary goalkeeper since her 2024 transfer to NJ/NY Gotham FC, performing impressively for both club and country. The 34-year-old was vital in Germany`s Olympic bronze medal win last year and also received the NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year award, highlighting her excellent form heading into the Euros. Berger is a goalkeeper who significantly impacts the game from her area and can even contribute offensively – she scored a penalty in Germany`s Olympic quarterfinal victory against Canada, demonstrating the breadth of her abilities.
