The UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 tournament is on the horizon, and experts have weighed in with their predictions. With the competition hosted in Switzerland, expect some variety and perhaps a few surprises in our analysts` forecasts for team outcomes and individual honors.
While opinions vary on specific final standings, there`s a clear consensus on the top contenders. The reigning champions England, along with 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup winners Spain and 2024 Olympic bronze medalists Germany, are widely considered the leading favorites across almost all prediction categories. Recent performance, significant player retirements, and ongoing injury concerns have all influenced the outlook for these top teams.
This mix of factors creates an element of unpredictability, leaving some analysts divided on their picks. As is often the case in major tournaments, this suggests one thing is highly likely: expect chaos.
Expert Consensus Highlights:
Based on the collective predictions from our editorial team and analysts, some trends emerge:
- Most Popular Winner: Spain
- Most Popular Golden Boot Pick: Lea Schuller (Germany)
- Most Popular Golden Glove Pick: Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany)
- Most Popular Breakout Player: Claudia Pina (Spain)
- Runner-up and Third Place picks show more variation across the experts.
Winner: Spain
Just two years after their World Cup triumph, Spain continues to assert itself as a dominant force in women`s soccer, entering the Euros with an opportunity to build a lasting dynasty. They are not just a team to watch; they are the team everyone else will be trying to overcome. Their roster remains exceptionally strong, featuring standout players like Aitana Bonmati alongside a blend of World Cup veterans and emerging talents such as Claudia Pina. While Bonmati`s recent recovery from meningitis might affect her early participation, coach Montse Tome has ample depth to cover any temporary gaps. It`s hard to look past Spain as the potential champions.
— Pardeep Cattry
Second Place: Germany
Germany has successfully bounced back since their disappointing group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup. They appear well-positioned to continue this resurgence with a strong showing deep into the Euros this summer. Head coach Christian Wuck, despite limited prior experience in the women`s game, has performed admirably in what was initially intended as a temporary role, earning a longer tenure after leading the team to an Olympic bronze medal last year. He benefits from coaching a talented squad: Lea Schuller comes off a strong season with Bayern Munich and is a top candidate for the tournament`s leading scorer, while Ann-Katrin Berger`s excellent form in the NWSL has solidified her position as the starting goalkeeper for the national team.
— Pardeep Cattry
Third Place: England
The defending champions, England, will undoubtedly be formidable opponents. However, retaining a European title is a significant challenge. Drawn into what is widely considered the `Group of Death` alongside France, Netherlands, and Wales, the Lionesses face the prospect of demanding early matches that could impact their energy levels later in the competition. Their squad includes many key players from the 2022 winning side, providing crucial experience for a long tournament run. Nevertheless, the level of competition this year is arguably steeper than ever.
— Sandra Herrera
Golden Boot: Lea Schuller, Germany
German forward Lea Schuller is a leading candidate for the Golden Boot at Euro 2025, known for her clinical finishing and aerial prowess. Germany`s group draw is favorable, including teams like Poland and Denmark, which may have vulnerabilities in defense. This contrasts with other potential Golden Boot contenders like England`s Alessia Russo or France`s Marie Antoinette Katoto, who are in a much tougher Group D and will face each other early. Schuller has an excellent opportunity to accumulate goals in the group stage and build a strong lead in the race for top scorer honors.
— Sandra Herrera
Player of the Tournament: Aitana Bonmati
While meningitis may have caused a temporary setback, Aitana Bonmati has returned to training and is expected to quickly re-establish herself as one of the world`s premier midfielders once she joins Spain on the field. The Ballon d`Or winner is the vital component of Spain`s strategy, possessing unparalleled midfield abilities that make scoring opportunities easier for Spain`s numerous attacking threats. As long as she is fit and playing, Spain will remain strong favorites to win the tournament.
— Pardeep Cattry
Breakout Player: Claudia Pina
Forward Claudia Pina is poised to move beyond her role as an impact substitute. With questions surrounding Bonmati`s health and potential availability issues early on, the Spanish coaching staff may need to adjust their initial starting lineups. The 23-year-old was the leading scorer in the 2024-25 Champions League with 10 goals, and the experience of Barcelona`s runner-up finish will likely fuel her motivation. This tournament could be her moment to shine.
— Sandra Herrera
Golden Glove: Ann-Katrin Berger
One of several NWSL players participating in the Euros, the 34-year-old goalkeeper has cemented her position as Germany`s primary shot-stopper since her transfer to NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2024. She has impressed for both club and country, playing a key role in Germany`s Olympic bronze medal win and earning the NWSL`s goalkeeper of the year award. Berger is recognized as one of the most in-form goalkeepers heading into the Euros. She`s the type of player who can genuinely make a difference on her line and even contribute further up the pitch if needed – notably scoring a penalty in Germany`s quarterfinal victory over Canada at the Olympics last year, showcasing the variety in her impressive game.
— Pardeep Cattry
