As the UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland draws near, football analysts have weighed in with their expert forecasts. Expect a variety of perspectives and predictions, much like the famous holes in Swiss cheese, as members of our editorial team and Attacking Third analysts offer their takes on potential outcomes and standout players.
Despite the diverse opinions, there`s a clear consensus on the leading contenders. Reigning champions England, the 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup winners Spain, and the 2024 Olympic bronze medalists Germany are consistently identified as the top favorites across numerous categories. Recent form, squad changes including retirements, and injury concerns are all factors influencing expectations for these teams moving forward.
This combination of variables makes predicting the tournament`s trajectory highly challenging, leading many analysts to different conclusions. It serves as a powerful reminder that in tournament football, the only certainty is often the potential for unexpected results.
Winner: Spain
Following their Women`s World Cup victory two years ago, Spain has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in women`s soccer and has a strong chance to build a lasting dynasty at the Euros. They are not just a team to watch, but the team to beat. They arrive with another exceptionally strong squad, featuring stars like Aitana Bonmati alongside a mix of in-form World Cup winners and emerging talents such as Claudia Pina. Although Bonmati`s recovery from meningitis might affect her initial playing time, head coach Montse Tome has ample depth to cover any temporary gaps. It`s difficult not to see Spain as a prime candidate to win the entire competition.
Second place: Germany
Germany has shown significant recovery since their disappointing group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup. They are well-positioned to continue their resurgence with a strong performance at this summer`s Euros. Head coach Christian Wuck, despite limited prior experience in women`s football, has performed commendably in what was initially a temporary role, earning a longer tenure after guiding the team to a bronze medal at the Olympics last year. He benefits from a talented roster; Lea Schuller, having had another successful season with Bayern Munich, looks set to be a leading goalscorer in the tournament, while Ann-Katrin Berger`s impressive form in the NWSL has secured her position as the national team`s starting goalkeeper.
Third place: England
As the defending champions, the Lionesses will undoubtedly be formidable opponents. However, retaining the European title presents a significantly tougher challenge than winning it the first time. Drawn into what many consider the `Group of Death` alongside France, Netherlands, and Wales, England faces a demanding start with energy-sapping matches that could impact their performance later in the tournament. While the squad boasts many players from the 2022 winning campaign, providing valuable experience, the overall level of competition this year appears exceptionally high.
Golden boot: Lea Schuller, Germany
German forward Lea Schuller is a favorite 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 who have shown defensive vulnerabilities. This contrasts with other Golden Boot hopefuls like England`s Alessia Russo or France`s Marie Antoinette Katoto, who will face each other in the much tougher Group D. Schuller has an ideal opportunity to build an early lead in the scoring charts and contend for the top scorer award.
Player of the tournament: Aitana Bonmati
Although meningitis might keep her out initially, Aitana Bonmati is already back in training and is poised to reassert herself as one of the world`s best midfielders once she takes the field for Spain. The Ballon d`Or winner is the crucial, though not-so-secret, element of Spain`s strategy. Her unparalleled ability in midfield is expected to create numerous scoring opportunities for Spain`s wealth of attacking options. With her on the pitch, Spain remains a strong favorite to win the championship.
Breakout player: Claudia Pina
The forward`s role as primarily an impact substitute is likely to change. With uncertainties surrounding Bonmati`s health and availability during the group stage, the coaching staff will need to adjust their preferred starting lineup. The 23-year-old was the top scorer in the 2024-25 Champions League campaign with 10 goals, and the experience of finishing as runners-up with Barcelona is expected to provide further motivation.
Golden glove: Ann-Katrin Berger
One of the few NWSL players competing at the Euros, the 34-year-old goalkeeper has solidified her position as Germany`s number one since her 2024 transfer to NJ/NY Gotham FC, impressing for both club and country. She played a key role in Germany`s bronze medal success at the Olympics and was named NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, making her one of the most in-form shot-stoppers entering the Euros. Berger is a goalkeeper who genuinely impacts the game from her penalty box and can even contribute offensively when needed – she famously scored a penalty in Germany`s quarterfinal win over Canada at the Olympics last year, adding another dimension to her already formidable game.
Dominic Ashworth