The UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 is set to begin, and expert predictions are now available. With the tournament taking place in Switzerland, perhaps these forecasts, like Swiss cheese, might have a few holes. Predictions for the upcoming competition reveal varying opinions among members of our editorial team and Attacking Third analysts regarding potential outcomes and individual honors.
However, one thing is undisputed among the experts: there`s a clear group of frontrunners. Reigning champions England, 2023 FIFA Women`s World Cup winners Spain, and 2024 Olympic bronze medalists Germany are consistently highlighted as favorites across almost all categories. Recent form, successful campaigns, significant player retirements, and ongoing injuries have all influenced the expected performance of the teams.
This combination of unpredictable factors means analysts don`t always find common ground, underscoring a fundamental truth in tournament football: expect the unexpected and embrace the potential for chaos.
Winner: Spain
Two years removed from their Women`s World Cup triumph, Spain has solidified its position as a major force in women`s soccer and heads into the Euros with an opportunity to establish a lasting legacy. They are not just a team to watch but arguably the team to beat. They bring a formidable squad to the competition, featuring leaders like Aitana Bonmati and a blend of in-form World Cup winners and rising talents such as Claudia Pina. While Bonmati`s recovery from meningitis might affect her early participation, head coach Montse Tome has a deep roster capable of stepping up temporarily. It`s difficult to overlook Spain as a strong contender for the title.
Second place: Germany
Germany has bounced back effectively after their disappointing group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup. They are well-placed to continue this resurgence with a deep run at the Euros this summer. Head coach Christian Wuck, despite having limited prior experience in the women`s game, has capably handled the role, initially intended as temporary. Their bronze medal performance at last year`s Olympics helped cement his position. He benefits from working with a talented group of players: Lea Schuller is fresh off a strong season with Bayern Munich and appears poised to be a top goalscorer, while Ann-Katrin Berger`s impressive form in the NWSL has earned her the starting goalkeeper spot for the national team.
Third place: England
The current title holders, England, will undoubtedly be a challenging opponent. However, winning the Euros is tough, and retaining the title is even harder. Drawn into a highly competitive group alongside France, Netherlands, and Wales, the Lionesses will face several demanding early matches that could impact their stamina later in the tournament. The squad includes many players from their successful 2022 campaign, providing valuable experience for a long competition. Still, the level of competition this year is exceptionally high.
Golden boot: Lea Schuller, Germany
German forward Lea Schuller is a top favorite for the Golden Boot at the 2025 Euro, known for her precise finishing and strength in the air. Her team`s group opponents include Poland and Denmark, teams potentially offering less rigid defenses, which could provide Schuller early opportunities to accumulate goals. This contrasts with other Golden Boot contenders like England`s Alessia Russo or France`s Marie Antoinette Katoto, who face a much tougher Group D schedule. Schuller seems well-positioned to build an early lead in the race for the tournament`s top scorer honor.
Player of the tournament: Aitana Bonmati
Although meningitis temporarily sidelined her, Aitana Bonmati has resumed training and is expected to quickly re-establish herself as one of football`s elite midfielders for Spain once she returns to the pitch. The Ballon d`Or winner is a vital component of Spain`s strategy, possessing unparalleled midfield talent that creates numerous scoring chances for their abundant attacking options. With her presence on the field, Spain is heavily favored to go all the way.
Breakout player: Claudia Pina
Forward Claudia Pina is anticipated to transition from an impact substitute to a more prominent role. With uncertainty surrounding Bonmati`s health and potential availability early in the group stage, the coaching staff might need to adjust the starting lineup, creating an opening for Pina. The 23-year-old was the leading scorer in the 2024-25 Champions League with 10 goals, and she will likely be highly motivated after her team, Barcelona, finished as runners-up.
Golden glove: Ann-Katrin Berger
Ann-Katrin Berger, one of the few NWSL players competing at the Euros, has become Germany`s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper since her move to NJ/NY Gotham FC in 2024. The 34-year-old has been in outstanding form for both her club and country. She played a crucial role in Germany`s Olympic bronze medal win and was awarded NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, solidifying her status as one of the most in-form keepers entering the Euros. Berger is a goalkeeper who can genuinely influence the game from her end of the field and even contribute offensively – she scored a penalty during Germany`s quarterfinal victory over Canada at last year`s Olympics, adding another dimension to her already impressive game.
