The UEFA Women's EURO 2025 kicks off in Switzerland tomorrow, igniting the summer's most anticipated football spectacle. As the continent's elite nations battle for glory, all eyes will naturally turn to the world-class talent on display.
For fans of Barcelona Femeni, this tournament offers a particularly thrilling prospect: watching their beloved stars light up the European stage for their respective national teams.
Barcelona Femeni's unparalleled success, dominating six consecutive Liga F campaigns and a presence in six of the last seven UEFA Women's Champions League finals, has cemented their status as Europe's latest premier club side. Given this extraordinary track record, it's hardly surprising that their squad forms the backbone of numerous national teams competing at Euro 2025. Join us as we break down which Barcelona stars to keep a keen eye on throughout the tournament's thrilling fixtures.
Spain
The tournament favorites arrive in Switzerland with a strong Barcelona Femeni contingent, as eleven of their players make up the squad. Captain Irene Paredes will also lead her national team, while Claudia Pina's exceptional form this year has made her one of the favorites to claim the tournament's best player award.
However, Aitana Bonmatí's participation, particularly in the group stages, currently remains uncertain. After the reigning Ballon d'Or winner contracted viral meningitis, she missed her country's friendly against Japan due to her hospital admission. She has since joined the squad in Switzerland, though her full recovery timeline is being closely monitored and unknown given the complexity of the recovery in the illness.
The remaining Barcelona stars selected for Montse Tomé's squad include Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Jana Fernández, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas, Vicky López, Salma Paralluelo, and new signing Laia Alexandri.
Italy
For many Femeni fans, Giulia Dragoni might be an unfamiliar name, but this 18-year-old midfielder is certainly one to watch. Having spent the last campaign on loan at AS Roma, her impressive displays in her home country earned her a coveted spot in the national team. Dragoni is lauded for her fierce competitiveness and excellent passing range. She'll undoubtedly be looking to seize this opportunity to shine, hoping to solidify her claim for a permanent spot in Barcelona's midfield next year or to secure another impactful loan spell.
Norway
Norway enters Euro 2025 as the favorites to top their group, spearheaded by the electrifying talent of Caroline Graham Hansen. The Barcelona star will undoubtedly be looking to ignite their campaign in their opening match against the hosts, Switzerland. Alongside fellow powerhouses like Frida Maanum, Ada Hegerberg, and Guro Reiten, Graham Hansen is poised to showcase Norway's immense talent and push for a deep run in the tournament.
Poland
Just as Robert Lewandowski is synonymous with Polish men's football, Ewa Pajor holds that same iconic status for the women's national team. The prolific striker has been the driving force behind Poland's qualification for their first-ever international tournament, boasting an incredible 68 goals in just 101 appearances for her country. While Poland faces a challenging group alongside powerhouses Germany, Denmark, and Sweden, Pajor arrives at Euro 2025 in sensational form, and her individual brilliance will be absolutely central to their hopes of progressing.
Portugal
Barcelona's rising talent, Kika Nazareth, is set to make her mark at Euro 2025 as a key figure for Portugal. While still developing her role at club level, the versatile attacker is expected to play a more prominent, influential part for her national team. Known for her technical brilliance, vision, and ability to unlock defenses, Nazareth offers a different dimension to Portugal's attack especially as the nation will be unfancied in the tournament. Her performances in Switzerland will be closely watched by Barcelona fans eager to see her translate her obvious potential into consistent, high-impact displays on the senior international stage.
Sweden
Fridolina Rolfö typically operates as a fullback for Barcelona, she's granted a more advanced, attacking role on the left flank for Sweden. Her offensive contributions are a key component of Sweden's tactical approach, and much rests on her return to full fitness from a foot injury. After a season at Barcelona where, by her own high standards, she didn't quite hit her usual stellar form, Rolfö will be eager to impress. Indeed, Sweden's aspirations for a deep run in the tournament may very well rest squarely on her shoulders.
Switzerland
Carrying the weight of the nation with her compatriots is another exciting prospect, Sydney Schertenleib, a defender who recently joined from Grasshopper Zurich. While she's yet to establish herself in the first team at club level, her selection for the Swiss national squad for Euro 2025 is a testament to her rapid development and potential.