It’s been 10 days since Euro 2025 ended, and Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty is still living rent free in my head.
Switzerland hosted.
England won – again.
And we walked away with a clear shortlist of players we’ll all be rushing to sign, or manage, in Football Manager 2026.
Some were household names before a ball was kicked.
Others decided to become one.
And a few had us Googling mid-match only to exclaim, “Wait, she’s only 20?!”
This post highlights the top performers, breakout wonderkids, and tournament heroines who could shape your FM26 saves.
Euro 2025: The Stars You Need in FM26
From Golden Boot winners to breakout wonderkids – here are the players you’ll want on your shortlist.
Aitana Bonmatí – Spain
Bonmatí missed Spain’s opener through illness but returned to dominate the tournament. She scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Germany, won Player of the Match twice, and was named UEFA’s Player of the Tournament. Calm, creative, and brave under pressure, she dictated Spain’s midfield and set the tempo in the final.
- Elite composure and decisions
- Creative passing
- Balance under pressure
- A player to build your team around
Esther González – Spain
Esther opened with a brace against Portugal, added goals versus Belgium and Italy, and finished with the Golden Boot. At 32, her movement and composure in the box were decisive as Spain relied on her to finish their best chances. She delivered whenever it mattered.
- High finishing
- Sharp anticipation
- Excellent off-the-ball
- Clinical inside the box
Alexia Putellas – Spain
After years of injuries, Alexia returned to her best. She scored three, assisted four, and was central to Spain’s attacking play. Whether dropping deep or arriving late in the box, her quality never dipped, confirming she’s still among the world’s elite midfielders.
- World-class vision
- Superb first touch
- Leadership qualities
- Elite mentality player
Chloe Kelly – England
Kelly’s penalty sealed England’s Euros victory, but her influence went far beyond that moment. She stretched defences, created chances, and earned a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament. Always a big-game player, she showed why she’s England’s clutch winger.
- Great crossing ability
- Composed under pressure
- Set-piece threat
- Dependable in big games
Cristiana Girelli – Italy
At 35, Girelli led Italy to their first Euro quarter-final in nearly 30 years. She scored three goals, used her aerial strength, and showed her class in the box. Her intelligence and finishing made her Italy’s focal point.
- Composed finishing
- Aerial presence
- Penalty expertise
- Elite mental attributes
Stina Blackstenius – Sweden
Blackstenius carried Champions League-winning form into the Euros. She scored three, bullied defences with her strength, and linked play superbly. Relentless and clinical, she was Sweden’s biggest attacking threat.
- Strong pace
- Work rate and power
- Off-the-ball movement
- Perfect for high-energy systems
Kosovare Asllani – Sweden
At 36, Asllani orchestrated Sweden’s attack with two goals and three assists. Her set-piece quality and vision made her indispensable, proving age hasn’t dimmed her creativity. She remained the heartbeat of Sweden’s play.
- High vision
- Flair and technique
- Set-piece delivery
- Short-term mentor signing
Jule Brand – Germany
At just 22, Brand stepped up as Germany’s key attacking outlet. With two goals and two assists, she terrorised full-backs with direct runs and flair. No longer just a prospect, she’s already delivering on the biggest stage.
- Flair and dribbling
- Agility and acceleration
- Attacking intent
- Exciting young winger
Géraldine Reuteler – Switzerland
Reuteler starred for the hosts, winning Player of the Match in all three group games. She scored, assisted, and pressed tirelessly, carrying Switzerland into the knockouts. At 26, she’s hitting her prime at the perfect time.
- Relentless stamina
- Movement and finishing
- Box-to-box option
- Great for dynamic midfields
Michelle Agyemang – England
The Young Player of the Tournament showed composure beyond her years. Off the bench she changed games, breaking lines, winning fouls, and proving she’s not just a future star but already a difference-maker.
- Big potential in pace
- Strength and dribbling
- Flair and creativity
- Wonderkid striker profile
Vicky López – Spain
At 19, López played with maturity and flair. Full of clever touches and calm decisions, she rotated seamlessly with Spain’s stars. Her versatility made her a valuable member of their squad.
- Strong technique
- Smart decisions
- Versatile across roles
- One of FM26’s best teens
Signe Gaupset – Norway
Gaupset was one of the breakout stars, scoring twice and creating chances with intelligent movement. At just 20, she showed fearlessness against top defences and looks set to be Norway’s next big forward.
- Strong movement
- Sharp finishing
- Flair in attack
- High-potential wonderkid
Franziska Kett – Germany
Kett, only 20, brought energy and flair whenever she featured. Quick feet, smart runs, and fearless play marked her as a talent on the rise. She looks ready to develop into a major attacking threat.
- Acceleration and flair
- Direct dribbling
- Good finishing
- Classic wonderkid profile
Patri Guijarro – Spain
Guijarro didn’t grab headlines, but her role was vital. She broke up attacks, kept possession, and gave Bonmatí and Putellas space to shine. Intelligent and disciplined, she was Spain’s unsung hero.
- Excellent positioning
- Passing range
- Teamwork and anticipation
- Tactically essential midfielder
Hannah Hampton – England
Hampton shone under pressure, saving two penalties in the quarter-final while with a bloody nose. Calm and commanding, she was named in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament. At 24, she’s firmly established as England’s future No.1.
- Sharp reflexes
- Excellent positioning
- Penalty save ability
- One of FM26’s top young keepers
Ann-Katrin Berger – Germany
Berger delivered the goalkeeper performance of the tournament, making nine saves in a quarter-final epic and scoring in the shootout herself. At 34, she proved once again she’s Germany’s penalty queen.
- Top reflexes
- Bravery under pressure
- Penalty stopping expertise
- Leadership in big games
That’s the list you’ll need for FM26 – a mix of stars who stole the headlines, youngsters breaking through, and the kind of players who quietly held it all together.
We don’t yet know how many of them will be fully manageable in Football Manager 2026, or which leagues will be available… but one thing’s certain: when they arrive in-game, they’ll shape some unforgettable saves.
Coming soon: We’ll update this post with a downloadable FM26 shortlist once the game is released.
