Today’s newsletter looks at the most clinical forwards at the tournament in Morocco, which has reached the last-16 stage

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he 2025 Under-17 Women’s World Cup is well under way in Morocco with Brazil, China, Canada and Spain among the countries who have reached the last 16. After an intriguing group stage here are some of the young stars who have stood out so far:

Giulia Galli (Italy): Italy have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament so far, spearheaded by the goals of Galli. The 17-year-old has enjoyed an eye-catching year for club and country: she was at the heart of her nation’s run to the semi-finals of this summer’s Under-17 European Championship, their highest finish in more than a decade that booked their spot at this World Cup. Since then, she has found herself in and around the Roma senior team, scoring her first goal for the club – the winner – in their Serie A Women’s Cup fixture against Milan. She has led the charge once again in Morocco as Selena Mazzantini’s side won all three group games to progress. All five goals to date have demonstrated her uncanny knack of breaking defensive lines as well as her instinctive clinical ability inside the box.

Giovanna Waksman (Brazil): Waksman is a familiar name for anyone closely attuned to Brazilian youth football. The 16-year-old is one of the most highly rated youngsters coming through the pathway and her natural skill and understanding of the game have shone throughout her youth career to date – at Botafogo and at high school in Florida – as has her goalscoring ability. She made her debut for Brazil’s Under-17s at the age of 14 before being named player of the tournament at the 2024 South American Championship and featuring in all their group games at last year’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. With the qualities to play both as a forward and a No 10, the Rio de Janeiro player has impressed in Morocco despite Brazil’s stuttering run to the knockout stage. She has three goals to her name, scoring in their opening win over the hosts and notching two goals as captain in their 4-3 defeat to Italy. The Seleção will need her to be at her best when they face China next.