In recent years, the world of women’s sports has witnessed an extraordinary surge in talent, performance, and global recognition. From dominating international tournaments to breaking long-standing records, female athletes are reshaping the competitive landscape across disciplines. As 2025 unfolds, it’s clear that a new generation of exceptional athletes is making its mark, poised to become the next icons of their respective sports. This blog brings you the Top 10 Rising Stars in women’s sports who are already turning heads and setting the stage for long-term dominance.
These Top 10 Rising Stars come from a variety of sporting backgrounds—football, athletics, tennis, cricket, basketball, and more. Each one of them combines raw talent with relentless determination, proving that they are more than just promising newcomers. Whether it’s a teenage sprinter shattering continental records, a young footballer leading her team in international championships, or a rookie tennis player beating seasoned pros, these athletes reflect the future of women’s sports on a global scale.
What sets this year’s Top 10 Rising Stars apart is not just their impressive stats but their impact beyond the playing field. Many of them are already role models, inspiring younger athletes and drawing attention to women’s participation in sports in regions where such visibility was once limited. Their stories are not only about wins and personal bests but also about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and representing new voices in the world of sports.
In this 2025 edition, we’ll explore who these Top 10 Rising Stars are, what makes them special, and why sports fans and experts alike are keeping a close eye on their careers. Whether you’re a casual sports fan, a coach, or someone passionate about gender equality in athletics, this list will introduce you to the athletes who are shaping the future—one match, game, or race at a time.
Stay with us as we count down the Top 10 Rising Stars in women’s sports who are destined to become household names in the years to come.
10. Savannah Jordan – Football – USA
Savannah Jordan’s return to the professional scene has been one of the most inspiring stories in recent years. Once considered one of the top college prospects in American soccer, she took a brief hiatus due to injury setbacks and personal challenges. But in 2025, she’s storming back onto the pitch with renewed energy and maturity, quickly earning her place among the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports.
Currently playing for Racing Louisville FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Savannah has been instrumental in her team’s attacking strategy. Her positional awareness, instinctive finishing, and ability to link up play make her a nightmare for defenders. What’s more, her leadership qualities are becoming increasingly evident, especially in pressure-filled matches where her experience and mental toughness shine through.
Savannah is not just focused on her individual growth—she’s also become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in sports. Her willingness to share her journey has inspired younger players who face similar obstacles, proving that comebacks are possible with the right mindset and support system.
With the U.S. Women’s National Team in a transitional phase, there’s a growing buzz around Savannah potentially earning a senior call-up. If she continues her upward trajectory through the rest of the 2025 season, there’s no doubt she’ll cement her place among the top 10 rising stars who are redefining the future of women’s football.
| Key Stat | Savannah Jordan’s consistent goal-scoring ability and versatile attacking play have made her a key figure among the top 10 rising stars in women’s football, demonstrating relentless dedication and growth on the international stage. |
9. Riya Sharma – Cricket – Nepal
Riya Sharma is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most promising talents in women’s cricket, representing Nepal on the international stage. At just 20 years old, Riya has impressed fans and selectors alike with her all-round capabilities, combining solid batting technique with effective medium-pace bowling. Her consistent performances in regional tournaments and ICC qualifiers have placed her among the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports.
Riya’s breakthrough came during the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier, where her calm presence and crucial contributions helped Nepal secure important victories. Known for her composure under pressure, she can anchor innings as well as accelerate the scoring when needed. Her ability to swing the ball and maintain tight lines has made her a key player in Nepal’s bowling attack.
Off the field, Riya is passionate about growing cricket in Nepal, particularly encouraging young girls from rural areas to take up the sport. She regularly participates in grassroots coaching programs and uses her platform to promote women’s participation in cricket.
As Nepal continues to make strides in international women’s cricket, Riya Sharma’s role is expected to grow even more significant. Her dedication and skill development make her a standout among the top 10 rising stars in 2025, not just in Nepal but across the global women’s cricketing community.
| Key Stat | Riya Sharma’s emerging all-round cricket skills and steady performances in international qualifiers underscore her commitment and potential, earning her a place among the top 10 rising stars uplifting women’s cricket in Nepal. |
8. Ellen Olsson – Swimming – Sweden
Ellen Olsson is swiftly emerging as one of Sweden’s most promising talents in open water swimming. At just 19 years old, Ellen has already made a significant impact in international competitions, demonstrating stamina, strategy, and resilience—qualities that have earned her a spot among the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports in 2025.
Specializing in long-distance open water events, Ellen has represented Sweden at the European Open Water Championships and several World Cup races, consistently finishing in strong positions against more experienced competitors. Her tactical intelligence during races and ability to maintain pace over challenging conditions set her apart from many of her peers.
What truly distinguishes Ellen is her dedication to training and mental toughness. Open water swimming demands not only physical endurance but also the ability to navigate unpredictable environments, and Ellen’s calm and focused approach has garnered praise from coaches and teammates alike.
Off the course, Ellen is passionate about environmental conservation, often advocating for clean oceans and waterways—issues closely tied to her sport. She actively participates in awareness campaigns and community events, using her growing platform to promote sustainability.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics behind her and more international meets lined up, Ellen Olsson is poised to continue her ascent in the swimming world. Her combination of talent and character makes her one of the top 10 rising stars to watch closely in the years ahead.
| Key Stat | Ellen Olsson’s endurance and tactical intelligence in open water swimming have propelled her into the spotlight, marking her as one of the top 10 rising stars in women’s swimming with an inspiring work ethic. |
7. Aminata Ndiaye – Track & Field (100m & 200m) – Senegal
Aminata Ndiaye is quickly making a name for herself as one of Senegal’s brightest sprinting talents. At just 22 years old, Aminata has demonstrated impressive speed and consistency in both the 100m and 200m events, earning her a rightful spot among the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports for 2025.
Her journey began at regional meets across West Africa, where her performances caught the attention of national coaches. Aminata’s personal bests of 11.25 seconds in the 100m and 23.10 seconds in the 200m have placed her among the continent’s fastest sprinters. She has competed in African Athletics Championships and various international meets, steadily improving and gaining valuable experience against more seasoned athletes.
What sets Aminata apart is her explosive start and strong finishing speed, which often give her an edge in tight races. Coaches praise her work ethic, discipline, and mental toughness, qualities that are essential for a sprinter aiming to compete on the world stage.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Aminata is an advocate for increased support and resources for female athletes in Senegal. She often participates in community programs designed to encourage young girls to pursue sports, emphasizing education alongside athletic development.
With the upcoming World Championships and Olympics in focus, Aminata Ndiaye is poised to shine brighter in the years ahead. Her rise clearly marks her as one of the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports, not only in Senegal but internationally.
| Key Stat | Aminata Ndiaye’s explosive speed and competitive spirit have positioned her firmly among the top 10 rising stars in African track and field, reflecting her dedication to pushing the limits of sprinting excellence. |
6. Haruka Nakamura – Gymnastics – Japan
Haruka Nakamura is a rising star in Japanese women’s artistic gymnastics. Born on May 18, 2008, in Osaka, Japan, she has quickly made a name for herself with her exceptional skills and performances. In 2023, Nakamura clinched the Junior World all-around and team titles, showcasing her potential on the international stage. She also secured gold in the 2023 Junior Asian Championships in the team, all-around, uneven bars, and floor exercise events, further solidifying her status as one of Japan’s top emerging gymnasts.
Nakamura made her senior debut in 2024, earning a bronze medal on the balance beam at the Cottbus World Cup. She continued her impressive performances with a bronze in the all-around at the All-Japan Championships and another bronze at the NHK Trophy. These achievements earned her a spot on the Japanese Olympic team for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Known for her elegance and precision, Nakamura’s routines are characterized by their fluidity and technical difficulty. Her performances have garnered attention from gymnastics enthusiasts and experts alike, marking her as a gymnast to watch in the coming years.
As she continues to develop and refine her skills, Haruka Nakamura is poised to become a leading figure in Japanese gymnastics and a strong contender on the world stage.
| Key Stat | Haruka Nakamura’s graceful performances and rapid ascent through junior to senior ranks exemplify the dedication and precision that define her as one of the top 10 rising stars in Japanese gymnastics. |
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5. Clara Tauson – Tennis – Denmark
Clara Tauson is undeniably one of the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports for 2025, particularly in tennis. At just 21 years old, Tauson has rapidly climbed the WTA rankings, breaking through with her aggressive baseline game and exceptional court coverage. Known for her fierce competitiveness and mental toughness, Clara has already won multiple WTA titles, signaling her arrival on the world stage.
Tauson’s playing style combines power and precision, making her a formidable opponent on all surfaces. Her breakthrough came during the 2021 season when she won the Lyon Open and made a deep run in several major tournaments. Since then, Clara’s growth has been impressive, consistently improving her technique and match strategy, a hallmark of the top 10 rising stars in tennis.
Beyond her physical abilities, Tauson embodies the spirit of the top 10 rising stars by demonstrating resilience and dedication. She handles pressure situations with poise, often turning matches around with her tactical awareness and stamina. Clara also inspires young athletes in Denmark and around the world, showing that with hard work, young talents can compete at the highest levels.
As the 2025 season progresses, Clara Tauson continues to solidify her position among the top 10 rising stars. With more experience and confidence, she’s poised to challenge the established elite and leave a lasting mark on women’s tennis.
| Key Stat | Clara Tauson’s relentless dedication and rapid rise in tennis make her a shining example of the top 10 rising stars pushing the sport’s boundaries in 2025. |
4. Paige Bueckers – Basketball – USA
Paige Bueckers stands tall among the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports in 2025, thanks to her exceptional skills on the basketball court. As a guard with unmatched vision and agility, Paige has impressed fans and experts alike with her ability to control the game and make clutch plays. Despite setbacks due to injuries, her talent and potential remain undeniable.
Bueckers’ journey reflects the resilience and determination typical of the top 10 rising stars. From her standout performances at the collegiate level with the UConn Huskies to her expected transition into professional basketball, Paige’s skill set continues to evolve. Her court awareness, passing precision, and scoring ability make her a threat in every game she plays.
Beyond her stats, Paige inspires with her leadership and ability to perform under pressure—traits that define the top 10 rising stars across all sports. She has become a role model for young athletes, particularly young women aiming to make their mark in basketball.
In 2025, Paige Bueckers is poised to take her game to new heights, reaffirming her status as one of the top 10 rising stars in women’s basketball. Her determination to overcome challenges and her commitment to excellence signal a bright future ahead.
| Key Stat | Paige Bueckers combines exceptional skill with unwavering determination, embodying the dedication that defines the top 10 rising stars in women’s basketball |
3. Athing Mu – Track & Field (800m) – USA
Athing Mu is a shining example of the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports, dominating the middle-distance running scene with grace and power. At just 23, she has already achieved Olympic gold and multiple world titles, but her journey is far from over. Mu’s speed, tactical intelligence, and consistency make her a formidable force in the 800m event.
Recognized globally as one of the top 10 rising stars in track and field, Athing Mu’s performances have captivated audiences. Her ability to maintain a blistering pace while conserving energy for a powerful finish sets her apart. Mu’s achievements at a young age have redefined expectations for female athletes in middle-distance running.
Off the track, Athing uses her platform to encourage young women and minorities to pursue sports, embodying the spirit of the top 10 rising stars who inspire beyond competition. Her dedication to training, mental toughness, and humility have made her a beloved figure in athletics.
As 2025 unfolds, Athing Mu remains a leading figure among the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports, with her eyes set on future championships and Olympic glory. Her career trajectory promises to influence the sport for years to come.
| Key Stat | Athing Mu’s commitment to excellence and fierce competitive spirit mark her as one of the top 10 rising stars redefining middle-distance running today |
2. Jocelyn Alo – Softball – USA
Jocelyn Alo is one of the most powerful hitters in softball and firmly belongs among the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports for 2025. Her dominance at the collegiate level with the Oklahoma Sooners broke numerous records, showcasing her exceptional talent and competitive spirit. Alo’s ability to hit for power and average sets her apart as a generational athlete.
Being a top 10 rising star means more than just on-field success, and Jocelyn exemplifies this through her leadership and advocacy. She has been a vocal supporter of the growth of women’s softball and serves as an inspiration to young players around the world. Her combination of athletic skill and community engagement makes her a role model for aspiring athletes.
In 2025, Jocelyn Alo continues to impress with her batting prowess and fielding skills, drawing attention from professional leagues and international competitions. Her work ethic and drive align perfectly with the qualities that define the top 10 rising stars.
As she steps into the professional arena, Jocelyn’s impact will only grow, solidifying her place among the top 10 rising stars who are shaping the future of women’s sports.
| Key Stat | Jocelyn Alo’s powerful performance and tireless work ethic have secured her spot among the top 10 rising stars making an impact in softball |
1. Mallory Pugh – Football (Soccer) – USA
Mallory Pugh is unquestionably one of the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports, leading the charge in women’s soccer with her explosive speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. At 25, she has already been an integral part of the U.S. Women’s National Team, contributing to their success on the world stage, including winning Olympic gold.
Mallory’s style of play exemplifies the qualities of the top 10 rising stars: technical skill, determination, and the ability to perform under pressure. Her versatility in attacking roles makes her a key player, able to change the dynamic of any match. Pugh’s career trajectory shows a steady climb towards becoming one of the world’s best footballers.
Off the field, Mallory engages with fans and young athletes, promoting the growth of women’s soccer globally. She represents the top 10 rising stars who not only excel in competition but also inspire the next generation.
In 2025, Mallory Pugh continues to be a driving force in women’s soccer, solidifying her place among the top 10 rising stars with a promising future that holds even greater achievements.
| Key Stat | Mallory Pugh’s explosive talent and persistent dedication highlight why she stands as one of the top 10 rising stars shaping the future of women’s soccer |
FAQs
Who are the top 10 rising stars in women’s sports for 2025?
The top 10 rising stars in women’s sports for 2025 are a group of talented young athletes making a significant impact across various sports. These athletes represent the future of women’s sports, showcasing exceptional skill, dedication, and leadership on the global stage. From football and tennis to athletics and swimming, the top 10 rising stars are already setting new standards and inspiring fans worldwide.
What sports do the top 10 rising stars compete in?
The top 10 rising stars compete in a wide range of sports including football, cricket, swimming, track and field, gymnastics, basketball, tennis, ice hockey, and volleyball. This diversity highlights the growing prominence of women’s sports across different disciplines and regions, emphasizing the broad talent pool represented by these top 10 rising stars.
How do the top 10 rising stars inspire young athletes?
The top 10 rising stars inspire young athletes by breaking barriers, achieving remarkable milestones, and serving as role models both on and off the field. Their stories of perseverance, hard work, and success motivate aspiring athletes to pursue their dreams. Many of these rising stars also engage in community outreach and advocacy, encouraging greater participation in women’s sports.
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