The NWSL has great talent throughout its 14 teams. And while some of the talent comes from long-established giants of the game, like Marta, more than ever the league is also developing the next generation of young stars.
Based on what we've seen so far this season, these five players have the potential to become the next biggest names in the league.
Trinity Armstrong
San Diego Wave FC
San Diego Wave wasted no time in finding the next best young defender in Trinity Armstrong. After their key defender Naomi Girma left for a world record fee, the Wave needed someone to fill her boots.
Armstrong is a 17-year-old defender from Texas. She spent one season at the University of North Carolina in 2024, where she won the National Championship with the team. Armstrong has also been a highly rated player for the U.S. National teams. In 2024, she was nominated for U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year after her performances with the Under 17s. She helped to serve as a captain for the team, highlighting her leadership ability.
Armstrong has made three appearances for the Wave, two of them being as a substitute. Armstrong can become a central figure for the team with her strong defensive presence. She is also a threat on set pieces with her height.
Hannah Bebar
Bay FC
Bay FC is in its second season in the NWSL. The club had a good first season and earned a spot in the playoffs. Hannah Bebar came into the team after spending three seasons at Harvard and one at Duke. The 23-year-old is a strong force in midfield. She can be a goalscorer, while also maintaining poise defensively.
Throughout her college career, Bebar scored 20 goals and added 30 assists. Beber could be the playmaker that Bay FC needs. Bebar is a three-time All-American player. She has also been involved with the U.S. Youth National Teams and even got her first USWNT call-up during the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.