Established in 2022 by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport to mirror the Golden Boy award, the Golden Girl award celebrates the standout young players plying their trade across the European women's game.

German midfielder Jule Brand was the first to win the honour, with Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo and Barcelona's Vicky Lopez taking home the top prize in 2023 and 2024.

Kaptein is one of ten players currently performing in a top-flight European league to be included on the final shortlist for this year's Golden Girl award.

The 20-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Chelsea first team squad, which culminated in Kaptein playing a key role in the Blues winning a domestic Treble of the Women's Super League, Women's FA Cup, and Women's League Cup.

She has continued to be a regular under Sonia Bompastor and has netted twice for the Blues this season, away to West Ham United and Manchester United.

2025 Golden Girl nominees

Michelle Agyemang – Brighton, on loan from Arsenal

Iman Beney – Manchester City

Giulia Galli – Roma

Eva Schatzer – Juventus

Signe Gaupset – Brann

Smilla Holmberg – Hammarby

Felicia Schroder – Hacken

Wieke Kaptein – Chelsea

Nina Matejic – Zenit St Petersburg

Lily Yohannes – Lyon