Arsenal youngster nominated for Golden Girl | OneFootball

Arsenal‘s Freya Godfrey has been named as a finalist for the prestigious ‘Golden Girl 2024‘ award, which honours the best player under 21 in European football.

Godfrey, a versatile forward for Arsenal, has made significant strides since joining the club’s academy at age 12.

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Alara Sehitler of Germany is challenged by Freya Godfrey of England during the international friendly match between England Women U19 and Germany Women U19 at St George’s Park on September 26, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images for DFB)

Following loan spells at Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic, she has developed, also representing England from U14 to U19 levels, and captaining the U19s during successful European Championship qualification campaigns.

Joining Godfrey on the shortlist are some of Europe’s top young talents, including Bayern Munich’s Colombian defender Ana Guzmán, FC Barcelona’s Vicky López (Spain), Giulia Dragoni (Italy, AS Roma), Sydney Schertenleib (Switzerland), Zara Kramzar (Slovenia, Como), Eva Schatzer (Italy, Juventus), Lily Yohannes (USA, Ajax), Amelie Joseph (France, Metz), and Wieke Kaptein (Netherlands, Chelsea).

Guzmán is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Colombian Linda Caicedo, who took the award last year. German Jule Brand won the award in its inaugural year.

Godfrey’s nomination is a testament to her progress for both club and country, and marks her as one of the brightest young prospects in European women’s football. Perhaps now Jonas Eidevall is gone, we might actually get to see her some minutes on the pitch the first team.

Organised by Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the winner will be announced on 4 December 2024.