Who will lift the UWCL trophy? Here are the 10 biggest stars of the final | OneFootball

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When FC Barcelona and Arsenal battle for the Champions League title at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, the world stars of women’s football will also face off. There will be no German players on the pitch—but plenty of national team players from Spain and England. And a familiar face from the German Bundesliga will also play a very special role.

In the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Barcelona is aiming for their fourth title, which would be their third in a row. In their 100th overall match in the Champions League, the Spanish champions can once again prove their dominance. The squad certainly has the quality, and head coach Pere Romeau will likely be able to call on all his stars on Saturday evening. But his counterpart, Renée Slegers, also has plenty of potential in her squad.

Attack: Goal Scorers Among Themselves

Alessia Russo (Arsenal): In the Gunners’ attack, Alessia Russo is a key player. She has had an outstanding season with Arsenal and has also shone in the Champions League. Alongside midfielder Mariona Caldentey, she sits second in the top scorers’ list with seven goals and will once again lead the offense against Barcelona. With her speed and skill on the ball, she will be a tough challenge even for Barcelona’s strong defense.

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Claudia Pina (Barcelona): With ten goals, Claudia Pina leads the Champions League top scorers’ list, and it’s expected that she’ll want to add to her tally on Saturday evening. She also scored twice against Wolfsburg. Few expected the 23-year-old to shine so brightly this season. She appears unleashed on the pitch and scores from any position.

Ewa Pajor (Barcelona): This is Ewa Pajor’s first season with Barcelona, after many years playing for VfL Wolfsburg. Even though she had already proven her goal-scoring abilities there, she has taken it to another level this season. In the Spanish league, she is Barcelona’s top scorer. A total of 43 goals in 45 games with Barca—a new record for the Polish striker.

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Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona): Together with her former Wolfsburg teammate, Norwegian Caroline Graham Hansen stirs up plenty of trouble in the Spanish attack. With her speed and determination, she is hard for opponents to contain. She was already part of Barcelona’s first UWCL title win in 2021—she knows exactly what it takes in a final.

Midfield: The Playmakers in the UWCL Final

Kim Little (Arsenal): She joined Arsenal as a teenager, shortly after the club won its first and only Champions League title. Since then, she has scored more goals in European competition for Arsenal than any other player. The former striker now pulls the strings in midfield. With her experience, she has established herself as a key playmaker who can set up her teammates brilliantly.

Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal): For ten years, from 2014 to 2024, the Spanish international called FC Barcelona home. Now, in her first season with Arsenal, she faces her former club in the final. The dynamic midfielder, who constantly changes position and applies offensive pressure, won the award for best player in the English league and played a crucial role in getting Arsenal to the final against Barcelona.

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Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona): Like her teammate Alexia Putellas, she came up through FC Barcelona’s youth academy and has developed into an indispensable figure over many years. She is technically outstanding and has excellent vision. She works well defensively but also repeatedly shows her goal-scoring instincts.

Alexia Putellas (Barcelona): Alexia Putellas is at least as technically skilled. With great ball control and precise passing, combined with the ability to read the game very well, she can set up her teammates—or herself—perfectly. She also impresses time and again with her determination.

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Defense: Between Experience and Surprise

Emily Fox (Arsenal): American Emily Fox is considered one of the best right-backs in the world. She is not only a key player in defense but also repeatedly makes surprising contributions in attack. She joined London in 2024 and has had an excellent first Champions League season. She could make things difficult for Barcelona’s strong forwards.

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Irene Paredes (Barcelona): With all her experience, Irene Paredes is an outstanding defender. She is not only strong in tackles but also masters building up play from the back. As a former national team captain, she also has great leadership qualities and can guide her teammates well.

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