On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, Forbes unveiled its prestigious 30 Under 30 Europe sports and games list, highlighting some of the brightest young talents in the athletic world. Among the standout names are French swimming sensation Léon Marchand and triathlon champion Cassandre Beaugrand, both of whom made headlines during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Léon Marchand, a 22-year-old from Toulouse, emerged as a star at the Olympics, where he claimed an impressive four gold medals in swimming. His victories came in the 200 m and 400 m individual medley events, as well as the 200 m and 400 m butterfly. In addition, he secured a bronze medal in the 4x100 m medley relay, cementing his status as a leading figure in the sport.
Forbes noted, "Marchand has made waves by breaking Michael Phelps' 2008 record in the 200 m individual medley at the Paris Olympics last year." This achievement not only highlights Marchand's extraordinary talent but also places him in an elite group of swimmers who have redefined the sport.
Meanwhile, Cassandre Beaugrand, who is 27 years old, also made a significant impact at the Paris Olympics by winning the gold medal in triathlon. Forbes recognized her as a trailblazer, stating, "Beaugrand became the only woman in history to rank first in the three major triathlon events: the Olympics, the World Championships, and the European Championships." Her remarkable achievements have set a new standard in the sport.
Beaugrand's success is complemented by her strong social media presence, boasting 300,000 followers on Instagram. She has also secured partnerships with notable brands such as Adidas, Oakley Bike, and Polar, further enhancing her profile in the athletic community.
Forbes' 30 Under 30 list is known for celebrating young achievers across various fields, and the sports and games category recognizes athletes, players, agents, and founders who have made significant contributions to their respective sports. The selection criteria focus on impact, potential for success, and financial performance, making this recognition particularly meaningful.
In addition to Marchand and Beaugrand, the list features other remarkable athletes, including Naomi Girma, a defender for Chelsea, who made history as the first player to change clubs for a seven-figure indemnity. Girma was transferred last summer for €1.05 million, highlighting the growing financial landscape of women's sports.
Forbes emphasized the importance of such milestones, stating, "Her new record is a key element in the rise of women's sports today. Thanks to stars like Girma, the women's sports industry is expected to generate $2.35 billion in global revenue in 2025, according to ESPN." This statistic underscores the increasing visibility and investment in women’s athletics.
Also included in the 30 Under 30 list is British Olympic 800 m champion Keely Hodgkinson, who has made a name for herself both on and off the track. Forbes reported that she has partnered with major brands like Nike and Omega while launching her own event, the Keely Klassic, which invites runners from around the globe to compete.
Another noteworthy mention is Bianca Bustamante, a 20-year-old race car driver who joined McLaren's development program at the end of 2023. Bustamante is paving the way for women in motorsport, demonstrating that barriers are being broken in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Cindy Ngamba, who made history as the first medalist of the Olympic refugee team, also earned a place on the list after winning bronze in boxing (-75 kg) at the Paris Olympics. Her story of resilience and determination resonates deeply, inspiring many around the world.
Among other distinguished athletes featured in the list are Femke Bol, a specialist in the 400 m, Leon Draisatl, a hockey player for the Edmonton Oilers, Caroline Dubois, a boxer, and David Popovici, a swimmer. Each of these individuals represents the future of sports, showcasing exceptional talent and dedication.
Demi Vollering, a cyclist, expressed her pride in being included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, stating, "I have always believed that everything starts with a dream and the courage to pursue it. Through sports, I want to inspire others to believe in themselves and continue to fight for equality in women's cycling and beyond." Her words encapsulate the spirit of this year's honorees, who are not just athletes but also role models.
The 2025 edition of Forbes' 30 Under 30 Europe list serves as a testament to the incredible achievements of young athletes who are reshaping their sports and inspiring the next generation. With figures like Léon Marchand and Cassandre Beaugrand leading the charge, the future of athletics looks brighter than ever.
As the world continues to celebrate these young champions, the impact of their achievements will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the realm of sports, paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.
