At just 18 years old, Sydney Schertenleib has captured the attention of European football, showcasing her immense talent on one of the biggest stages in the game. The Swiss midfielder, who officially joined FC Barcelona just before her 18th birthday, scored a stunning goal in her Champions League debut against Wolfsburg on March 19, 2025, proving that she is a rising star to watch.
Schertenleib's journey into the world of elite football took a significant leap after her impressive performance with the Swiss national team in the U-17 European Championship held in Estonia in May 2023. The young midfielder helped guide her team to an unprecedented semi-final berth, demonstrating skills that would catch the eye of FC Barcelona coaches.
After a memorable tournament in which Switzerland triumphed over Germany, their campaign came to a halt in a crushing 10-2 defeat to France, who ultimately won the championship. Nonetheless, Schertenleib’s individual efforts did not go unnoticed and served as a platform for her subsequent signing with Barcelona.
Fast forward to March 19, 2025, and Schertenleib was subbed in during the quarter-finals of the Champions League match against Wolfsburg, coded as a mere five minutes of regulation time and four minutes of added time. However, what transpired in those few moments would send shockwaves through the football world. Coming on to replace fellow midfielder Alexia Putellas in the 85th minute, she made her presence felt almost immediately by receiving a yellow card for a foul just a minute later.
But Schertenleib didn’t let the early caution set her back. A minute after being booked, she unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, which struck the underside of the crossbar before going in. The goal capped a dominant performance by the Catalans, bringing the final score of the match to 4-1 in Barcelona's favor.
Her team now sits comfortably in the Champions League with a considerable cushion ahead of the second leg. This performance follows a commendable showing just four days prior in a league match against Tenerife, where she played the entire 90 minutes for the first time and provided assists for both goals, earning her the 'Player of the Match' award.
Schertenleib's rise to prominence was so rapid that it is hard to find a comparable emergence in the women’s first team at Barcelona. Her journey began when FC Barcelona noticed her through an Instagram direct message last summer, which led to her signing with the club before she even turned 18. Since then, she has embraced every opportunity in her new environment.
Her head coach, Pere Romeu, expressed satisfaction with her growth, stating, “If [Schertenleib] plays as a pivot, she focuses on defensive aspects, but her tendency is to speed up the game, progress, and exceed lines. She has good short-space dribbling and finishing ability. We are pleased with her. She is very effective.”
Notably, Schertenleib’s exceptional skills allow her versatility, enabling her to play in multiple positions on the pitch including pivot, midfielder, and winger. This flexibility is invaluable to a team pursuing its fourth consecutive Champions League title.
During her brief time spent on the field against Wolfsburg, Schertenleib showed her audacity by striking again in the 91st minute with another effort that narrowly missed its target, followed by a close attempt in the 94th minute after a short corner. Her teammates celebrated her contributions, some with warm smiles and others with aggressive embraces, past the joy of her extraordinary goal in only her first Champions League outing.
In only a few minutes of action, she transformed from a newcomer to becoming the talk of the tournament, leaving fans, commentators, and opponents alike in awe of her capabilities. While the excitement continues surrounding the young sensation, it's clear she has solidified her place within the squad, and her future in the sport looks decidedly bright.
The story of Sydney Schertenleib serves not only as an inspiration for aspiring young footballers but also as a testament to the vision and foresight of FC Barcelona’s scouting team, which identified her potential before she made waves on the international scene.
The success of this young Swiss star exemplifies the blend of talent and opportunity that can lead to remarkable achievements and is a promising sign for the future of women’s football.
