Rising Star Océane Hurtré: The Next Beckham in the Women's Game

As Birmingham City’s players wrapped up their warm-up routine, the scene was quiet—except for one standout moment. Océane Hurtré casually chipped her ball into the drawstring bag from about 15 yards, showcasing the confidence that defines her game. The 22-year-old has been turning heads in the Women’s Super League, where she has quickly become a key player for Birmingham. With six goals in the first eight matches, she’s tied for second in the league’s scoring charts, trailing only Khadija Shaw. Her flair on the ball is evident; she makes intricate skills look effortless, taking single touches where others struggle. This season marks a significant breakthrough for Hurtré, who also bagged two assists in the league and made an impressive debut for France last month with a goal and an assist. Those familiar with her journey, like former France head coach Olivier Echouafni, have always believed in her potential. He recalls giving her a professional debut at just 16 years old while at Paris Saint-Germain, a club that has dominated French football for two decades. “She’s incredibly focused and attentive,” Echouafni reflects. “She has always had that skill to draw out defenders with her quick movement and quality crosses. While she was young and still developing physically, her progress has been remarkable since moving to Birmingham.” Fans are loving her electric pace and skill in attack, but Echouafni remembers her defensive contributions as well. He recounts a key moment from her early days at PSG, where she made a crucial clearance off the line to help secure a championship-winning match. Joining PSG at a young age meant Hurtré was surrounded by legends, including the iconic 42-year-old Formiga during her debut. Her time at PSG saw her loaned to Dijon and Bordeaux to gain valuable experience, despite injuries interrupting her stints. Yet, those who worked with her recognized her immense talent. Sylvain Carric, who managed her time at Dijon, remarks, “I was drawn to her exceptional left foot and versatility. She could play in various positions, and her decision to join Dijon showed her ambition to grow rather than sit on the bench at PSG.” Taking a leap of faith, Hurtré moved to Birmingham in the summer of 2025, and it’s paying off big time. She helped the club secure promotion and has already scored against top teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. Birmingham’s head coach, Amy Merricks, expressed pride in Hurtré’s growth. “The transformation she’s made since arriving is unbelievable,” she said. “She’s learned English and adapted to a new environment, which is no small feat.” In recognition of her impressive start, Hurtré was named the WSL player of the month for September. Sylvain Jamet, a football writer, noted her increased speed and technical prowess, particularly her set-piece deliveries since moving to the UK. Her contributions in France’s recent 9-0 victory over Latvia could bolster her chances for a spot in next summer’s World Cup. The competition is fierce with players like Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore, but Jamet believes Hurtré’s technical skills give her an edge in crossing and passing. With her talent and determination, Océane Hurtré is undoubtedly a player to watch as she continues to forge her path in the world of women’s football.