Traore sets sights on Brazil 2027 berth after wonder goal

Something special usually happens whenever Naolia Traore puts on the France jersey, so it is rather surprising that she has only just made her FIFA junior tournament debut, despite receiving numerous call-ups since her first youth international appearance, for Les Tricolores' U-16s.

And the Paris Saint-Germain youngster seems to be grabbing the opportunity to represent Les Bleuettes in Poland with both hands, having already unleashed a sublime effort from distance to level the scores in the 36th minute of France's opening 1-1 draw of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026™, against Korea Republic.

"One of my team-mates laid the ball back to me. Instinctively, I said to myself that I was in a good position and that I'd try my luck. So I hit it, and the ball went in," Traore told FIFA, in an exclusive interview. "I wanted to hit it with the instep. That's what I did, and the ball moved a bit in the end."

While this goal was pleasing on the eye, it also earned France a much-deserved point – they were the better side on the day – and that has given Traore immense confidence as she aims to become one of the most important pieces of the French jigsaw at this World Cup.

A player reborn

The shining star we witnessed in Sosnowiec on Sunday is a very different player to the Traore that joined Levante on loan around a year ago – an experience that has seen her mature as a player.

"Mentally, I've grown a lot this season," said the youngster. "I still felt fragile in that respect. I was only 19, and spending a year away from my family and those close to me made me mentally stronger. I've come back [a] better [player]."

Traore first caught the eye of PSG at a very young age, going on to be named the academy's best player in 2023, and ultimately making the step up to the first team, signing her first professional contract with the club in 2025. However, despite her prolific record at international level, she has never scored for her club – and one of the reasons for that could well be her selfless nature.

"Usually, I would maybe think more about the team, but this time, I said to myself, 'It's a World Cup, I'm here and I can strike [a ball], so I may as well have a go.' And it paid off, so I'm very happy. It's my first World Cup goal, in my first appearance at this tournament. I'm also very proud to have been named Player of the Match. I hope I can keep this up."

The French skipper, Celeste Delcroix, said "her goal was magnificent" after the final whistle. "I'm glad she tried her luck, because she wouldn't normally be so inclined to shoot. On this occasion, she really did unleash a superb strike."

A berth at Brazil 2027 awaits

Traore has been tipped as a future star for several seasons. Her talent is no secret in France, and she has the ability to transform any team.

"She has this ability to pick up the ball and take opposing players out of the game, and her in-game maturity has really come on over the last year, making her [a] very exciting [player]," explained France coach Philippe Joly. "Like many other players, she has performed at a very high level.

"Naolia is a very technical player," added Delcroix. "She likes to drive with the ball, to run at defenders, and she never shies away from a challenge, even when defending. I really like playing with her because she's also happy to defend. As a full-back, it's always nice to have a player like her in front of you."

Therefore, it is by no means unusual to suggest that this U-20 Women's World Cup may only be the start of a long and successful international career for the young PSG forward.

"For now, I'm only dreaming of winning this World Cup. Then I would like to play for France's senior team and take part in the World Cup in Brazil – why not?" affirmed the youngster. "If I have a good tournament and keep improving, I may get the chance to go there."

But the 20-year-old still has a lot to do to prove she is ready for the senior team. Joly believes that if she continues to work on her game and has a good season with her club, she could well be on the plane to Brazil.

"At times, she's gone for the difficult option when she's needed to keep it simple. I think there have been times when all our attacking players have chosen the difficult option. They will need to keep things simpler in the next game."

Now it's time to see whether the daring Traore can help steer her team to glory in Poland.