The UEFA Women's Euro 2025 provides a prime opportunity for emerging talents to capture the spotlight.
Among Poland's promising contingent, Paulina Tomasiak, a dynamic striker for Ekstraliga club Gornik Leczna, is a name that demands close attention.
At 23 years old, Tomasiak has consistently demonstrated her goal-scoring prowess and had hoped to be a key figure for her national team this summer.
While Poland's campaign is now set to end after the conclusion of the group stage, she will hope to sign off with something of a flourish.
Paulina Tomasiak: From youth prodigy to senior star
Tomasiak's football journey has been defined by her consistent ability to find the back of the net. She began her youth career with local clubs Poprad Rytro and UKS 3 Staszowka Jelna, where she quickly established herself as a prolific scorer. Her consistent performances earned her a move to top-tier Polish club Gornik Leczna, where she continues to develop her game against stronger opposition. In her club career, starting at age 13, Tomasiak has scored an impressive 181 goals in 147 appearances.
Tomasiak's playing style is that of a natural, instinctive striker. She possesses excellent movement off the ball, constantly looking to exploit spaces in behind the defence or find pockets in the penalty area. Her finishing is clinical, whether with her feet or head, and she demonstrates a composure in front of goal that belies her age. Beyond her goal-scoring, Tomasiak is known for her work rate, often pressing defenders and contributing to the team's overall defensive efforts from the front. Her ability to link up with midfielders and wingers also adds to her attacking threat, making her a very well-rounded forward.
Paulina Tomasiak: Why should we remember her name?
Tomasiak was a strong candidate for a breakout performance at Euro 2025 and could yet sign off from the finals in style in Poland's final group game against Denmark. Here's why she is drawing significant attention:
- Clinical finishing: Tomasiak's most significant strength is her goal-scoring ability. She has a natural predatory instinct, consistently converting chances into goals. With four in just seven senior international appearances prior to Euro 2025, this clinical edge is invaluable at such a major tournament, where fierce opposition means goal-scoring opportunities are scarce and having a player who can reliably put them away is crucial for any team's success.
- Intelligent movement off the ball: She excels at making intelligent runs that disrupt defensive lines and create space for herself and her teammates. Her ability to read the game and anticipate where the ball will be allows her to get into prime scoring positions, making her a constant threat around the box.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
- Physical presence and work rate: While primarily a goal-scorer, Tomasiak also brings a good physical presence to the forward line. She can hold up the ball, allowing her team to push forward, and she is not afraid to engage in duels with defenders. Her high work rate also means she contributes defensively, pressing opponents and helping to win back possession high up the pitch.
- Momentum from club form: Her recent performances for Gornik Leczna in the Ekstraliga and her contributions in the Polish Cup demonstrate her form and confidence. Playing regularly and scoring goals at a high domestic level means she entered Euro 2025 sharp and ready to make an impact.
Paulina Tomasiak: Euro 2025 impact and future prospects
For Poland, Tomasiak represents a vital attacking threat. While they might be considered underdogs in some matchups — something laid bare by their opening two defeats — Tomasiak's individual brilliance and goal-scoring prowess could yet see them finish their campaign in Switzerland in winning fashion.
Long-term, Tomasiak's career prospects are very promising. Her consistent goal-scoring record, combined with her physical attributes and tactical understanding, suggests she has the potential to become a leading striker in European women's football. With continued development and experience, especially at international level, she could become a key player for the Polish national team for years to come, potentially attracting interest from top leagues across the globe.
More from Remember Her Name series: