As the Women's Euros 2025 continues to captivate audiences, Switzerland, the tournament hosts, are making history with their first-ever appearance in the quarterfinals.
A key figure in this exciting journey is Alayah Pilgrim, a dynamic forward for Italian Serie A club AS Roma.
At 22 years old, Pilgrim has already demonstrated her ability to score crucial goals and inject energy into the Swiss attack, making her a compelling player to watch as they face Spain in the quarterfinals.
MORE: Remember Her Name: Iman Beney, Switzerland's teenage star driving Euro dreams on home soil
Alayah Pilgrim: From Switzerland to Serie A
Alayah Pilgrim's football journey has been marked by determination and a rapid ascent through the ranks. She began her senior career in the Swiss leagues, playing for clubs including Basel and FC Zurich, where she gained valuable experience and gained minutes in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
Her impressive performances, including scoring in the 2022–23 Swiss Women's Super League final for Zurich, earned her a significant move to Italian champions AS Roma in January 2024.
Pilgrim's playing style is characterised by her speed, creativity, and goal threat. Primarily operating as a forward, often on the left wing, she possesses explosive acceleration and a keen eye for goal.
She is adept at making incisive runs, taking on defenders, and unleashing powerful shots. Her ability to combine individual brilliance with effective link-up play makes her a versatile and dangerous attacking asset.
Alayah Pilgrim: Why should we remember her name?
Alayah Pilgrim is a strong candidate for a continued impactful performance at Euro 2025, especially as Switzerland make their historic quarter-final debut:
- Game-changing impact: Pilgrim has a proven ability to change the complexion of a match, often coming off the bench to provide a crucial spark. Her energy, speed, and directness can unsettle tired defences, creating immediate attacking opportunities. This was evident in Switzerland's group stage victory over Iceland, where her late goal sealed the win.
- Clinical finishing and goal threat: She is an instinctive goalscorer, capable of scoring from various positions and with different types of finishes. Her composure in front of goal makes her a reliable option when chances arise, a vital quality in knockout football.
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- Versatility in attack: While often deployed on the left wing, Pilgrim's attributes allow her to play across the forward line. Her ability to operate in different attacking roles provides tactical flexibility for Swiss coach Pia Sundhage, enabling them to adapt their approach against diverse opponents.
- Momentum from historic run: Switzerland's journey to their first-ever Euro quarterfinals has generated immense excitement and belief. Pilgrim, as a key contributor to this historic achievement, will undoubtedly be fuelled by this momentum, eager to continue making an impact on home soil.
Alayah Pilgrim: Euro 2025 Impact and Future Prospects
For Switzerland, Alayah Pilgrim is an exciting attacking option as they prepare for their quarter-final clash against Spain. Her ability to provide an immediate threat, whether starting or as a substitute, will be crucial in breaking down a strong Spanish defence. As Switzerland aims to extend their historic run, Pilgrim's individual brilliance and goal-scoring capabilities could be the key to unlocking further success. She has the potential to be one of the tournament's most memorable young attackers.
Long-term, Alayah Pilgrim's future looks exceptionally promising. Her transfer to AS Roma provides her with a platform to continue developing at the highest level of club football. With her natural talent, versatility, and proven ability to perform in crucial moments, she has all the attributes to become a key player for the Swiss national team and a highly sought-after forward in the sport for years to come.
More from Remember Her Name series:
- Leila Wandeler, Switzerland's Teenage Forward Sparking Euro 2025 Quarter-Final Dream
- Vicky Lopez, Spain's young star primed for Women's Euro 2025 success