As the UEFA Women's Euros 2025 unfolds, France, a nation with huge ambitions in international football, are showcasing a new wave of talent.
Among their exciting young prospects, Thiniba Samoura, a composed centre-back for Paris Saint-Germain, stands out as a player ready to anchor the French defence.
At 21 years of age, Samoura has quickly risen through the ranks, demonstrating maturity and defensive prowess that make her a compelling player to watch this summer.
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Thiniba Samoura: A Journey from South to West Paris
Thiniba Samoura's footballing journey has seen her progress swiftly through the competitive landscape of French women's football. She began her senior career at Paris FC before making a significant move to powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain in August 2023.
At PSG, she has become an increasingly important figure in their defence, gaining valuable experience in the highly competitive Première Ligue and UEFA Women's Champions League. Her consistent performances at club level earned a call-up to the France senior national team for Euro 2025, where she has already formed part of France's youngest-ever central-defensive partnership at a major tournament, alongside Alice Sombath, after the great Wendie Renard was left out of the squad.
Samoura's playing style is characterised by her strong defensive awareness, excellent tackling, and composure on the ball. Primarily a centre-back, she is adept at reading the game, making timely interceptions, and initiating attacks from the back with her precise passing.
She possesses good pace and strength, allowing her to handle challenging attacking players. Her ability to maintain focus and stay switched on for the full 90 minutes, as she puts it, highlights her mental fortitude. She can also operate as a defensive midfielder.
Thiniba Samoura: Why should we remember her name?
Thiniba Samoura has proved herself to be a key player with breakout performances at Euro 2025, as France aim for glory:
- Defensive solidity and intelligence: Samoura's primary strength lies in her defensive capabilities. She is a reliable and intelligent defender who excels at positional play, anticipating opponent movements, and making crucial tackles. Her ability to form a strong partnership with other young defenders speaks volumes about her understanding of the game.
- Ball-Playing Defender: In modern football, a defender's ability to distribute the ball is paramount. Samoura is comfortable on the ball, possessing good passing range and accuracy, which allows France to build attacks from the back and maintain possession under pressure.
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- Physicality and Aerial Presence: She possesses good physical attributes, including strength and jumping ability, making her effective in aerial duels and when challenging attackers.
- Youth International Success and Senior Integration: Samoura has represented France at various youth levels, including the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship, where she was named in the Team of the Tournament. Her seamless integration into the senior national team, making her debut in 2024, demonstrates her readiness for the highest level.
Thiniba Samoura: Euro 2025 impact and future prospects
For France, Thiniba Samoura represents a crucial defensive asset. Her composure, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute to the build-up play make her an invaluable member of the squad. As France navigates the knockout stages, starting with their quarterfinal against Germany, Samoura's performances at the back will be vital in stifling opposition attacks and providing a solid foundation for Les Bleues' offensive efforts. She has the potential to be one of the tournament's most impressive young defenders.
Long-term, Samoura's career prospects are exciting. Being an integral part of Paris Saint-Germain, one of Europe's top clubs, provides her with a continuous platform for development and exposure to elite competition. With her innate talent, mature defending, and continuous improvement, she's set to anchor the French national team for years and become one of women's football's most desired defenders.
More from the Remember Her Name series:
- Michelle Agyemang, England's emerging striker star
- Esmee Brugts, Netherlands' versatile star on the scoresheet