Océane Hurtré has made a striking start to life in the Women’s Super League, scoring six goals in Birmingham’s first eight matches since promotion. Only Khadija Shaw has scored more, while Hurtré has also recorded two league assists and marked her France debut with a goal and an assist last month.

The 22-year-old’s form follows a move to Birmingham in the summer of 2025. She helped the club win promotion after joining from Paris Saint-Germain, where she made her professional debut at 16 during the 2020-21 season. PSG later loaned her to Dijon and Bordeaux to gain first-team experience; injuries affected her playing time at both clubs.

Former France coach Olivier Echouafni, who gave Hurtré her PSG debut, said she was attentive and skilful from a young age, with a strong shot and high-quality crosses. He added that she had since improved physically and mentally, and that the move to Birmingham had benefited her.

Sylvain Carric, who worked as Dijon’s women’s general manager, said Hurtré’s left foot and versatility were central to his interest in signing her. She can play as a left-back, winger or No 8, he said, adding that she had the potential to succeed once she adapted physically to the demands of elite football.

Birmingham head coach Amy Merricks has also highlighted Hurtré’s development, including her efforts to learn English after moving to a new country. Merricks said the forward’s work away from the pitch had contributed to her progress and that she deserved her France call-up.

Hurtré was named the WSL’s player of the month for September. French football writer Sylvain Jamet said she appeared faster since arriving in England and praised her technique and left-footed set-piece deliveries. He compared her crossing to David Beckham’s, saying she can deliver from deep or from different areas of the pitch.

Her performances for France, including contributions in a 9-0 win over Latvia, have strengthened her hopes of making the squad for next summer’s World Cup. Jamet said Hurtré is competing with Sandy Baltimore for a place, describing Hurtré as stronger technically in crossing and passing, while Baltimore is more effective in one-on-one situations.

Sources: The Guardian Sport.