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5 juin 2025
The Sud Ladies Cup 2025 best XI
France won the 6th edition of the Sud Ladies Cup for the second time in its history. By defeating Japan, who finished second, the Bleuettes retained the trophy they claimed in 2024. Throughout the tournament, several players stood out on the pitch at the Parc des Sports in Avignon. Here's a look back at those who made it into our Team of the Tournament!
Vanesa Jilkova (Czechia):
A starter in two matches during the tournament against France (1-1, win on penalties 5-4) and Morocco (3-0 win), she showcased her talent brilliantly. She was decisive in the penalty shootout against the tournament winners, making two world-class saves. Across her two matches, she conceded only one unstoppable goal scored by Dona Scannapieco. She kept a clean sheet against Morocco despite facing numerous threats. She was deservedly named the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.
Kanon Akimoto (Japan):
The Japanese defender played in all three matches of the tournament. Solid both defensively and offensively, Japan’s full-back put in tireless runs and followed her coach’s instructions to the letter. For her first Sud Ladies Cup, the Nadeshiko stood out among the crowd. No doubt about it—she earns a spot in this Best XI.
Mitsuki Ota (Japan):
The leader of Japan’s defense. Rock-solid at the back, physically strong in challenges, and the team’s first distributor. The INAC Kobe Leonessa player showed all her qualities throughout the tournament. At just 17 years old, she impressed her opponents with her maturity and leadership. She was the standout defender of the tournament.
Kysha Sylla (France):
The only player in Fabien Lefevre’s squad currently playing in the United States. This experience clearly stood out during the tournament. Intensity, solidity, and composure—that's what she brought to the French team on their way to lifting the trophy. She fully deserves her spot in the Sud Ladies Cup Best XI.
Margaux Vairon (France):
With an assist in the first match, she showed her crossing ability and her capacity to make attacking runs that put opposing defenses under pressure. Defensively, she was one of the key contributors to France having the best defense in the tournament. She had no part in the two goals the team conceded. The Dijon FCO player is very likely a future member of the senior French national team.
Laurina Fazer (France):
Captain twice during the tournament, Laurina Fazer showcased the full extent of her talent! Scoring a brace against Japan, including a stunning curled strike into the top corner, the Parisian was a major asset for her team. Her ability to control the midfield and her above-average technical skill helped her team dominate the center of the pitch—especially in the final match.
Cyrielle Blanc (France):
The Montpellier Hérault player featured in all three matches, starting twice and even wearing the armband against Morocco. In midfield, she helped stabilize her team defensively. A leader among others, Cyrielle Blanc also managed the more difficult moments her team faced. She absolutely deserves her place in our Team of the Tournament!
Miyu Matsunaga (Japan):
If Japan impressed in their first two matches, it was largely thanks to her. In midfield, she dictated the tempo and elevated her team’s performance. Despite the final loss to France, she was key both in defensive efforts and offensive build-up. Having already appeared in this tournament before, her contribution was vital to her team.
Vicki Becho (France):
Top scorer of the competition, the Lyon forward lived up to all expectations. Unstoppable on her wing, she used her top speed and technical prowess to cause endless problems for her opponents. Already capped by the senior national team, Becho was a central figure in France’s attacking force and played a major role in their victory.
Mao Itamura (Japan):
She too was a constant threat on the flanks for Japan. Fast and efficient, the Feyenoord winger—playing her club football in the Netherlands—proved to be one of the standout players of the Sud Ladies Cup. Scorer and provider, her club experience was key for her younger teammates, and there's no doubt she has a bright future with the senior national team.
Jana Zufankova (Czechia):
The Czech striker was one of the tournament’s best revelations. Player of the Match in the 3-0 win over Morocco, she scored the majority of her team’s goals. Constantly pressing throughout the matches, she also displayed great pace and combativeness against opposing center-backs. Like her team, she revealed an exciting aspect of her game in her country’s first appearance at the Sud Ladies Cup.
