With no age restrictions in place at the Olympic Games, loads of the game's top stars will be representing their respective nations in Japan
Cosafa mediaBarbra Banda (Zambia)
If Zambia spring a surprise this summer, it's likely that Barbra Banda will be crucial to it.
After establishing herself as an exciting young forward in Spain, scoring 15 goals in 28 games for a Logrono side that were battling relegation when she got there, Banda moved to China and still hasn't stopped scoring.
The 21-year-old, who is already captain of her country, was the Chinese Women's Super League's topscorer in 2020, netting 18 goals, and scored in Zambia's most recent friendly – a 2-1 win over Chile in November.
AdvertisementGettyDebinha (Brazil)
Described by U.S. women's national team boss Vlatko Andonovski as "one of the best players in the world", and ranking at No.9 in last year's Goal 50, Debinha is very special.
A two-time NWSL champion, named the Most Valuable Player in the Championship game in 2019, the North Carolina Courage star has the ability to create chances, make the runs to be on the receiving end of those killer passes herself, or produce something out of nothing to win a game.
Brazil have improved defensively under head coach Pia Sundhage and in a player like Debinha, they have the catalyst to make their attack a serious problem for opponents in Japan as well.
GettyChristiane Endler (Chile)
Widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Christiane Endler is Chile's star.
Named in the FIFPro World XI last year, she has just finished a sensational season with Paris Saint-Germain, helping them to win the French league for the first time with an incredible 19 clean sheets in 22 games. Such contributions also won her the division's goalkeeper of the year award.
Endler, who has since completed a transfer to seven-time European champions Lyon, will be crucial for Chile this summer too, as she's likely to be called into action a little more than she is at club level, such is the underdog status of her nation.
GettyAbby Erceg (New Zealand)
Abby Erceg may not be a household name, but she is one of New Zealand’s most decorated footballers. She has won three NWSL Championships and was named the league’s defender of the year in 2018.
The first player of any gender to reach 100 caps for her country, she has vast experience too, having played at seven major tournaments already.
Erceg’s presence will be as important as ever this summer, too. Rebekah Stott, so often alongside her at centre-back, will sadly miss the Games after being diagnosed with blood cancer.
With her experience and character absent, Erceg’s role as a leader will be even more important as the Football Ferns set about navigating a very tough group.