Birmingham City’s Océane Hurtré didn’t hesitate to make her arrival in the Barclays Women’s Super League known. The 2026/27 season was hardly underway before Hurtré’s stats and performances were bringing her understated name to the spotlight.
From scoring against Manchester City in the 90th minute of their season opener, to her outrageous left-footed chip against Crystal Palace only 45 seconds after kickoff, she earned herself the Barclays WSL Player Of The Month award for September.
At just 22, Hurtré has quickly established herself as a player to follow. From making her senior debut for the French national team, to leading the goal ranking in the topflight, she’s only just beginning.
What Makes Hurtré a Threat on the Pitch?
Having played on both the left and right flank at Birmingham City, this season sees Hurtré primarily occupying the left. What she excels at is direct attacking, and her ability to conduct goal-rewarding carries with unbeatable pace and composure. Her effortless decision making evokes experience beyond her years, and proves vital for the Blues against top-flight teams, where Birmingham City will often see much lower possession and rely on players like Hurtré to find and exploit gaps.
Her flair was on full display when she slotted in the opening goal against Arsenal, where a link-up with Neve Herron saw Hurtré’s exceptional acceleration leave both Leah Williamson and Ona Batlle behind, evading any challenge from keeper Misa Rodríguez for a Blues goal netted with ease.
Hurtré is hugely dynamic, skilful at delivering wide crosses, and despite spending (or needing) little time in the penalty area, she is extremely clinical and ruthless at turning long carries into finishes when chances arise.
A Long Journey to a Breakthrough Season
Hurtré’s name seemingly appeared overnight for WSL fans, but joining Birmingham City from
PSG in 2025 was a make-or-break move for her career.
Hurtré was first scouted by PSG at just six years old. Following her time in the academy was a number of seasons in the Premiére Ligue, with loan spells at AS Poissy, Olympique Lyonnais, Dijon, and Bordeaux. She signed her first professional contract with PSG in 2022 at 18 years old; however, this period at the club was largely overshadowed by injury.
In January of 2023 Hurtré sustained a season-ending ankle injury, and just a few games after her return, she tore her ACL in the following November at just 19 years old.
These lengthy recovery periods hindered Hurtré’s chances of becoming a regular starter for PSG, and by the end of the 24/25 season, she had only made 16 league appearances for the team. With her contract now up, she had the option of remaining in the French league, or taking on a new challenge.
Valued at only 25k in May of 2025, Hurtré signed for then WSL2 side Birmingham City on a 3-year contract.
In Hurtré’s first English season, she was utilised as a substitute more often than a starter, and was trialled in several midfield and winger positions. Her minutes increased as the season progressed however, and she played a role in Birmingham City’s league win and subsequent promotion to the WSL. She came away from the season with 3 goals and 3 assists.
Hurtré’s WSL Impact and Future
Hurtré has hit the ground running in the WSL, starting every league game thus far. 2 months in, she has already doubled her 25/26 season contributions with 6 goals and 2 assists, seating her in joint-second for the Golden Boot race - only beaten by Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw. She also occupies many top flights of analysis and stats, including leading in the WSL for the most goal-ending carries. All the more astounding when Hurtré’s humble club history and injury setbacks are accounted for.
As of MW8, Birmingham City are back down to 12th, leaving them in a dangerous spot contending with fellow league newcomers Crystal Palace in avoiding the risk of returning to the WSL2.
Hurtré has likely caught the eyes of clubs much higher on the table however, and it would be remiss not to assume a summer transfer could be on the cards if her exemplary form continues and Birmingham don’t remain in the top flight. From Manchester United who saw a very quiet year of recruitment, to London City Lionesses and Arsenal whose 2026 scouting reached double digits, to Chelsea’s existing French empire, Hurtré will likely not be short of attention.
International Success
Hurtré made a small number of appearances for France at U23 and younger levels, however following her exemplary WSL success last month she was awarded with a debut for the French senior team, scoring and providing an assist in their World Cup qualifiers against Latvia.
Looking towards the Women’s World Cup next summer, this season may be an indisputable opportunity for Hurtré to secure her place in the French squad heading to Brazil.