1. She can speak many languages
New West Ham United women’s team signing Leila Wandeler can speak five languages: French, English, German, Wolof and a little Spanish!
Whilst French and German are two of the most common languages spoken in her native Switzerland, Wandeler knows Wolof because of her Senegalese roots. She also spent four years living in Senegal before returning to Switzerland in 2016.
Her French came in handy when she signed for OL Lyonnes in 2023, for whom she made three appearances, scoring once.
2. She had to bide her time for her Switzerland debut…
Wandeler represented her national team at U16, U17 and U19 level before getting a shot at a first-team club appearance - netting six times for the U17s and twice in three appearances for the U19s.
Her impressive performances in the youth teams, coupled with her debut for OL Lyonnes, earned her a first call-up to Switzerland’s senior side in June 2024 for fixtures against Turkey and Azerbaijan.
However, the dream of playing for her country came to an unwelcome pause due to a hip injury she sustained, which forced her to withdraw from the squad.
3. …but was rewarded when it eventually came
Almost a year after withdrawing from Switzerland’s squad, Wandeler’s next opportunity to make her debut on the international stage came in her side's final match ahead of hosting UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 - a friendly at home to the Czech Republic at Stadion Schützenwiese in Winterthur.
Wandeler was introduced to proceedings in the 65th minute and conjured up an assist on her debut in a 4-1 victory for Switzerland.
With just one senior cap to her name, the 19-year-old was selected in Switzerland’s 23-player squad for the tournament and went on to make three appearances, which included a quarter-final clash with Spain.
4. She learned a lot from the Euros
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 was an experience Wandeler will never forget - and it was also a tournament that will stand her in good stead for the rest of her career.
Learning from experienced heads like Lia Wälti, who has over 100 international caps to her name, and being welcomed into their squad with open arms meant Wandeler soaked up every piece of advice like a sponge.
She was in awe of the support her side received and enjoyed playing with her proud family and friends in the stands.
Wandeler said: “It (the Euros) was crazy, amazing. I couldn't believe it at first because I hadn’t really been in the national team that much. The players were amazing to me. I felt in the family as soon as I got into the team. The games were so amazing, I had chills every time I saw the Switzerland fans.”
5. And also gained a viral dance!
Wandeler’s dancing skills were on show when Switzerland defeated Iceland 2-0 in Group A at the Euros.
After she set up Alayah Pilgrim’s 90th-minute strike that sealed the three points, Wandeler and the goalscorer broke off from the celebrations to perform a dance to the camera - and it went viral!
