MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Youth EuroBaskets have long provided the perfect launch-pad for Europe's leading young talent to showcase their skills.
Looking back at the roll of honor at each of the events, you'll find a trail of names who went on to shine on some of basketball's biggest stages.
Every summer, one player rises above the rest – the MVP, a standout talent who defines the tournament. For some, it's a springboard to stardom; for others, it's a high point in a still-evolving journey. Either way, it's a moment that puts them on the map.
So, what happened to the most recent winners?
Here's a look at the last five MVPs, how they performed at FIBA U20 Women's EuroBasket, and where the game has taken them since.
2024: Awa Fam (ESP)
Then: Fam posted a 20-point and 14-rebound double-double in the Final as Spain were squeezed out by France 83-75. The frontcourt ace finished the tournament with 11.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
Now: There was deja vu for Fam when making the All-Star Five at the Under-18s and losing in the Final against France. She has since made the senior team when playing in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. At club level, the Valencia Basket baller gained added experience in 2024-25 by playing for Gernika Bizkaia in the Spanish league.
2023: Carla Leite (FRA)
Then: Leite took her side to the title with a super show in Lithuania as they strolled to a Final victory against Latvia. The guard averaged an eye-catching 18.4 points, 4.3 assists and 3.6 rebounds per outing.
Now: Since her title success, Leite has debuted for the senior France team in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers. She has also taken her first footsteps in EuroLeague Women and earlier this year, was crowned a EuroCup Women champion with Villeneuve d'Ascq LM, lighting it up to earn MVP honors in the process. A move to Spanish side Casademont Zaragoza awaits for Leite in the 2025-26 season.
2022: Claudia Contell (ESP)
Then: Contell was a standout for Spain as they stood on the top step of the podium thanks to their stellar defense. They beat Czechia 47-42 in the Final, with the forward averaging 10.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game across the tournament.
Now: The forward returned for a second edition of U20 the following summer and added a bronze medal to her collection. At club level, Contell played in EuroLeague Women with Valencia and then switched to Spar Gran Canaria where she spent the 2024-25 campaign.
2019: Sara Madera (ITA)
Then: The forward was a difference-maker as Italy won the silverware by beating Russia 70-67 in a classic Final matchup on Czech soil in Klatovy. She posted 13.6 points and 7.7 boards per game in the tournament.
Now: Madera has played in multiple FIBA Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers campaigns for Italy. She also competed in EuroLeague Women with Umana Reyer Venezia, as well as appearing in the 2022 EuroCup Women Final. She has also competed with Lointek Gernika Bizkaia of Spain and with Magnolia La Molisana Campobasso in 2024-25.
2018: Iris Junio Mbulito (ESP)
Then: The athleticism and skills of Junio Mbulito was pivotal to unbeaten Spain lifting the title with a 69-50 success against Serbia. She averaged 9.7 points and 7.7 rebounds in the competition for the champions.
Now: Junio Mbulito returned for another edition 12 months later but the holders could only manage a 5th placed finish. Playing Stateside in the NCAA for Arizona State, a serious injury had her contemplating retirement after missing two years. But she's returned as a pro and played in EuroCup Women last year with IDK Euskotren.
FIBA