A move made while Birmingham City were in the second tier has become a turning point for Océane Hurtré. The 22-year-old has scored six goals in the promoted club's first eight Women's Super League matches, placing her joint-second in the scoring chart behind Khadija Shaw, according to The Guardian.
Two league assists add to her contribution. Last month, her senior France debut also produced a goal and an assist in a 9-0 victory over Latvia.
From PSG prospect to Birmingham contributor
Hurtré joined Birmingham in summer 2025 and helped the club win promotion. She has since scored against Arsenal, Brighton and Manchester City, and received September's WSL player-of-the-month award.
Her development included a professional debut for Paris Saint-Germain at 16 during their 2020-21 title campaign. Loans to Dijon in 2022 and Bordeaux in 2023-24 brought further experience, although injuries affected her playing time at both clubs.
Coaches describe a broader transformation
Former Dijon women's general manager Sylvain Carric told The Guardian that her left foot and versatility attracted him. He considers her capable of playing at left-back, on the wing or as a number eight.
Birmingham coach Amy Merricks highlighted Hurtré's work away from matches, including learning English and adjusting to another country. Former PSG coach Olivier Echouafni identified physical and mental progress.
French women's football writer Sylvain Jamet believes her delivery and passing could help her compete for a World Cup squad place. That remains his assessment of the next opportunity as Hurtré builds on her club form and international breakthrough.