In the AXA Women’s Super League she leads the top scorers list with eight goals and is in the top trio with the YB women. No doubt: Naomi Luyet is the woman of the hour in Swiss women’s football.
We meet the Valais woman, who also has Japanese blood running through her veins thanks to her mother, in Wankdorf, where she has a 50 percent job at the YB office. Notabene during working hours, as she says with a mischievous smile. After losing a point in St. Gallen with a lot of bad luck (2:2), YB still has games against Servette FC Chênois before (after this issue went to press) and FC Rapperswil-Jona after the national team break, then it’s the winter break. For Naomi Luyet and her teammate Iman Beney, who comes from the same village and is a year younger, there will probably be two international matches against Germany (the day after tomorrow in Zurich) and in England on the program. The Nations League starts in February with matches against Iceland, Norway and France.
You started playing football at FC Savièse when you were nine. How did that come about?
My older brother Kenji played for FC Savièse and I was allowed to play with the boys in the U12 to U15 youth teams, also with my younger brother Yamato. Iman Beney and a few other girls were also there. Iman and I then walked together all the way until today. At Sion, YB and in the various national teams.
After three years at the Swiss Football Association’s training center in Biel, they moved to the YB Women in the AXA Women’s Super League. Why did you choose YB?
The contacts came about during my time in Biel. There were no clubs at the highest level in Valais, so choosing YB was logical, so I was able to finish high school in Biel.
They have now been with the yellow-blacks for three years and are now part of Imke Wübbenhorst’s fan team. How did they experience this high?
When I took part in the first training sessions with the fanion team from the U19 team with coach Jasmin Schweer, who was rather quiet, I was almost frightened at first. Imke Wübbenhorst embodies the opposite of Jasmin Schweer. She is loud, emotional and hungry for success. But I think she is a great trainer. She takes us further.
For us the step is after
quite possible at the top.Naomi Luyet
With Imke Wübbenhorst in the club and national coach Pia Sundhage, you play under experienced and successful coaches. How big is the influence of the two coaches on your progress?
I think very big. They both trust us boys and give everyone a chance. They both know football and like it when you talk to them about football and point out any problems.
What is possible with the YB women in the championship and the cup?
Last year we were in the cup final, but we didn’t make it to the final of the championship. Now we have taken another step forward. The top group of the top five is very close together, but for us it is definitely possible to move up to the top. We are ready to win titles.
The EURO is on the program in Switzerland next year. A huge occasion that will trigger a further boom in Swiss women’s football. What do you hope for you personally, the Swiss team and women’s football in general?
After the EURO, more people in Switzerland will definitely be interested in women’s football. In terms of attention, we can continue to catch up with neighboring countries. If I am allowed to take part, I hope to be able to recommend myself for a transfer abroad with good performance. We will know what is possible with the team after the draw in mid-December at the latest.
A look back at your goal against France, which was widely described as a dream goal. What emotions moved you after the ball landed in the triangle, in the “lucarne”, as they say in French-speaking Switzerland?
It was very special, I could hardly believe my luck, the emotions from me, my teammates and everyone around me were huge. A goal like this doesn’t happen in every game.
A question that comes to mind given your performance. When are you moving abroad?
I still have a contract with YB until 2026. I really like it here. But it is clear that if the opportunity arises, I will take the leap abroad.
Which league would you prefer?
England or Germany. I think the level there is higher than in Italy and France.
**Considering Naomi Luyet’s ambition to play abroad, which leagues do you think would be the best fit for her skills and playing style, and why?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Naomi Luyet, Rising Star of Swiss Football
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we have a very special guest joining us: Naomi Luyet, the leading scorer in the AXA Women’s Super League. Leading the pack with eight goals and part of the top trio with Young Boys women, Naomi is currently the talk of Swiss women’s football.
Joining Naomi is her long-time friend and teammate, Iman Beney, who has shared a remarkable journey on and off the field.
**Section 1: Roots and Beginnings**
**Interviewer:** Naomi, your journey began in the Valais region, playing alongside Iman since young. What sparked your passion for football, and how did growing up in Savièse shape your early development as a player?
**Interviewer:** Iman, Naomi describes Savièse as a place where your shared passion for football blossomed. Can you share some of your earliest memories playing alongside Naomi and what made football so special to both of you during those formative years?
**Section 2: From Local Talent to National Recognition**
**Interviewer:** Naomi, after three formative years at the Swiss Football Association’s training centre in Biel, you chose Young Boys. What were your considerations in making this decision, and how has YB contributed to your growth as a professional athlete?
**Interviewer:** Naomi, you mentioned playing under Imke Wübbenhorst, and Iman, you’ve experienced her coaching style with both YB and the national team. How would you describe Imke’s coaching approach and its impact on your development as players?
**Section 3: Aiming for the Top**
**Interviewer:** Naomi, after reaching the cup final last year, YB is now firmly in contention for the championship. What are your expectations for the rest of the season, and what makes you confident that YB can reach the top?
**Interviewer:** Iman, Naomi mentioned the upcoming Nations League, where Switzerland will face formidable opponents like Iceland, Norway, and France. How do you see Switzerland’s chances in this competition, and what are your personal goals for the upcoming international matches?
**Section 4: The Future Beckons: Dreams and Aspirations**
**Interviewer:** Naomi, you mentioned your ambition to play abroad. What draws you to leagues like England and Germany, and what challenges and opportunities do you anticipate in pursuing your international dream?
**Interviewer:** Iman, having witnessed Naomi’s dedication and talent up close, what are your thoughts on her potential in a top-tier foreign league? Do you see yourself following a similar path in your career?
**Section 5:
The Impact of the EURO and Beyond
**Interviewer:** Naomi, the EURO 2025 in Switzerland promises to be a groundbreaking event for women’s football in the country. How do you see the tournament impacting the visibility and growth of the sport, both for yourself and for aspiring young footballers?
**Interviewer:** Iman, what are your expectations for the EURO, and what role do you think the Swiss national team can play in inspiring a new generation of players?
**Closing:**
**Interviewer:** Naomi, Iman, thank you for sharing your insights into your incredible journey and your aspirations. The future is bright for both of you, and we will be following your progress with great interest.
