Women’s Footballer of the Year contender Caldentey

Mariona Caldentey helped Arsenal win a second Champions League title with her arrival last summer.

She gave an already strong squad a creative we and cutting edge.

She was named the WSL’s player of the year after moving from Barcelona because of how impressive her performances were.

She also made history for her country when Spain defeated England in the Euro 2025 final, but she didn’t win the trophy because of it.

Caldentey’s transition from Barcelona to Arsenal:

“It was both exciting and depressing at the same time.” Simply put, I savored the opportunity to face a new challenge. I had a really lovely ten years playing football and playing on the field in Barca.

Because I was in a really good place and felt really at ease there, it seemed like a bit of a crazy decision, but I now know it was the right choice. Everyone at Arsenal made it really simple for me, which is why I’m so happy to be here.

Considering what has been working so well at Arsenal:

“I feel so confident playing here. The coaches don’t listen to me because they only want to help me in that regard. The same holds true for my team-mates: I can improve them and improve them. Win-win situation here. The team’s performance is always the focus. It took a little while at first, but I think it was fantastic once I figured it out, including my teammate and my position.

What she thought of the Champions League final emotions:

“It was really difficult and strange for me to compete in the final.” I’m typically not anxious when I play games. Although it was a special day, I was also a little anxious because it was a final, as well as my friends, my ex-teammates, and the staff. Everything I’ve just left behind, and you play them in a final the same year. It was exactly as it was intended to be, and the Champions League as a whole was a truly unique experience. We are so happy Arsenal will be able to win it once more after 18 years.

Having defeated Spain to reach the Euro 2025 final:

In the Women’s Super League last season, Caldentey was arguably the most creative player overall, despite three players contributing more assists from open play.

The midfielder for Arsenal, however, worked tirelessly to win it back as well. She didn’t just impress with what she did on the ball.

Through her career, Caldentey has played both on the wing, the number 10, and in the middle. However, she made an impressive impression as a member of a midfield duo last season in a slightly different role.

Although she initially played in central midfield, her work in broad areas and up the pitch made it possible for her to interpret the position in a special way.

Although rigid positional systems can become predictable to defend against, Caldentey frequently swung to the left.

Her ability to play wide with ease helped her team grow and get wider at times, causing her to become wider. She also helped her team’s success by assisting her left winger in getting the ball into the final third by interacting closely with her left winger, which was a hallmark of the teams she played for.

Caldentey won the ball back in the opponent’s third possession win more than anyone else in the WSL last year, surpassing Caldentey’s ability to win it back high up the pitch. This was done in the league, where it was also generating the most chances from open play.