Women’s Footballer of the Year contender Guijarro

Is it clear why Patri Guijarro’s description frequently includes the phrase “unsung hero”?

The midfielder can occasionally fly under the radar because of his involvement with Barcelona’s star-studded sides and Spain.

However, her presence as the backbone for her teams makes up for what she lacks in the goals and assist statistics, which also allows the rest to shine.

She won a domestic treble with Barcelona despite losing this year’s Champions League final to her club and losing this year’s Euro 2025 final to her country.

The 27-year-old sets the pace by steadying her team from the midfield, reversing possession and making attacking moves.

Although her work may not always be the most glamorous, it is consistently tenacious, and a key component of her sides’ makeup.

Guijarro, a unsung hero:

“I’m very surprised,” she said. I’ve always felt very valued by the staff and the players. And that is the best part of me. Additionally, they let you know about it. I want to help them, which is a reason to be happy, because it means that I can help them and that I can make positive contributions to the team. It is a wonderful compliment.

How did she first become a football player?

At the age of 7, I began competing in leagues. I’ve played a lot of backyard games since I was very young with my father. I would always go to the park with my father, his brother, and my uncle to play. I’ve always enjoyed playing ball since I was a young girl.

During her time with Barcelona:

“I’ve been here for ten years. These past few years have been incredible, especially in terms of the outcomes, the direction we have taken, and the goals we have set.

I’m happy to contribute to the club as well as the national team because I’m now where I want to be with the performances I’m giving. I’m content and very happy.

Regarding the Euros:

“To play for the national team, defend this jersey, your home is what I’ve always wanted,” he said. Any football player wants to do that in order to succeed to the fullest.

Given how significant her sides are to her, it is difficult to separate one thing from another when analyzing Guijarro.

Her proactivity is a distinguishing trait. Guijarro is able to see the picture of the game before it actually happens and bravely pushes her team to the front foot, causing the game to move at a faster pace. She does this by pressing and moving away from the ball and making pass selections on it.

Without needing additional thought or additional touches to prepare herself for a pass, her ability to turn and play a direct pass in one smooth motion frequently allows her to do so. This prevents the game from being interrupted.

She is the ideal player to have the game run through by allowing her to control the game with quick passes and quickly launch impressive long balls to team-mates who are running in behind.