Mariona Caldentey, the 29-year-old midfield maestro from Arsenal and Spain, is in contention for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award. The midfielder has been a game-changer since her summer transfer to the Gunners last year, delivering an unprecedented Champions League title and helping her team win the WSL's Player of the Season award.
Caldentey's impressive performances on the pitch have not gone unnoticed, with her creativity, technical ability, and tireless work rate earning her widespread recognition. She was named WSL Player of the Year, PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year, and was part of UEFA's Champions League Team of the Season.
The midfielder's versatility has allowed her to play in various roles throughout her career, but last season she impressed as part of a midfield duo, using her ability to float towards the left flank to create scoring opportunities. Her industry and duelling, paired with technical quality both centrally and out wide, have made her one of the most complete footballers in the world.
Caldentey's success has also extended to the international stage, where she played a crucial role as Spain reached the Euro 2025 final. Although her country ultimately fell short, winning possession back in the final third more often than anyone else in the WSL last season, Caldentey remains proud of her team's achievement.
In an exclusive interview, Caldentey reflects on her move from Barcelona to Arsenal, saying it was a "sad but exciting" decision that has led to a new challenge. She praises the coaching staff and teammates at Arsenal for making her feel confident and valued, allowing her to interpret her position in a unique way.
Caldentey's achievements have also been recognized by her peers, with many praising her as one of the most complete footballers in the world. Despite being runner-up in the Ballon d'Or, Caldentey remains humble and focused on her team's success, saying winning the Champions League was "meant to be" and a special journey for her.
As the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year contender continues to shine on the pitch, it will be interesting to see if she can take home the award. One thing is certain: Caldentey has cemented her place as one of the best players in women's football, and her future success will undoubtedly be followed closely by fans around the world.
Caldentey's impressive performances on the pitch have not gone unnoticed, with her creativity, technical ability, and tireless work rate earning her widespread recognition. She was named WSL Player of the Year, PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year, and was part of UEFA's Champions League Team of the Season.
The midfielder's versatility has allowed her to play in various roles throughout her career, but last season she impressed as part of a midfield duo, using her ability to float towards the left flank to create scoring opportunities. Her industry and duelling, paired with technical quality both centrally and out wide, have made her one of the most complete footballers in the world.
Caldentey's success has also extended to the international stage, where she played a crucial role as Spain reached the Euro 2025 final. Although her country ultimately fell short, winning possession back in the final third more often than anyone else in the WSL last season, Caldentey remains proud of her team's achievement.
In an exclusive interview, Caldentey reflects on her move from Barcelona to Arsenal, saying it was a "sad but exciting" decision that has led to a new challenge. She praises the coaching staff and teammates at Arsenal for making her feel confident and valued, allowing her to interpret her position in a unique way.
Caldentey's achievements have also been recognized by her peers, with many praising her as one of the most complete footballers in the world. Despite being runner-up in the Ballon d'Or, Caldentey remains humble and focused on her team's success, saying winning the Champions League was "meant to be" and a special journey for her.
As the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year contender continues to shine on the pitch, it will be interesting to see if she can take home the award. One thing is certain: Caldentey has cemented her place as one of the best players in women's football, and her future success will undoubtedly be followed closely by fans around the world.
! She's like a magician out there, always seeming to find space and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. And her versatility is just insane - she can play anywhere and still dominate the game. I love how she's not afraid to try new things and take risks, it's so inspiring to watch. Plus, her humility and sportsmanship are really admirable, especially after such a big season. She's definitely got what it takes to win that BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award 
!
This girl is on fire!!! I mean, have you seen her play? She's like a magician out there! The way she glides across the pitch, creating scoring opportunities with ease... it's like watching a dream come true! And don't even get me started on that Euro 2025 final - what a performance! Spain may not have won, but Mariona Caldentey gave it her all and I'm so proud of her for that. The fact that she's humble about it too? 
totally inspiring! As for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award... I'm rooting for her all the way! If anyone deserves it, it's this talented player. Bring on the award ceremony and let's celebrate women's football at its finest! 
Mariona Caldentey is literally a machine on the pitch! I mean, she's got this insane ability to read the game and just makes these magic passes that leave you speechless 
. Her versatility is also super impressive - I've never seen anyone adapt so seamlessly to different roles on the pitch 
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️! I'm totally rooting for her to take home the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award 
! She was instrumental in helping them reach the final, even if they didn't take home the trophy. The fact that she won possession back more often than anyone else in the WSL last season is just a testament to her dedication and work rate 
. And even though she didn't win the Ballon d'Or, she still remains humble and focused on her team's success. That's what it's all about, right? Winning together with your teammates is what makes the sport so special 
i've been following mariona caldentey since she joined arsenal last year and she's literally been a game changer on the pitch! i love how she can play anywhere, her work rate is insane 
i'm rooting for her to win the bbc women's footballer of the year award, fingers crossed 
I'm not convinced that "meant to be" is just a fancy way of saying she's had an amazing run of luck. Like, how many times do you have to get the ball in the back of the net and win trophies before it's more than just chance? I'd love to see some stats or analysis on her game that proves this "destiny" nonsense isn't just hype 
she's been killing it on the pitch since joining Arsenal last year! i mean, who else can say they won the Champions League title and still manage to look good doing it? 
her versatility and work rate are literally unmatched. i love how she's not afraid to take risks and try new things, it's so inspiring to see a player who's all about winning and having fun on the pitch 
. and can we talk about that Euro 2025 final? Spain may not have won, but Caldentey's performance was straight fire 
. Plus, that Champions League title was EPIC 
! We need more players like Mariona on the pitch, making it rain goals and wins for their teams 
. Fingers crossed she takes home that BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award - she totally deserves it