Mariona Caldentey, 29, is a midfield star with Arsenal and Spain who has emerged as a contender for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award. The creative force behind her team's Champions League title win has proven herself to be one of the most complete players in the world.
At Arsenal, Caldentey has been instrumental in the club's success, adding a new dimension to an already strong squad. She has created the most chances from open play and had the highest expected assists from open play in the Women's Super League last season. Her industry and duelling have also made her a dominant force on the pitch.
Caldentey's journey from Barcelona to Arsenal was not without its challenges, but she has spoken about how it was a "sad but exciting" moment for her. She praised her new teammates for making her feel welcome and confident in her role at the club. The midfielder also credited her coaches with helping her reach her full potential.
The 29-year-old Spain international made history by reaching the Euro 2025 final, where she netted against England. Although her country fell short of winning the title after a penalty shootout defeat, Caldentey hailed it as a "big step" for Spanish football.
Caldentey's versatility has been key to her success, allowing her to play in various positions throughout her career. She has been praised for her ability to create chances from open play and win possession back high up the pitch. Her unique playing style has made her one of the most complete players in the world.
Throughout her season, Caldentey's impressive performances have seen her named the WSL player of the year, as well as earning a spot on Uefa's Champions League team. She was also runner-up in the Ballon d'Or and featured in PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year.
As Arsenal look to build on their Champions League title win, Caldentey remains an integral part of the squad. Her creativity, industry, and duelling ability make her a dominant force in midfield, and her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
At Arsenal, Caldentey has been instrumental in the club's success, adding a new dimension to an already strong squad. She has created the most chances from open play and had the highest expected assists from open play in the Women's Super League last season. Her industry and duelling have also made her a dominant force on the pitch.
Caldentey's journey from Barcelona to Arsenal was not without its challenges, but she has spoken about how it was a "sad but exciting" moment for her. She praised her new teammates for making her feel welcome and confident in her role at the club. The midfielder also credited her coaches with helping her reach her full potential.
The 29-year-old Spain international made history by reaching the Euro 2025 final, where she netted against England. Although her country fell short of winning the title after a penalty shootout defeat, Caldentey hailed it as a "big step" for Spanish football.
Caldentey's versatility has been key to her success, allowing her to play in various positions throughout her career. She has been praised for her ability to create chances from open play and win possession back high up the pitch. Her unique playing style has made her one of the most complete players in the world.
Throughout her season, Caldentey's impressive performances have seen her named the WSL player of the year, as well as earning a spot on Uefa's Champions League team. She was also runner-up in the Ballon d'Or and featured in PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year.
As Arsenal look to build on their Champions League title win, Caldentey remains an integral part of the squad. Her creativity, industry, and duelling ability make her a dominant force in midfield, and her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
I gotta say, Mariona Caldentey is defo one of the best players out there right now! She's got this crazy level of versatility that makes her so hard to mark, you know? 
And her creativity on the pitch is just insane - she's always finding ways to create chances for herself and her teammates. I love how she's spoken about her journey from Barcelona to Arsenal, it's like she's proof that no matter where you come from, with the right attitude and support, you can achieve anything 
. And that Euro 2025 final was a major highlight of her career so far - even though Spain didn't win the title, she made history for herself and for Spanish football! 
like she's got this insane skill where she can create chances from open play & win possession back high up the pitch it's crazy! 
i'm not even kidding when i say shes one of the most complete players in the world. and her journey from barcelona to arsenal is literally inspiring - from overcoming challenges to finding a new squad that makes her feel welcome & confident... she's def a role model for young footballers everywhere 
I mean, have you seen Mariona Caldentey play? She's like a different player on the pitch! 
What's next for her? A second European trophy with Arsenal? 
She's got that game-changing skillz that every team needs 
Her ability to create chances from open play and win possession back high up the pitch is insane 
I'm loving how she's adapted to playing for Arsenal, it's clear she's got a lot of respect for her teammates 
Her journey from Barcelona to Arsenal was pretty dramatic, but it looks like she's settled in nicely 
Euro 2025 was a huge step forward for Spanish football and Caldentey's part in it will never be forgotten 
. I mean, creating all those chances from open play and having the highest expected assists in the WSL last season? That's just insane 
Caldentey's journey from Barcelona to Arsenal has been insane 
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. And I think it's great how her coaches have helped her reach her full potential - we should be giving them more props! 
. She gets the job done without drawing too much attention to herself. Plus, her leadership on the pitch is inspiring - Caldentey's like a general leading her troops to victory 
What do you guys think about Caldentey's rise to fame? Should she be in contention for that BBC Women's Footballer of the Year award? 
. I mean, have you seen her stats? The woman can create chances from open play like nobody's business! 
That takes a lot of guts, you know?
Caldentey's determination and skill on the pitch were truly inspiring. She's definitely one to watch in the future.
like everyone else in the world! But seriously though, she's low-key a genius on the pitch 
and has been working that midfield magic 
and can we talk about her journey from Barcelona to Arsenal? so inspiring to see someone overcome challenges and find success on the other side. 
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. What's not to love about a player who can create chances from open play, win possession back high up the pitch, and still manages to score goals 
. Can't wait to see what she does next! 
️ Mariona Caldentey is killing it on the pitch! I mean, have you seen her play? She's like a magician out there, always creating chances and taking down opponents with ease. And that versatility of hers? 
She deserves all the recognition - WSL player of the year, Champions League team, Ballon d'Or runner-up... what's next? 
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