Patri Guijarro, the 27-year-old midfielder for Barcelona and Spain, is a contender for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2025. The term 'unsung hero' often surrounds her, and it's not hard to see why. As part of Barcelona, she has won six league titles and three Champions League crowns, while with Spain, she helped secure third place in Euro 2025. A recent treble win for Barcelona at home only added to the accolades.
Guijarro's value lies not in flashy stats but in her consistent performance as a midfielder. She sets the pace for her team and creates opportunities for others to shine by controlling possession with short passes or launching long balls down the flank. Her presence allows her teammates to have more space, and she does so without drawing attention away from them.
Guijarro's journey began at just seven years old when she started playing league football with her father in the backyard. The passion for the game only grew stronger over time. Over a decade ago, Guijarro joined Barcelona, a move that has seen her win numerous titles, most recently a domestic treble last season.
Guijarro's influence on the pitch is not lost on teammates and coaches alike. Former Barcelona director Maria Teixidor praises Patri as a silent force who excels through her proactivity, values, and purpose off the field. These qualities make her the backbone of her teams, allowing others to thrive while she keeps the game flowing.
In terms of tactics, Guijarro's versatility is key. She can switch seamlessly from controlling the pace of the game with short passes or launching long balls down the flank. Her ability to nullify high presses by playing deep and create attacking moves through her short passing allows teams to bypass opponents' defenses.
Despite some tough defeats this year – including a Champions League final loss and Euro 2025 runner-up finish – Guijarro remains content and happy with her performance, believing she has contributed positively. For many players, being seen as an unsung hero is the ultimate compliment, and Guijarro's consistency makes her exactly that.
Last season, Guijarro added another chapter to her impressive resume by helping Barcelona win a domestic treble. The 27-year-old midfielder continues to be praised for her role on the pitch, but it's clear she remains humble and focused on contributing to her teams' success.
Guijarro's value lies not in flashy stats but in her consistent performance as a midfielder. She sets the pace for her team and creates opportunities for others to shine by controlling possession with short passes or launching long balls down the flank. Her presence allows her teammates to have more space, and she does so without drawing attention away from them.
Guijarro's journey began at just seven years old when she started playing league football with her father in the backyard. The passion for the game only grew stronger over time. Over a decade ago, Guijarro joined Barcelona, a move that has seen her win numerous titles, most recently a domestic treble last season.
Guijarro's influence on the pitch is not lost on teammates and coaches alike. Former Barcelona director Maria Teixidor praises Patri as a silent force who excels through her proactivity, values, and purpose off the field. These qualities make her the backbone of her teams, allowing others to thrive while she keeps the game flowing.
In terms of tactics, Guijarro's versatility is key. She can switch seamlessly from controlling the pace of the game with short passes or launching long balls down the flank. Her ability to nullify high presses by playing deep and create attacking moves through her short passing allows teams to bypass opponents' defenses.
Despite some tough defeats this year – including a Champions League final loss and Euro 2025 runner-up finish – Guijarro remains content and happy with her performance, believing she has contributed positively. For many players, being seen as an unsung hero is the ultimate compliment, and Guijarro's consistency makes her exactly that.
Last season, Guijarro added another chapter to her impressive resume by helping Barcelona win a domestic treble. The 27-year-old midfielder continues to be praised for her role on the pitch, but it's clear she remains humble and focused on contributing to her teams' success.