Every football fan knows Irene Paredes, born July 4, 1991 in Legazpi, Gipuzkoa. The defender for FC Barcelona has long been a driving force behind her team’s Champions League ambitions, always portraying a mindset rooted in humility. She often emphasizes that success comes from cultivating virtues rather than chasing applause.
“I started kicking a ball almost as soon as I could walk,” she explained. Ahead of heading to Eindhoven for a European final, she recalled a childhood spent playing in the streets because there were no women’s teams at that time. Her dream never faded, even from afar, and she carried it with her through every step of her career.
What stands out about her is the way she remains in the background while quietly shaping leadership. She does not chase the spotlight, yet she takes on responsibilities with a calm authority that inspires teammates both on and off the pitch.
Do you see yourself this way too?
She values leading by example and working with a clear sense of purpose, but she isn’t keen on being the center of attention in the locker room or in the media. Still, she believes balance is essential for a team’s soul and its dynamics.
Is it hard to escape the luxury and glitz of elite football today?
She chooses a simple life and often jokes with teammates about it. Sharing time with loved ones or in places she cherishes is a privilege. She notes that articles fixating on cars or material things miss the real point, and if luxury is possible, she would rather invest in other priorities.
For years, people have discussed female role models. For many kids, mom or dad is the first hero. As a mother herself to Mateo, how important is it that he grows up seeing his mother as a pioneer in women’s sports and faces obstacles with courage?
The journey to overcome barriers in women’s football is straightforward for her: many youngsters didn’t have female role models yet, and she herself loved football enough to dream professionally even when it wasn’t a common path. Her example is about perseverance and visibility for the next generation.
It’s normal to see more female representation now, isn’t it?
Yes, Mateo will grow up amid that normality. She recalls a time when girls didn’t play publicly, and today that narrative has shifted. Meeting a former player in a restaurant underscored how much change is possible and how vital it is to keep pushing for progress in football and beyond.
Some people label you as a fierce competitor. What does it mean to be part of a team driving change?
At Barça, the team acts as a catalyst for ongoing transformation. They challenge stereotypes about women’s football, proving the game can be fast, exciting, and strategic. Their approach aims to elevate the sport’s appeal while staying true to high standards of play.
And off the field…
The impact extends beyond the pitch. The movement gains momentum as more people follow the team’s journey. The hope is that these changes cascade to other clubs and even other countries, expanding opportunities for women in sports and society at large.
We break down barriers on and off the field
Racism and homophobia have long shadowed football. Is a future without these isms and phobias achievable?
She believes it is possible, even if society carries those issues. Football can help accelerate a cleaner, more respectful culture, and every step toward that goal matters.
There are ongoing collective bargaining discussions in women’s football in Spain. Can progress still be made?
The key is recognizing moments of opportunity. Society and football are changing together, and it’s essential to secure workers’ rights and fair treatment. The focus remains on creating conditions that reflect professionalism and dignity for players.
At Barça, you normalize the extraordinary in sport and society. Will this impact endure?
Now is a pivotal moment. Many players have witnessed change from playing on rough pitches to filling massive stadiums. The ongoing work behind the scenes—coaches, staff, and medical teams—drives this progress. The goal is championships and consistent success, with room for everyone who contributes to the cause.
Barça will be in its fifth final in five years. How strong is that desire?
The drive is immense. More time to prepare and the two-week window ahead look promising for peak form. It remains a final, where small details can decide the outcome, and the team is focused on executing the plan to perfection.
How have you prepared to maintain pace during these days?
Mentally the Champions League final is a galvanizing goal. Physically and tactically, the team is guided by top professionals who calibrate stimuli to sharpen performance. A recent in-house game helped sustain rhythm, while targeted training kept everyone ready for the moment that matters most.
What do you expect from the final?
Victory will go to the team that executes its plan best. The focus has been on fine-tuning aspects that missed the mark recently, and the players know that any margin for error must be minimized while the plan is carried out with precision.
Facing a strong Chelsea attack, what will be required?
Perfection is the standard. It will demand resilience across the line, with every player contributing to both offense and defense. Precision in every pass and unity in action will be essential to secure a win.
When defending top forwards like Pajor and Popp, what does the challenge look like?
Those players are elite and have propelled Wolfsburg back to the final. The match-up will be demanding, and every member of the squad must bring their best—ten out of ten.
Two years ago PSG faced Barça in the semi-finals. Any new perspective on Hansen now?
The personal side matters in football. Hansen shares a leadership mindset and remains humble in the background. A strong working relationship has developed, built on respect and mutual effort, which fuels positive progress.
And Alexia’s return—how does that affect the team?
Her comeback is a lift for everyone. She provides quality on the field and energy in training, reinforcing the sense that the team can push through tough times and reach higher levels together.
What lessons from Turin apply to future finals?
Each season brings new experiences. The squad has learned to balance commitments and adapt rapidly. Past finals offered sharp reminders about defending a lead and maintaining intensity, and those lessons feed continued growth and confidence in the team’s ability to move forward.
There was a lot of travel last season and more is expected. How does that impact the team?
Travel and big crowd support matter. The connection with fans fuels the team, especially in big moments. The shared energy helps players perform with determination and pride, even when facing demanding schedules. The goal remains to deliver memorable moments again this season.
Did you anticipate the bond with the fans when you joined?
Perhaps not fully, but it was clear to see the intensity of support after their Champions League win. The stadiums filling up is part of what makes championships possible, and that mutual bond continues to drive performance and ambition.
Lately, the team has shown more Catalan flavor. How important is cultural integration?
Culture matters. It helps someone settle faster and perform better. Learning the language is a priority because it deepens connections and understanding. It isn’t easy with a busy schedule, but it pays off. The goal is to keep improving, even if interviews in Catalan take a bit longer to master.
Two finals in the bag. Does football owe Irene Paredes the Champions League?
Reward is earned, not given. Past finals tested resolve, but the drive to win remains strong. The team is focused on creating merit, trusting in each other, and pushing forward with the shared belief that success is within reach.