There is nothing like a mother’s love. It’s something everyone understands. Who wouldn’t believe it after hearing how a mom from Campllong, in Girona, traveled halfway around the world to see her daughter shine on the world stage. Núria Panedas would have crossed a distance of about 75,000 kilometers to watch Laia Codina win at the World Cup last month. The journeys were many, and the sacrifices even greater.
Tomorrow, the mother will set off on another global dash to be by her daughter’s side in a moment that defines any footballer’s career. The opportunity is precious: she will witness the World Cup final live in Sydney. When Laia told her that the federation could provide a flight, Núria didn’t hesitate. Though communication remained challenging across oceans, she committed to Oceania with certainty that the final would take place before Sunday noon. The timing mattered, and the resolve did not waver.
best of trips
Panedas did not take risks to ensure her daughter’s success; she traveled to New Zealand to support her during the group stage. Her other daughter, Mariona, joined as well and was able to stay for the early rounds. Spain advanced, though Codina held a secondary role in those initial matches despite starting in earlier friendlies. “But opportunities come, and you prove you deserve them when they arise,” she would later reflect.
Now, with renewed motivation to see her daughter play in the World Cup final, the family is fully engaged. The Paredes couple—who maintain a close, practical balance on and off the field—are managing the dynamic well. The Campllong defender is expected to remain in the squad’s starting eleven for the match. Núria Panedas keeps a keepsake of her daughter’s 14-year-old shirt, a tangible reminder of the journey. “I work too, but I couldn’t miss this, and I’ve used up all my vacation days,” she explained.
everything unseen
Behind the bright lights and famous names, many players’ stories reveal the efforts of those who always stood beside them. “I dream of lifting the trophy and remembering every sacrifice and every late night,” Panedas said, moved as she recalled the childhood dream that became reality. “Of course, like everyone else, I’m astonished by what you’ve achieved.”
Long drives to Barcelona to catch trains, late arrivals at home, and early mornings followed by study and training are part of the rhythm they shared. Life didn’t pause. “We were lucky to share this journey with other parents,” Panedas notes, and she won’t forget this month. “I told Laia that my heart will overflow with emotion at the unseen moments.”
Regardless of what comes next, the mother is clear: reaching the final was intense, and she doesn’t know if they will ever experience something like this again. Yet victory feels within reach because the team believed from the start, and that shared belief has brought them to this point. She emphasizes that Laia deserves every moment, and every teammate earns the same recognition.