Patri Guijarro, born in Palma in 1998, had by far the most unusual season of his football journey. He stepped away from the national team during what many viewed as the sweetest chapter of his career, revealing a need for psychological support to process the events. Today, wearing the Barca shield again, he looks back with a broader perspective. In a candid conversation with El Periódico de Catalunya of the Prensa Ibérica group, the Culé midfielder shares how the experience shaped him and his outlook on the sport he loves.
It’s been a complicated summer. How are you, and how do you see the locker room?
Despite the heaviness of the months, the locker room feels strong and cohesive. In fact, it stands out as one of the best starts to a season in terms of both training intensity and performance. He notes that the World Cup exodus did not dull the squad’s energy; instead, the group carried a high tempo and focus that electricity into every session and match. This resilience has surprised him in a positive way, and it has reinforced the sense that the squad can sustain momentum through busy calendars and evolving demands.
He chose not to participate in the World Cup. How was his summer as a result?
The summer presented its share of difficulty, yet he also sought a respite from football to reconnect with family after a long decade of professional summers disrupted only by a global pandemic. Watching the World Cup from a distance, he found himself deliberate about mental space and personal priorities, using the break to recharge and savor moments with loved ones before resuming competition. It was a paradox: time away offered clarity about his ambitions and boundaries at once.
How did he manage the mental load of the situation? Was professional help part of the approach?
He does not shy away from the truth. The journey was demanding and at times frustrating, but he leaned on psychology as a steadying force. The support helped sharpen his focus and calm his nerves, enabling him to articulate his decisions with conviction. The process wasn’t just about the immediate issue; it also reinforced a longer-term discipline that he carries forward into daily life and sport. The professional guidance, he emphasizes, proved valuable not only in reaction to the events but as a tool for steady preparation and resilience.
When did he realize he needed outside help and decide to seek it?
The decision stemmed from a desire to see things with fresh eyes. While Barça’s counseling staff offered assistance during the previous season, there were shifts in the approach as the year progressed, prompting him to explore new avenues beyond the club. The federation’s situation provided a catalyst to refocus his energy squarely on his own development and well-being. After deciding not to attend the World Cup, he remained calm and grounded, aware that the path would be challenging but necessary for his long-term balance.
Was there any moment of reconsideration about the choice to step away, and did it occur before or during the final camp?
He remained steady throughout, driven by a sense of purpose rather than impulse. He fought for something meaningful rather than simply following a feeling, which helped him maintain composure regardless of external opinions or pressures.
Does it exhaust him to keep explaining himself? Can it ever be enough?
Yes, it can be tiring, and he acknowledges that. Yet he and his teammates are aware of the scrutiny they face. They accept that openness comes with their visibility and the responsibility that accompanies being public figures in a sport watched by millions.
In the end, does this approach offer some protection? Do people now better understand the situation?
Initially, the fear was that the full truth would take time to emerge, and that misperceptions might persist. Yet with time, clarity arrived, and the collective mood shifted toward empathy for the individuals involved, especially for Jenni. It underscored the importance of transparency and support among colleagues, a sentiment that deepened after the experience and helped drive meaningful changes for the team as a whole.
And a powerful moment emerged from the challenge: the Declaration of 81 football players across generations and roles—an act of solidarity that resonated far beyond the club walls.
That day was tough, a stark morning, but it underscored unity. The group stood with Jenni, and the decision to act became clear. The sense of collective purpose gave everyone a reason to be proud that so many players came together to demand a better future for the sport they love.
Women’s football has seen many changes. There are numerous facts on the table. Barça’s commitment to the women’s game has always been clear, and the tempo of growth in Spain’s league reflects a broader momentum. Players note the faster pace of development and the ongoing buildup of competitiveness at both the club level and the league level. The plan to host matches at Camp Nou and Montjuïc illustrates the club’s ambition, and the reciprocation from fans and teams alike underscores the sport’s rising profile. On November 19, the Clásico promises to be a special day, a marker of progress and spectacle for the women’s game.
Were these inequalities among the reasons behind the strike on the league’s first day, and how does he view the privileged position of a Barça player?
He accepts that the league remains deeply imbalanced in facilities, support, and medical care, including measures for pregnancy and injury recovery. The drive for a competitive, fair competition remains a priority, and the team has spent a year negotiating improvements with two weeks left before the season. The aim is simple: reduce disparities and ensure every player has access to the same level of care and opportunities, regardless of where they play.
Regarding the departure of one of Barça’s most important figures, goalkeeper Markel Zubizarreta, he shares that Zubizarreta contributed immensely to the club’s culture and performance. He valued the time they shared and the trust they built, and he remains hopeful for Markel’s continued success wherever his career leads. The incoming players must meet the same high standards as a worthy successor, ready to contribute to a collective effort rooted in trust and collaboration. What stood out about Markel was his deep understanding of the squad, both on and off the pitch, and that made his presence particularly meaningful.
What makes this season, beyond titles, a unique chapter for this project?
He describes the team as the best at the championship level, a unit driven by the culture of work, friendship, and shared values. He feels valued and supported in a way that bolsters confidence during difficult moments, including this summer. The environment is described as ideal, a place where players can grow and push each other toward new heights.
Last season began with its share of struggles but closed with moments that became some of the career’s finest. Has the public’s perception shifted toward him since those high-profile performances in the final?
There is a natural evolution in his role and visibility. He moved up the pitch, taking on a more offensive stance, and the two goals in the final helped others notice his contributions. The nomination for the Ballon d’Or added a new layer of recognition, though he admits the season started slowly as he adapted to the new position. After midseason, he found his rhythm, and the finish felt more natural. He continues this season with the same drive and a steadier level of comfort in his responsibilities and style of play.
How does he handle the attention that comes with being in the spotlight?
He treats it as part of the deal. In recent years, more players have become widely recognized, and the requests for photos and conversations have increased. It is a source of pride that the women’s game is gaining prominence and being celebrated along with the men’s game. The growing visibility is a sign of progress, and it fuels a sense of responsibility to represent the sport well.
Is it still surprising to see his name on fans’ jerseys, or has it become normal?
There is a mix of pride and astonishment. It is uplifting to see fans proudly support the sport and the players who contribute to its growth. It demonstrates that the women’s game is becoming a central feature of football culture, and the excitement around names like Alexia, Mapi, Aitana, and Lucy underscores a shared sense of achievement across the team. The fact that jerseys from La Masia graduates are worn reflects a thriving, interconnected community that bodes well for the future of the club and the sport alike.
Looking ahead to the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 30, is there anticipation?
Absolutely. The prospect of walking the red carpet is thrilling, and the nomination itself brought a surprising and welcome surge of emotion. His agent, who happens to be his mother, called to share the news, and the reaction was a mix of disbelief and joy. The moment is not just personal; it signals a broader recognition of the people who contributed to his journey and his growth as a player and a leader. He is grateful for the opportunity and ready to celebrate the moment with humility and gratitude—an energy that will push him to continue performing at his best in the seasons ahead.