Mariona Caldentey was voted the Women's Super League player of the year in her first campaign with Arsenal Mariona Caldentey was kissing the Women's Champions League trophy a year ago, clutching the badge on her chest while donning the blue and red stripes of Barcelona, having won her 15th major trophy with the club. Now she is preparing to face her former team for the first time since leaving them last summer to join Arsenal. The Gunners will attempt to win a first European title since 2007 in Lisbon on Saturday (17:00 BST) and it helps to have a star in their team who lived and breathed opponents Barcelona for a decade. Caldentey did not come through Barcelona's youth ranks, but spent 10 seasons at the home of the defending European champions, scoring 114 goals in 302 games. There will be no holding back in Saturday's Champions League final though as Caldentey hopes to spearhead Arsenal - the place she now calls home - to success. "I feel really confident, I can play my football, I can enjoy it. I am in the right place. I am where I want to be," the Spain international, 29, said. Can she cap off an impressive debut season for Arsenal with the ultimate club prize she became so accustomed to winning at Barcelona? Caldentey joined Barcelona from Collerense in 2014 Caldentey arrived in north London at a rocky time for Arsenal in July 2024 and some in Spain doubted if she had made the right decision. Gunners legend Vivianne Miedema had been allowed to leave for rivals Manchester City weeks before and fan unrest was building towards former boss Jonas Eidevall. Pressure was on Caldentey - a World Cup winner with Spain - to help guide Arsenal safely through a potentially treacherous Champions League qualification path. But she did not take long to settle as 10 months later, Caldentey was awarded the Women's Super League Player of the Season having scored nine goals and assisted five in 21 games. It should not have come as a surprise. "She was a crucial player for Barca's style," Spanish journalist Maria Tikas, who writes for national newspaper Sport, told BBC Sport. "The fans and media didn't value her enough for how important she was. We always said that she was like magic. "It was sad she left, but I knew she was going to be good in England. She really showed quickly the kind of player she was and now at an important moment of the season she has showed it again." Caldentey's first goal came in a4-0 win over BK Hacken, sealing Arsenal's progression to the Champions League group stages in September. The club believed Caldentey could take them to the next levelwhen they signed herbut she could not have predicted how impressive her first season would be. "Not at all. I didn't have any expectation. I just made my decision and went for it," said Caldentey. "Everyone helped me a lot from the first day so it was kind of easy to adapt to the new challenge. I've just had fun playing football." Only Alessia Russo (12) scored more WSL goals for Arsenal in 2024-25 "She's a total footballer. She's got everything," Arsenal manager Renee Slegers said of Caldentey earlier this season. Her impact was instant and transformative. Arsenal went from a struggling side at the start of the season to a team marching up the table, sealing second spot in the WSL and competing with Europe's elite. Caldentey's role was to be the creator, linking up with WSL Golden Boot winner Alessia Russo and providing stardust from midfield. "She's given us so much," Slegers added. "There are so many things to say about Mariona, because she does so many things so well. She has given us that next level. "Technically and tactically - her intelligence is really high level. Her work ethic is unbelievable. You can see it in games, but you can see it on the training pitch as well. "Last but not least, she's a winner." After Arsenal beat Tottenham 5-0 at Emirates Stadium, a journalist described Caldentey as the conductor of an orchestra, with eight legs like an octopus. The analogy surprised Slegers but she admitted it was a good description. Arsenal captain Kim Little, who has played alongside Caldentey this season, said she has been "incredible" for the team. "She came in from Barcelona and had a great impact on the team, on a personal level and also with how we play," she told BBC Radio 5 Live. Mariona Caldentey won the Champions League three times with Barcelona There will no doubt be mixed emotions for Caldentey when she faces Barcelona in Lisbon. She was "underrated" but "now finally appreciated" by those in Spain, said Tikas, but will she come back to haunt them? "When we talked to Barca players after the semi-finals, they were really happy to face Mariona and said it will be really special for them," Tikas added. "She knows how Barcelona play and how Arsenal can damage Barcelona." Caldentey has spoken to some of the Barcelona players - they remain "close friends" after all - but they have avoided speaking about the final. "We did exchange some messages but it is a bit weird so we didn't speak too much about [the game]," she added. "I didn't tell them [we would win] but they know that is what I want!" From Arsenal's perspective, they hope Caldentey's close links with Barca will give them an advantage. "I did an interview with Aitana Bonmati the other day and mentioned Mariona," journalist Alex Ibaceta told BBC Radio 5 Live. "She said we know the player she is, we know what she is capable of. "Mariona is going to be key in letting the players know what disturbs Barcelona. If there is one player that is going to lead the pack, it's going to be her. Arsenal have enough quality to be able to put out a gameplan so Mariona can give them the tips and tricks on how to defeat Barcelona." Head here to get involved
Is 'magic' Caldentey Arsenal's key in Champions League final?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mariona Caldentey Faces Former Club Barcelona in Women's Champions League Final"
Bbc News
6.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Mariona Caldentey, who recently joined Arsenal after a decade with Barcelona, is set to face her former team in the Women's Champions League final, marking a significant moment in her career. After winning 15 major trophies with Barcelona, including three Champions League titles, Caldentey's transition to Arsenal came during a tumultuous period for the club. Initially, there were doubts about her decision to leave, especially following the departure of Arsenal legend Vivianne Miedema and increasing fan unrest towards the previous management. However, Caldentey quickly established herself as a pivotal player for Arsenal, earning the Women's Super League Player of the Season award in her debut campaign. With nine goals and five assists in 21 matches, her contributions have been critical in transforming Arsenal from a struggling side to a competitive force in both domestic and European football.
As Arsenal prepares for the final in Lisbon, Caldentey's familiarity with Barcelona's playing style is expected to be a strategic advantage. She has maintained close friendships with her former teammates, exchanging messages leading up to the match, though they have avoided discussing the game in detail. Arsenal's management, including coach Renee Slegers, has praised Caldentey's all-around abilities, describing her as a 'total footballer' with exceptional technical skills and a strong work ethic. Her role in the team has been likened to that of a conductor, orchestrating plays and linking up with key players. With high expectations for her performance, Caldentey aims to cap off her impressive first season by leading Arsenal to their first European title since 2007, adding another chapter to her illustrious career. This final not only represents a chance for personal triumph but also an opportunity for Arsenal to reclaim their place among Europe's elite teams.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article centers on Mariona Caldentey, a prominent player for Arsenal, as she prepares to face her former club Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final. This narrative highlights her transition from Barcelona to Arsenal and her significant impact in her debut season with the Gunners, aiming for a European title.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to build excitement and anticipation around the Champions League final, emphasizing Caldentey's role as a key player for Arsenal. By focusing on her past successes and current confidence, it seeks to inspire both fans and the team as they approach this critical match.
Public Perception
The portrayal of Caldentey as a "magic" player suggests that the article intends to create a sense of hope and belief in Arsenal's chances of victory. This can foster a positive atmosphere among supporters and build team morale ahead of the final.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on Caldentey's achievements and confidence, it may gloss over potential challenges that Arsenal faces as a team or the strategic aspects of their game plan against Barcelona. This selective focus could create an overly optimistic view of the match.
Manipulative Aspects
The narrative could be seen as somewhat manipulative, particularly in its emotional appeal to fans. By highlighting Caldentey's past with Barcelona and her current prowess, the article may downplay the complexities of the match and the strength of the opposing team. The language used is designed to evoke emotions and rally support, rather than presenting a balanced analysis of both teams.
Reliability of the Information
The information regarding Caldentey's past and her statistics appears accurate, but the article's emphasis on her as the "key" to Arsenal's success may not fully represent the team's collective effort. Thus, while the core facts are reliable, the interpretation and implications may be skewed toward fostering a specific narrative.
Societal Impact
This coverage can influence public sentiment around women's football, particularly in the context of high-stakes matches like the Champions League final. It may encourage greater support for women’s sports and highlight the growing competitiveness of teams like Arsenal.
Target Audience
The article primarily targets Arsenal fans and supporters of women's football, aiming to engage those who have an emotional investment in the outcome of the final. It speaks to audiences who appreciate narratives of personal achievement and team spirit.
Market Implications
While the article may not directly impact stock markets, it could influence the broader sports industry, particularly in sponsorships and merchandise sales associated with Arsenal. Increased visibility and success in the Champions League can enhance the club's brand, potentially attracting new sponsors and fans.
Global Context
In terms of global sports dynamics, this narrative aligns with the increasing attention on women's football, reflecting broader societal changes towards gender equality in sports. The significance of this match could resonate with ongoing discussions about women's rights and representation in various sectors.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
It’s plausible that AI tools were utilized in drafting or structuring the article to maintain engaging language and flow. However, specific elements like emotional appeal and storytelling suggest human editorial input to create a compelling narrative. If AI was used, it likely focused on optimizing engagement and readability.
The article is well-researched regarding player statistics and achievements, but its emotional framing and selective focus may lead to a somewhat biased interpretation of the upcoming match. Overall, while the core content is grounded in facts, the narrative aims to stir excitement and support, potentially leading to a manipulation of expectations.