Patricia Guijarro Gutiérrez - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Born on 17 May 1998 in Santa María de Guía, Las Palmas, Patricia Guijarro Gutiérrez, or simply known as Patri Guijarro, hails from a small municipality on the north coast of Gran Canaria. From an early age, she developed a passion for football, pursuing the sport from an early age with fervor and noticeable talent. It was in her home province that she would begin her football journey, showing promise and catching the attention of Spain's top clubs.
Amateur Career
As a very young player, Patri Guijarro joined the local club, CD Santidad, where she honed her skills and contributed to the team’s success for several seasons. Because of her talent and potential, she was soon noticed by the Spanish football powerhouse, UD Collerense. Guijarro moved to Collerense in 2013 and quickly became a standout player for the team in her first year. Her performances eventually attracted the attention of FC Barcelona, one of the most renowned football clubs in the world, and Guijarro made the move to Barcelona in 2015.
Professional Career
At the tender age of 17, Guijarro was signed by FC Barcelona’s women's team. Here, she had a chance to play alongside some of the best in the game and significantly evolved as a player. Since joining Barcelona, Guijarro has played a pivotal role in the club's success, helping them win several national and international trophies. As a midfielder, her influence is largely evident in both attack and defense, making her a vital part of the Barcelona setup.
International Career
Guijarro made her debut for Spain's national team in 2017. In the same year, she was also part of the Spain Under-19 team that triumphed in the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship where she received the Golden Player award. Her standout performances have established her as a vital player in the Spanish national team. In 2018, she was a part of the Spain under-20 Women's team that almost won the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, finishing as runners-up. Guijarro won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer and the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, displaying her outstanding talent on the global stage.
Playing Style
Guijarro is a central midfielder known for her ability to control the game with her passing and vision. She is also recognized for her defensive work, often breaking up opponent attacks before they become threatening. What differentiates Guijarro from other midfielders is her knack for scoring goals. Her proficiency in finding the back of the net is a testament to her attacking prowess, making her not just a creative force but a goal-scoring one as well.
Personal
Outside the pitch, Guijarro is known for her reserved personality and humility. Despite her numerous awards and recognition, she continues to emphasize the importance of hard work and determination. Guijarro’s love for football extends to coaching as well; she holds a UEFA B Coaching License which she obtained during her early years at Barcelona. Her personal mantra is to improve and learn something new every day, a philosophy that she applies both on and off the pitch.
Injury and Comeback
Guijarro's career has not been without challenges. She was sidelined for seven months due to an injury in 2018. The injury was a huge setback for Guijarro, who was in top form and a vital player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team at the time. However, she made a remarkable comeback by scoring in her first game post-injury, and since then, has continued to contribute significantly to her team's success.
Achievements and Accolades
Guijarro has had a successful career both at the club and international level. She has helped Barcelona win several Liga Iberdrola titles and has played a vital role in their Champions League campaigns. At the international level, her U-20 Women's World Cup exploits won her the Golden Ball and Golden Boot. Her performances have also earned her numerous individual accolades, including nominations for the FIFA Best Women's Player Award.
