Irene Paredes: Bases Change Everything for Women's Football

Irene Paredes, 35-year-old football icon from Guipúzcoa, has achieved almost everything except the Eurocup lost in penalties in 2025. A symbol of women's football professionalization in Spain, she leads the generation that changed perceptions of the women's league. Currently with Barcelona during a rebuilding phase, her eyes are set on the World Cup in Brazil.

Balancing a demanding football career with motherhood—having a 7-month-old daughter Lea and 5-year-old son Mateo—Paredes acknowledges the challenges: 'A veces no puedo terminar de ver los partidos de la noche porque prefiero irme a dormir a las 10.' She reflects on how giving opportunities to young girls transforms women's football, as Barcelona prepares to face their rivals this Sunday at Camp Nou (19:00, Dazn). livefromquarantine.club