
What Makes Mariona Caldentey Shine as Arsenal’s Star Player of the Season?
In an impressive display of skill and determination, Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Mariona Caldentey has claimed the titles of Arsenal Women Supporters Club Player of the Season and the inaugural WSL Player of the Year. This recognition underscores not only her individual brilliance but also her invaluable contribution to the team this past season.
Mariona joined Arsenal from Barcelona last summer and quickly made her mark in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Over the course of the season, she has played a staggering 2,497 minutes, emerged as the second-highest goal scorer with 15 goals, and shared the top spot for assists alongside teammate Katie McCabe, each contributing seven assists. Remarkably, she also leads the stats with 22 goal contributions in total, showcasing her pivotal role in the team's attacking prowess.

Her season wasn't without memorable moments; one standout performance was during a thrilling 4-3 victory against Manchester City in February, where her skills were on full display. Even more impressive was her recent scream of a shot in the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Lyon, which won her the UEFA Goal of the Week. Such performances illustrate why Caldentey has not only captivated Arsenal’s supporters but also earned recognition across the league.
Mariona’s awards are bolstered by her ability to perform under pressure, having played a crucial role in Arsenal's journey to the Women's Champions League final, where they will face her former club, Barcelona. This matchup on 18 May promises to be both emotionally charged and filled with competitive spirit.
In the WSL awards announcement, other notable players were recognised, including Arsenal teammate Alessia Russo, who shared the golden boot title, and Kiko Seike from Brighton, who impressed enough to make the shortlist. The league also acknowledged the impressive contributions of players from across various clubs with awards for rising stars and goal-scoring achievements.

As the season comes to a close and excitement builds for the Champions League final, Mariona Caldentey stands out not just for her statistics, but for embodying the spirit and resilience of Arsenal Women’s Football. Her accolades are bittersweet, a testament to personal triumph while pointing toward the collective effort of a dedicated team.
As we look forward to the championship match, one can't help but wonder: What heights can Mariona reach in the coming seasons? The future seems bright for this star, and fans will undoubtedly remain at the edge of their seats, eager to witness her journey unfold.
Share your thoughts! Do you believe Mariona can lead Arsenal to a Champions League victory? Leave your comments below.