During her second season at La Masia, at just 13 years old, Claudia Pina (Montcada i Reixac, 12/08/2001) scored 100 goals in only 20 matches, a spectacular record that already hinted at the player she has become today. She keeps on scoring goals, now for the Barça first team. At only 24 years of age, she has surpassed 200 matches and won every possible trophy. Her ambition, however, remains intact.

In an interview with REVISTA BARÇA, Pina looks back on her footballing evolution, explains how she has personally experienced the growth of women's football, and discusses the goals she still hopes to achieve.

In December you renewed with Barça until 2029. What does it mean for you to remain in a blaugrana shirt?

I've always said it's the club of my life. Honestly, it's exciting to stay here for three more years. I'm very happy at Barça, it's where I want to be.

What goals do you set for yourself for the next three seasons?

To contribute as much as possible to the team, and to keep growing as a player and as a person.

Do you still have any dreams left to fulfill wearing the Barça shirt?

Maybe to keep reaching Champions League finals and to start in them (laughs), because I've only been able to start in one. But the most important thing is to keep going and always try to help the team, wherever that may be.

In February you reached 200 matches with Barça. Which of those matches stand out for you?

One of the most special moments was when we played at Spotify Camp Nou in 2022, the two matches against Real Madrid and Wolfsburg. Those were two unforgettable nights for me. I had always dreamed of playing at the stadium, where I had watched Barça as a child. I would also choose the Champions League final in Bilbao, it was an incredible day.

That final felt like playing at home, didn't it?

Yes, honestly, it did (laughs).

In that first match at Spotify Camp Nou, against Real Madrid, you scored. That must have been an amazing experience...

Yes, walking onto the pitch while the anthem was playing, with the whole stadium full of fans... It was a night I will always remember in a special way.

What would you tell the Claudia who debuted at 16 if she were told everything that is happening now?

She wouldn't have believed it at the time. Just coming to Barça to have fun and becoming more professional every day was already incredible. Everything has changed so much. I'm very lucky to be where I am right now and to have the career I've had, working and growing every year.

As your career has progressed, women's football has also grown. How have you experienced this evolution?

It's very beautiful to see how things are changing, because I think it's partly thanks to the players who had to go through all of this. Also thanks to those of us going through it now, so that the girls of tomorrow can have an even better future. We are proud that women's football is becoming more visible and gaining even more importance.

Does it make you happy to be a role model for girls who play football?

Yes, I always say it's something that makes me especially happy. It's an honor that girls look up to you, to be a role model for them. When I was young, Alexia Putellas was one of my role models, being able to share everything I've shared with her now is special. Alexia is a clear example of where I want to get as a player.

How do you remember your signing for Barça? Who gave you the news?

My parents sat me down at home one day and told me. At first it shocked me a lot,at that moment I remember that I was very guided by the friendships I had when I was playing at Espanyol. It made me sad because of that; obviously I couldn't imagine anything that would happen afterwards. It's one of the best decisions I've made in my life, with the help of my parents. I am the player I am thanks to Barça.

What does it mean to have trained at La Masia?

Every day you train with the best players, you have to give your best, and that makes you improve day by day. As I've grown, I've noticed the big jump from youth football to the first team, and that has helped me grow immensely and become the player I am. Because we are so competitive and the level in training is so high, we make each other better.

You went on loan to Sevilla for a year to get more minutes. What was that time away from home like?

At first it was very hard to make the decision because it meant being far from my family. Also, I had spent many years at Barça, and that made it difficult too. At that moment, I didn't even know whether I was leaving to come back, because if things hadn't gone well, I wouldn't have returned to Barça. But halfway through the season I started feeling really good on the pitch. Off the pitch too, we created a very beautiful, very special group that I'll always remember. If I went back in time and had to make the same decision, I wouldn't hesitate and I would do it again.

You've said more than once that self-confidence is practically everything. How do you maintain it?

You have to try to focus on yourself, be better every day, and enjoy what you do. I think that's how you build the confidence to play and become a better player.

Are you in the best moment of your career?

Yes, I think so. I'm getting more minutes, and I feel important in the team. Having minutes is key to being confident and playing at the highest possible level.

 

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