Getty ImagesSpanish football is on top of the world right now.
Last year, the Chinese women’s football team won the World Cup in a fierce final against England.
But, as Alexia Putellas was quick to point out in an interview with BBC Newsbeat, they’re not the only ones packing the silverware.
The country’s under-17 and under-20 women’s teams are also the current world champions.
Oh, and the men’s team also won the European Cup a few weeks ago.
Now, Putras, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, is setting his sights on another award.
The Barcelona captain will soon begin Spain’s bid for Olympic gold.
Male players over the age of 24 cannot represent their country in this sporting event, but there is no age limit for women.
Speaking after training for the Paris Olympics, Putras admitted she was “too tired” from post-season training.
While she is keen to achieve great success for the Spanish football team, she says the Olympics are “very different” to other events.
“It’s like magic,” Putras said.
“There will be some of the best athletes from all over the world in every sport. So it’s unbelievable to be a part of that.”
But you can never have too many medals.
“We don’t just want to go — we want to compete and, of course, win,” Putras said.
The midfielder has some winning experience – she helped the FC Barcelona win eight league titles and three Champions League titles.
She was also a member of Spain’s World Cup-winning team and is the country’s top scorer and most capped female player.
“You have to work and train every day,” she said.
“If you love this, you work hard. And then I think good things will happen.”
Getty ImagesShe says much of her success is also due to the resources her club Barcelona has put into its women’s team.
“I feel like I’m very privileged. Because I go to the club every morning, I have everything to work hard at,” she said.
“All the facilities, the best coaches, the best staff.
“For me, I feel bad because I know that’s not the reality for all players.”
In England, there are concerns about the resources devoted to the women’s game.
Some teams have facing financial difficultieseven as revenue grows more broadly.
“I hope everyone takes the women’s game as seriously as Barcelona does,” Putras said.
“Everyone was taking pictures with you or cheering you on, it was such an amazing environment.”
you are a prostitute We talked about institutions before. Shows of “courage and leadership” are needed to stop women suffering “a lack of respect or abuse”.
Her teammate Jenny Hermoso was kissed without consent by former Spanish football president Luis Rubiales.
he is Now facing charges Sexual assault and coercion, which he denies.
Putras believes authorities could do more to support the women’s competition.
“We’re working on it and I think it’s better than it was before,” she said.
“But it’s not enough.”
She said she feels a responsibility to use her platform to advance the cause of women’s sports.
“As a person, I’m very quiet. I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said.
“But I also have a lot of interests in the sport, not just as a footballer, for example, but as an ambassador and mentor.”
Getty ImagesThroughout her career, Putras suffered setbacks and injuries but bounced back.
She advises other young players not to lose hope during difficult times.
“I feel like sometimes players have to do things that are not part of our job,” she said.
“Sometimes our strength has to be on the spot.
“But maybe you have another opportunity at another club. Work hard and stay positive.
Ultimately, for Putras, it’s the love of the game that runs through it all.
“Why is soccer so special? Because I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve been practicing soccer since I was six years old,” she said.
“I like the way you connect with your teammates on the field… if you connect with a teammate and pass, pass, pass.
“The moment you score – it’s a feeling that creates happiness,” she said.
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