From 0 to 100: Mariona, an engine for Spain

Against Iceland in Castellón, Mariona Caldentey experienced a unique and historic match—the one that welcomed her into the prestigious club of players with 100 caps for Spain. Until Tuesday, that exclusive group included only three footballers: Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Jenni Hermoso.

The player from the Balearic Islands has earned her place there through her own merits, though she remains grounded, valuing every step, every effort, and all the dedication it took to reach this moment:

“I think we have a bit of that match-by-match mindset and sometimes we don’t realize everything we experience and how lucky we are to be here. I remember the first training camps where we even played friendlies that weren’t official and didn’t count as matches… how things have changed and evolved. It’s been a beautiful period to live through all the progress and development we’ve had.”

Speaking from the milestone of 100 caps, Mariona reflects on the efforts of the pioneers who paved the way for the current generation to take women’s football even further:

“The players who came before fought a lot. They went through very difficult moments and faced many problems without getting the rewards they deserved. The players today arrive and things are already in place—it’s about enjoying it and playing well. I think our generation has experienced both sides, and that’s why it’s special. We’ve continued the change started by the pioneers and the generations before us. We’ve been fortunate to enjoy the rewards afterwards, and living through that transition has been very special for women’s football and for Spanish women’s football.”

Mariona still finds it incredible to remember when she first saw the senior national team dressing room—where some of the players she admired were already there, including the person who is now her national team coach:

“When I was in the youth teams, sometimes we crossed paths with the senior national team. I remember Alexia, Virginia, Soni… they were there, and we watched them train. They even let us go into the dressing room and see their boots and things… and I remember thinking: wow, I wish one day I could be there.”

At 29 years old, Mariona Caldentey has reached the round figure of 100 appearances for Spain, during which she has become a World Cup champion, European Championship runner-up, and two-time Nations League winner.

Among all her memories with the national team, several stand out:

“My debut—and along with that, winning the World Cup. That moment changed the history of Spanish women’s football. Also taking part in the Olympic Games for the first time, and the last Nations League we won at the Metropolitano. It was a beautiful and special night celebrating a title with our fans after what happened at the Euros. Those would be the most special moments.”

Across those 100 international appearances, the player from Felanitx has recorded 70 wins, 13 draws, and 17 defeats, scoring 31 goals. Looking back on that journey still moves her:

“Impossible, unimaginable. I didn’t remember this video, but I’m still the same and I speak the same way—that’s a good sign. At that moment it was: I’m here, I don’t know how long this will last, so I have to make the most of it and enjoy it. You could see that a special generation was coming, and we had to take advantage of it. Back then it was about enjoying every moment and improving, and seeing what would happen.”

The Balearic midfielder made her senior debut for Spain on March 1, 2017, against Japan in the Algarve Cup.

For the young player she was then, imagining what she has achieved today felt like a dream—one that has now become reality without changing her approach to the game:

“I still feel very young in spirit. I don’t think I’ve changed much. I’ve always been responsible, even when I was 18 or 20. I’ve matured and I’m a different person, but I still like being with my friends and family. I like quiet time and spending time alone with myself—normal things. I don’t think there’s been a huge change.”

Looking ahead, Mariona has two new targets: the next World Cup and another milestone number:

“At the next World Cup we have to defend the title, and it will be in a different country and environment, which is very exciting. We’re coming off losing the Euro final, so we’re eager—first to qualify and then to defend the title. The more caps the better. The next special milestone would be 150 appearances—why not?.”