Patri Guijarro may not have the name recognition of Alexia Putellas or Aitana Bonmatí, but the Spain midfielder is every bit as vital to the team's success. The 27-year-old forms a midfield triangle with the two Ballon d'Or winners, providing the platform for them to flourish. An unwritten rule in Spanish football holds that when Guijarro plays well, so do Spain and Barcelona.
“It’s so easy to play alongside her, she makes everything easy,” said Putellas earlier at Euro 2025. “She’s the best pivot in the world. Every inch of the pitch she covers, she does it with quality and intelligence.” Teammate Vicky López echoed the sentiment: “She is one of the best players in the world, but she’s always been undervalued. She’s the spine of the team. If you watch her play, you can’t help but smile.”
Guijarro’s versatility was on show when Putellas missed the 2022-23 season with injury; she moved into a more attacking role and scored twice in the Champions League final to secure a 3-2 win for Barcelona. At Euro 2025, her defensive work and positioning have been crucial. In the semi-final against Germany, she pressed high and wide, forcing an error that led to Bonmatí’s winning goal. Against Italy, she found space in a crowded box to score a first-time finish.
Spain manager Montse Tomé praised her humility and work ethic: “Her humility and hard-working personality allow players such as Bonmatí, Putellas and others to play more freely. She’s a key part of our team.” Guijarro, who started her professional career at 17 after impressing against Barcelona for Collerense, remains the underrated engine that keeps Spain’s midfield running.
