"Thrilled is an understatement!": Barcelona standout Caroline Graham Hansen discusses her journey, Ballon d'Or, and the expansion of women's football
Frankly, I found it quite dull, she shared with CNN Sport, but things took a turn at around five or six when she got her hands on a soccer ball. "I'm not sure when I developed a fondness for the sport, but it shifted from apathy to an obsession with playing it daily."
Graham Hansen now plays on the wing for the unbeatable Barcelona Femení team, a role she never envisioned during her formative years in Scandinavia.
"There weren't many girls playing when I was growing up," she explained, "so I either played with the boys or played alone. As a kid, I don't think gender was something you gave much thought to, you just wanted to play with the best."
Playing alongside boys in boys' leagues may have been her only entry point into the game, but it was an environment she flourished in, sharing the same aspirations.
"I always dreamt of playing for Barcelona or one of the major clubs when I grew up," she said, "but for the men's side. I'd watch the guys I played with and perceived myself as their equal or even better. If they could achieve it, I could too."
At 29 years old, Graham Hansen has witnessed the women's game evolve during her career. Back in 2015, Barcelona Femení had only just transitioned to professional status while she was playing with Wolfsburg in Germany. She joined the Barcelona team four years later, recalling the moment she donned the iconic shirt.
"I still remember the first time I wore it," she recalled, "it was like, 'Is this for real?' I would play with the shirt as a child, in the garden with my friends, and it felt surreal to wear it as a professional. It's special because it doesn't get any bigger than this, in my opinion. Every time I put it on, I pinch myself because I know it won't last forever."
Graham Hansen's time with Wolfsburg was marked by numerous victories, but her journey was hampered by a string of serious knee and leg injuries that threatened to extinguish her passion for the game. She explained that learning to find joy in her time off the field helped her navigate through her extended absences.
"The key was to find pleasure in being injured and occupy your mind with something enjoyable or uplifting," she said, "otherwise, endlessly watching everyone else doing what you love or should be doing can be devastating."
Her move to Barcelona has been invigorating because the coaches recognized her strengths and catered to them, allowing her to run at defenders and showcase her skills, knowing she was backed by an extraordinary supporting cast.
"Barcelona boasts a uniquely aggressive playstyle," she added, "which is thrilling to be a part of and captivating for fans as well."
Barcelona Femení has emerged as the most successful team in Europe during this generation, as well as the most popular. In 2022, Graham Hansen scored against eternal rival Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal at the Camp Nou in front of a record attendance of 91,553 fans for a women's football match. She made history again in the semifinal, breaking the record with 91,648 fans in attendance.
Graham Hansen emphasized that it was more than just the massive crowds that stood out but the level of engagement and support from the fans.
"Normally, during a big crowd in a women's football match, you can hear chatter, but to experience the raucous cheering and incredible energy for 90 minutes was like a life-changing experience," she said. "I can't explain the feeling other than it gave me goosebumps. Barca fans have shown that they can consistently replicate this experience, and now we're seeing other European teams doing the same."
Barcelona Femení swept up four trophies in the last season, including a fifth consecutive Liga F title, and a third Champions League title in four seasons. Graham Hansen enjoyed a remarkable campaign, tallying 32 goals in 40 games and contributing an additional 28 assists, placing her second on the team in goals and first in overall contributions, leading to her nomination for the World Player of the Year award.
"I think we felt like we should have had even more players on that list," she said, "because we see each other every day and recognize the outstanding quality in one another."
Barcelona has dominated the Ballon d'Or Féminin since 2019, winning the award three years in a row (Alexia Putellas in 2021 and 2022, and Aitana Bonmatí in 2023). Graham Hansen stresses that the team doesn't compete with each other for the award but rather see it as evidence of their collective success.
"Many of our players came from modest backgrounds and still carry a strong work ethic," she said. "They know that we have talent on the field, but it's essential to come together and put in the effort to achieve greatness."
She acknowledges that the competition is growing tougher, and they will need to continue improving to maintain their dominant position, but remains optimistic. "You're always allowed to dream and try," she said. "Regardless of what happens, I know I've surpassed the limitations I set for myself as a young girl."
"I gotta admit, I'd be skeptical about it. I never thought playing for Barcelona was in the cards, not with them not having a team when I was that young, around 13 or 14. It feels like a boy's dream that I missed out on due to my gender. But now, it's achievable, and it's freakin' awesome!"
"Graham Hansen's love for football, particularly the sport of soccer, began to grow as she started playing alongside boys in boys' leagues. The competition and camaraderie helped fuel her ambition to play for a major club, and Barcelona was always a dream."
"Despite her injuries, Graham Hansen found joy in her time off the field by engaging in activities that brought her pleasure and distracted her from her love for football. However, her passion for the sport never waned, and joining Barcelona Femení was a dream come true, allowing her to demonstrate her skills and contribute to the team's impressive victories."
