PZPN

Once again this year, you find yourself among the world's best female footballers. Let me simply ask – how does it feel? 

It is genuinely hard to describe. I feel immense pride and joy, because I never even dreamed of something like this, nor was it my goal. The nomination itself was a huge honour for me, and finishing second among the best female players in the world is something truly incredible! I am enormously grateful for this achievement, but also for the support I receive every single day. Because although this is an individual accolade, let us not forget that football is, first and foremost, a team sport.

I think many people are wondering whether, even for a split second, you felt unfulfilled...

Because I didn't win? Absolutely not. I don't feel unfulfilled, because for me, in a way,the whole of last season was my "Ballon d'Or". The way we played as a team, how I felt on the pitch, and how I was able to help the team – not only in attack, but also in defence. We won every possible trophy, including the Champions League, which was a huge goal and dream of mine. It wasn't easy, as we played a lot of matches, often in very quick succession. It required a tremendous amount of hard work, dedication, and consistency from us. We want to keep developing and getting better all the time. That makes me all the more pleased that we were recognised in so many categories during the ceremony. It goes to show what an exceptional season we have had.

The winner, Alexia Putellas, dedicated her Ballon d'Or to FC Barcelona. Who would you like to dedicate your achievement to?

First and foremost, to my teams – FC Barcelona and the Poland national team. I am incredibly proud of what we managed to achieve at the club last season, but also of the journey our national team has been on. It is something special. Without all these girls, I wouldn't be where I am today.

However, I am also thinking about the whole path I have taken, the wonderful people I have met along the way, and those who have supported me for many years. Above all, my wonderful family. When my loved ones saw how much I love football and how much it meant to me, they never tried to hold me back. I never once heard anyone say, "Ewa, don't do it", even though women's football back then wasn't as mainstream as it is today.

Those were the very people I was thinking about during the ceremony. As I sat in the front row and watched winner after winner take to the stage, my thoughts went back to my early days. To where I come from, and the people who helped me get this far.

400mm.pl

Speaking of your early days – many people today point to the story of Ewa – a girl from a small town who reached the very top through her determination and passion. Do you feel that you can be an inspiration to future generations?

I come from a small town that I love going back to. Every time I think about where I come from, I feel an immense sense of pride and happiness. Sometimes I can't quite believe it myself – that the little girl who simply loved playing football now plays for FC Barcelona and is the captain of the Poland national team. To me, that is truly incredible. As a child, I didn't dream of playing for major clubs or the national team. Those dreams grew alongside me.

I realise, though perhaps it hasn't fully sunk in yet, that today, little girls, and boys too, can look at my story and draw inspiration from it. I hope they are inspired not just by where I am today, but also by the journey I took to get here. Because, truthfully, it doesn't matter where you come from. If you have dreams and determination, and you work hard every day without losing that childlike joy you feel when stepping onto the pitch, you can go a very long way.

Do you notice that the perception of women's football, including at events like this, is changing? 

Definitely. I feel that the awards given to women and men are now on an equal footing. During Monday's ceremony, some of them were even presented at the same time, which goes to show just how much has changed. Only a few years ago, women's football did not hold such a prominent position – either at events like this or in the minds of the fans. Today, more and more people see in it the same values, excitement, and beauty of competition that they have always associated with the men's game. Because there is only one football. I am glad we are heading in this direction, and I hope this growth continues.

When you woke up on Tuesday morning, were you feeling mostly grateful for it all, or focused on the challenges ahead?

In the morning, I found a moment to reflect on what had happened the day before and appreciate it all once again. I think it is very important to be able to pause in our daily rush and savour such moments. However, by the afternoon, we already had a training session. We took a group photo with the entire squad, which was a lovely moment, and then we got back to work and to preparing for what lies ahead. We want this season to be just as successful as the last.

Speaking of challenges, I cannot help but ask about Ireland.

Yes, we have a very important period ahead of us. We are well aware of who we are playing against and what is at stake in these matches. We must approach them with calmness, determination, and the same commitment we showed during our last training camp. Our team has proven time and again that we can perform at the highest level. 

However, I believe we should also appreciate where we are today and enjoy the opportunity to play such matches. We want to step onto the pitch with joy and pride, whilst maintaining absolute focus. Right now, the most important thing is preparing as best we can for the first match. We won't start thinking about the second until the first one is out of the way.

Let me wrap up with a point about the national team that ties both these topics together. National team manager Nina Patalon said, "Ewa deserved to be the best female footballer in the world this season." The girls you play alongside in the national squad feel the same way, eagerly posting about your achievement. What does such tremendous support from them mean to you?

Hearing that said out loud just now has truly warmed my heart. I feel deeply moved and grateful for those words, as well as the messages I have received from the girls. I am so happy to be part of such a fantastic team, where every single one of us gives our all to achieve something special together. Being their captain is a source of immense pride for me. The girls' support really means a lot to me, and I am incredibly grateful to them for it.

Interview by Wiktoria Łabędzka