Caroline Graham Hansen Reflects on Her Journey, the Ballon d’Or, and Women’s Soccer Growth

Caroline Graham Hansen stands as one of the premier talents in football, a leading contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, yet she vividly recalls her initial impressions of the sport. Growing up in Norway, she often found herself bored watching her father enjoy matches on television. “Honestly, I thought it was very boring,” she admitted to CNN Sport. However, everything changed when she first kicked a ball at around five or six years old. “I don’t know when I fell in love with the game, but I remember wanting to play it every day.”

Today, Graham Hansen plays as a winger for Barcelona Femení, a position she could hardly have envisioned during her formative years as a youth player in Scandinavia. “There weren’t many girls playing when I was growing up,” she explained. “I either played with boys or by myself. As a kid, you don’t think much about gender; you just want to play with the best.”

Competing in boys’ leagues was essential for her development, offering an environment where she thrived alongside other passionate players. “I always dreamed of playing for Barcelona or one of the top clubs, but for the men’s side,” she said, reflecting on her early aspirations. “Seeing the boys I played with made me believe that if they could do it, so could I.”

At 29 years old, Graham Hansen has witnessed significant changes in women’s soccer. When she joined Wolfsburg in 2015, Barcelona Femení was just beginning its professional journey. Her arrival at Barcelona four years later marked a pivotal moment in her career. “I still remember the first time I wore the shirt; it felt surreal,” she recalled, likening it to childhood memories of playing in her garden. “Every time I put it on, I pinch myself because I know this moment won’t last forever.”

During her tenure at Wolfsburg, Graham Hansen collected eight trophies but faced numerous challenges due to injuries. These setbacks tested her love for the game, prompting her to find ways to cope while sidelined. “The key was to find joy in being injured, to occupy your mind with things that make you happy,” she shared. “Otherwise, it can be hard to watch everyone else doing what you want to do.”

Her transition to Barcelona has been liberating, as the coaching staff emphasizes her strengths, allowing her to take on defenders with confidence. “Barcelona has a unique style of play, and it’s a joy to be part of it,” she noted. “I guess it’s also a joy for fans to watch.”

Barcelona Femení has emerged not only as a dominant force in European soccer but also as a cultural phenomenon. In 2022, Graham Hansen played a key role in a historic Champions League match against Real Madrid at Camp Nou, where a record crowd of 91,553 fans witnessed the action. She scored again in the semifinal, where attendance surpassed 91,648, further demonstrating the growing interest in women’s football.

Beyond the impressive numbers, Graham Hansen emphasized the fans’ unwavering support. “Normally, in women’s games with large crowds, you hear chatter. But this experience was different—loud cheering for 90 minutes, with everyone singing. It gave me goosebumps,” she expressed. “Barcelona fans have shown that it’s possible to achieve this kind of atmosphere, and now you see teams across Europe doing the same.”

Last season, Barcelona enjoyed an unprecedented run, winning four trophies, including a fifth consecutive Liga F title and a third Champions League title in just four seasons. Graham Hansen contributed significantly, scoring 32 goals and providing 28 assists in 40 games, totaling 60 goal contributions. This stellar performance has earned her a spot among the seven Barcelona players nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin.

“I think we could have had more players on the list because we see each other’s quality every day,” she remarked. The team has won the last three Ballon d’Or Féminin awards, with Alexia Putellas winning in 2021 and 2022 and Aitana Bonmatí taking the honor in 2023. However, Graham Hansen emphasized that they do not see each other as competitors but rather as teammates who support one another.

“A lot of us came from humble beginnings, and we maintain a mindset of hard work,” she noted. While the competition is intensifying, Graham Hansen believes in the importance of perseverance. “You’re always allowed to try,” she said, acknowledging how far she has come since her childhood dreams.

“I don’t think I would believe it if you told me I could play for Barcelona,” she concluded. “When I was younger, there wasn’t even a women’s team. It sounds like a dream I could have had if I were a boy. Now, it’s real, and it’s so cool!”