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(At the end of the article, there is a complete version in English.)

Caroline Graham Hansen (Oslo, 1995) is known as one of the best players in the world right now. She signed with FC Barcelona a little over a year ago and currently has three titles: Copa Catalunya, Spanish Super Cup and the Primera Iberdrola, and although the First Division ended early due to the circumstances of Covid-19, she still has chances to win the Women’s Champions League which returns in August.

In her first season with Barça, she has scored 9 goals and had 15 assists in 20 games. She has been one of the most important components of the team in a season where they’ve been the most dominant club in Spain. Graham Hansen forms part of the trident with Jenni Hermoso and Asisat Oshoala, which has become one of the most dangerous attacking trios in Europe.

The football break due to Covid-19 has highlighted the inequalities between women's and men's football: the men's league has returned but the women's league ended early and the Royal Spanish Football Federation doesn’t officially recognize the Spanish league players as professionals. However, Graham Hansen is confident that things will change but more financial support for women's clubs is needed.

How have you been spending your time during the break of football?

I have been home in Norway with my family. Training and keeping fit for an eventual return to football. Now we know it won't be until July for preseason, which has been a relief to finally have a clear answer to what’s up next for us.

How has your 1st season with Barça, winning 3 trophies and still competing for the Champions League?

It has been a wonderful first season. Playing alongside so many good players, getting to know so many fantastic people and to learn new things that have developed me as a player and person in so many ways. We have a fantastic team and it would be amazing to continue to prove that in the biggest competition for club teams.

Do you think it’s unfair that the men’s league returned but not the women’s League?

We all wanted to finish the season. It has not happened, we have to trust that its for the safety of all the players and the clubs in this situation. If the league would have the frames set for a professional criteria for all the clubs in it, I do believe that we would be training to finish the season now. It’s a matter of money, to give the players and staff the professional surroundings they need to perform at their level everyday. When a situation like this happens, the lack of professional everyday surroundings and economic muscles, puts a fast stop to our possibilities to play our game, and shows the importance of having this criteria and money support from the very beginning in the league.

You finished the league with the most assists and as one of the top scorers, was it easy for you to adapt to a new team?

All the people in the team have taken very good care of me from the very beginning which has made it easy to adapt fast and to get to know how things are done inside the team, on the field and around the club. Feeling welcomed and trusted from the very beginning has been a real icebreaker to keep focused on performing well and help the team in the best way possible.

Is it bittersweet ending the league this way considering how well the team had been doing?

I think everyone wanted to play through the league in the way it was supposed to. I do think it was just a matter of time before we would have secured the title with a gap of 9 points already. I want to win again next season as well just to prove that it wouldn’t have   mattered if there were 8 games left or not, that we can also win it when playing a whole season through.

Why do you think the Spanish Federation doesn’t officially recognize women as  professional players?

You have to ask them. Barcelona as a club recognises what we do as professional sport and us as professional players. So if the biggest club in the world does it, I believe its only a matter of time before the Spanish Federation chooses to follow.

It’s your 1st season and you’ve already become a fan favorite, have you felt well received by the fans?

I felt home here from the very beginning. I’m very thankful for the kind welcome I have received from the fans. It has helped me perform well and also made it so special to play at home. Knowing you have the stadium with you, gives such a special feeling and boosts the fun playing the fantastic game called football.

How does the Primera Iberdrola compare to the Frauen Bundesliga?

The German league is a very physical one in terms of duels, tackles and how direct the style of play is. The Spanish league has a lot of technical quality inside the team, aggressive players in the 1 vs 1 and the teams use the possession game a lot more to take down their opponents.

Of your Barça teammates, who have you created the best connection to on the pitch?

I have to say Torrejón. We have had a mutual understanding from the very beginning on the right side when we play. The other seems to always know what and where the other wants to go or play. It feels very natural and it’s fun combining upwards on the right side. She also makes me better in defending by always covering my back and helping me defend in the best possible way.

What are you thinking of when you face a defender one on one as you somehow always manage to get past them?

Just the simplest way is often the best. Don’t over complicate stuff. Enjoy taking risks.

Does this Barça team have what it takes to beat Lyon or Wolfsburg if they were to meet in the Champions League?

I do believe so. We have improved so much through this season, and our ultimate goal is to be the best in Europe. If we want to be the best, we have to beat the best teams, and for the last few years that has been Lyon and Wolfsburg. I believe we have what it takes.

Should the Camp Nou be opened for Barça Femeni to play in?

It would be a dream. I hope that if it happens it can be done with a full stadium. Dreams do really come true, so I choose to hope and wish for this one.

Will ending the women’s leagues early hurt the women’s game?

I would say that by ending the league early, it points out the gap still remaining between women and men’s football and that there’s still a lot left to be done before we as women’s players have the same possibilities and acceptance inside our game. We will keep pushing to show our worth.

What hopes do you have for Barça next season but also women’s football in general for the next few years?

I hope, and believe, that we as a team will keep winning titles and develop our game as a team to reach our goals. There's so much talent in this group so I’m really looking forward to seeing all the girls again and keep pushing forward towards what we want, and towards the level we know we can play on. The women’s game in general will keep on growing. It will be a journey worth paying attention to.