Ona Batlle Biography: Journey To Becoming The World Cup Champion

Ona Batlle is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as the wide defender in a back four for the Spanish Liga F club Barcelona and the Spain women’s national team. The rising athlete previously played for Madrid CFF, Levante, and Manchester United women’s football club.

One of the leading Spanish players in recent years, find out how she thinks about her football career. Join us in this exciting journey as our article on Ona Batlle biography focuses on her key career moments and her achievements so far.

As Batlle’s contract with Manchester United came to an end, she signed a deal with FC Barcelona. She, along with her country’s teammates, made a triumphant return to World Cup. Stay with us till the end to learn about her journey to World Cup victory.

Early Life And The Beginning of Sports Journey

Ona Batlle Pascual was born on June 10, 1999, in Vilassar de Mar, a town in the province of Barcelona, Spain. She began playing football recreationally at age six and credits her big brother, Joan Batlle, who played football first in the family. Had it not been for her older brother, Ona probably would have forgotten football entirely.

Ona Batlle Biography. Image Credit: Social media

At 11, Batlle joined FC Barcelona after the team’s officials saw her game against the Spanish Catalonia under-12 team. Afterward, she attended FC Barcelona’s La Masia training program and rose through the ranks. Eventually, she was promoted to the club’s top youth squad Barcelona B, and the team competed in the Segunda Division in 2014. During her time in Barcelona, Ona learned the best way to find a more methodical, skillful way to kick the ball away, which would later prove to be fruitful.

In early 2017 Barcelona changed focus to recruiting high-profile senior players, which made it more difficult for youth players to break through to the first team. In July 2017, Batlle made her senior debut in a match with the women’s football team, Madrid CFF. Further, she cemented her place as a starter during the season, playing in 28 of the 30 league matches.

At 18, Batlle left home, and her main objective was to be a first-division player and to become a professional for years. Although her parents were a bit skeptical, they were very supportive of her in everything.

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Rising Through Ranks in Club Career: Manchester United

After a season with Madrid, Ona signed with the women’s football team Levante. However, her career with the team didn’t go well, as she was among the players who filed a class action lawsuit against the Association of Women’s Football Clubs (ACFF) and the Association of Spanish Football Players (AFE). The players’ primary reason for the dispute was the issue of compensation allocated to free agents.

Ona Batlle Biography. Image Credit: Social Media

In mid-2020, Batlle signed a two-year contract with the English FA WSL club Manchester United. It is uncommon for Spain’s female footballers to leave the country, but she always had ambitions to move abroad, eager for the experience to make her more rounded as a footballer. After receiving a call from the former Manchester United manager Casey Stoney, the route to England opened up to her. She was 18 when she left her hometown.

Although she felt scared and felt helpless without her family, Ona never thought about leaving and didn’t regret anything. Despite the restrictions and lockdowns, Batlle moved to a country where she couldn’t speak their native language. However, a fruitful career was waiting for her on the other side. In the September match against Chelsea, Ona made her debut in the season opener and was named Player of the Season by the ‘Red Devils.’ Likewise, Batlle scored her first goal for the club in the first league game of the 2021–22 season in a 2–0 win against Reading. The footballer’s exceptional skills helped her bag numerous accolades, including the PFA Team of the Year honors.

Homecoming To Barcelona

One of the stars of the 2022 women’s super league campaign, the former Manchester defender signed a contract with Barcelona Femeni, where she trained as a child.  She left at 18 and returned as one of Europe’s best fullbacks. Barca has always been in her heart, and it’s not easy to say no. As a result, Ona returned to FC Barcelona on June 19, 2023, as a free agent after her 3-year contract ended in early 2023. On a similar note, Batlle also signed a three-year deal with Barcelona.

Talking about her international career, Batlle played U17 and U19 football for Spain. On May 17, 2019, she gained her first senior international cap and has been a regular member of the Spain squad since then. Similarly, Batlle represented her country at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2020 Summer Olympics. Batlle is a versatile player who can play as a forward or a winger. She is known for her speed, dribbling, and finishing ability. She is also a good passer and has a strong work ethic.

2023 World Cup Glory: The Well-Deserved Trophy After So Much Of Turmoil

Spain’s national women’s team tasted victory at the world cup finals over the Lionesses as Olga Carmona‘s first-half strike passing England’s goalkeeper, Mary Earps, at 29 minutes was enough to secure Spain’s first women’s world cup despite all the controversy that accompanied their campaign. Meanwhile, the English players like Chloe Kelly, Jordan Nobbs, and Lucy Bronze couldn’t stop their opposite team from becoming the title champion.

The Spain team was without a number of big-name players, yet they still entered this tournament and made it all the way to the final and lifted the trophy. They made history on August 20, 2023. They made history in other ways, as they are also the youngest squad ever to make a World Cup final and to win it since Japan did it in 2011. Before this tournament, Spain actually had never even won a knockout match at a World Cup. What these girls have achieved is absolutely historic, and they were able to put aside all of the off-pitch issues.

Just less than a year, the Spanish team was in absolute turmoil as 15 players went on strike. They didn’t want to play for their manager Jorge Vilda, and the Spanish Federation almost vilified them for it. Only three players, including Batlle, Aitana Bonmati, and Mariona Caldentey, returned to the national team and competed in the 2023 Women’s world cup.

Although the Spanish national team has had a bitter moment in the past, their commitment to their craft is a testament to the power of resilience, proving that dreams are meant to be chased and realized, regardless of obstacles. As the cheers of adoring fans resonate through the Spanish landscapes, these remarkable women etch their names into the annals of football history, leaving an indelible mark that inspires generations to come.

Now looking through Ona Batlle biography, she embodies the essence of strength and finesse, captivating hearts with their exquisite footwork and strategic brilliance. The young Spanish footballer stands as a luminous star, painting the pitch with grace, determination, and unwavering passion.