Vicky López shines for Spain
Vicky López’s professional career is one brought on by pure chance, sparked by a conversation with two girls at the beach.
The encounter would lead her to the youth team of Madrid CFF, despite initial reservations over difficulties getting to and from training.
Both the club and Vicky’s parents worked together to make it happen. Things became difficult in 2018 with the passing of her mother following a four-year long battle with a brain tumour.
“My mother has always been my reference,” the 18-year-old said.
“She has been the strongest person in the world – from her, I have inherited her courage, strength, and being a great person.”
That courage has seen her through a transformational move to FC Barcelona and being called up to the senior national team.
On Thursday evening, all of those years of hard work and sacrifices paid off as the teenage sensation slotted home in her first major tournament for Spain.
Wheeling away in celebration, the talented midfielder pointed to the sky – an homage to her late mother.
What is perhaps most impressive about López’s display is that she did it while filling in for the benched Aitana Bonmati, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, which is no easy feat.
Yet she made it look effortless – a skilful dribbler, a slick passer of the ball, and a refined player for her age.
With her first-half strike, she became the youngest player to appear and score at a European Championships.
Bonmati replaced the youngster with 10 to go and will no doubt feature heavily as the competition goes on, but López has given Montserrat Tomé plenty to think about with this performance.