Stina Blackstenius’ goal sealed an extraordinary victory for the Women’s Super League underdogs, who claimed the European trophy for the first time in 18 years.
That form has put her into the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, which has been shared by her Spain team-mates Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas over the last four years.
But Caldentey is now setting her sights on adding a European Championship title to the trophy cabinet of world champions Spain in her bid to claim the individual prize.
The versatile midfielder, 29, left Barcelona after a decade in Catalonia to join Arsenal last summer.
She has won three Champions League titles in a row and her CV boasts an impressive total of four to go with six Spanish league titles, the Women’s World Cup and UEFA Nations League.
Arsenal finished second to Chelsea in the WSL last season and Caldentey has been delighted with how the move has gone.
“I see it as an Erasmus (exchange) because I will go back to Spain. It’s a bit of an adventure,” says Caldentey.
“I wanted to learn to adapt to a different game. The first year has gone by very quickly. I’ve really enjoyed it, but I still have a lot to do.
“Getting out of your comfort zone is always a challenge and helps you develop. The English league is a different kind of football, more physical, with lots of turnovers of possession, and open.”
She added: “The Barca ‘DNA’ is obviously a style of football I love and is more or less similar to what we want to play here (with Spain).
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England train in Switzerland ahead of Euro 2025 opener against France at the weekend
Video credit: SNTV
“But I knew that leaving would also provide me with a change in style, and that was what I was looking for.”
Spain began their bid for Euro 2025 glory with a crushing 5-0 win over Portugal and face Belgium next in Group B on Monday before taking on Italy.
The star-studded Spaniards are widely considered among the favourites for the trophy.
“We see it (the pressure) more as a privilege,” Caldentey said.
“I think in recent years we’ve become more accustomed to it. You have to live with it. We have a lot of weapons. We are a super-complete team.”
