Casparij: Ballon d’Or recognition a dream come true
The Dutch defender was named the 24th best player at the London Palladium on Monday night during the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Casparij attended the awards ceremony alongside Head Coach Andrée Jeglertz and team-mates Alex Greenwood, Vivianne Miedema, Yui Hasegawa and Bunny Shaw as City celebrated a club record seven nominations.
And speaking ahead of City’s Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday 28 October, Casparij detailed that it was a night she will cherish.
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“It was special to be there,” began Casparij.
“It’s something you’ve always dreamed of being and growing up female players weren’t recognised until 2018.
“To be with such an incredible group of players and see Harry Kane win it in London was special. It was a great night, so thank you.”
After the festivities, Casparij and the squad are now fully focused on our 20:00 (UK) clash with PSG who come to Manchester with one win and one draw in their opening two games.
Our European night under the lights follows an intense 1-1 Barclays Women’s Super League draw against Manchester United.
And when asked if Champions League football is different in any way to WSL matches, the 26-year-old’s answer was a mixture of yes and no.
“It’s different in the sense that it’s a different atmosphere,” Casparij explained.
“This is the stage we haven’t had success on yet and we really want that.
“So it’s an exciting opportunity for us this season but we approach Champions League games like any other, which is a great strength of this team.”
A promotional image for the UEFA Women's Champions League match between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, featuring a player smiling, with club logos and text reading 'Player's Preview' over a gradient background.
A promotional image for the UEFA Women's Champions League match between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, featuring a player smiling, with club logos and text reading 'Player's Preview' over a gradient background.
A man in a Manchester City jacket speaks at a press conference with UEFA Women's Champions League logos and team logos for Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain displayed.
A man in a Manchester City jacket speaks at a press conference with UEFA Women's Champions League logos and team logos for Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain displayed.
Person at UEFA Women's Champions League press conference podium with sponsor logos in the background.
Person at UEFA Women's Champions League press conference podium with sponsor logos in the background.