Antía Veiga

She started playing organised football at just four years old.

Veiga originally played as a forward before moving into goal.

At six, Veiga volunteered to go in goal when her team needed a goalkeeper—and immediately found her position.

At 12, a toy goal fell and struck her head while she was playing with friends and she lost sight in one eye for three months.

Playing for Deportivo was a childhood dream for Veiga, who described it as a club she had wanted to represent from a young age.

Her story of recovering from temporary sight loss was featured by the Spanish Football Federation as an example of perseverance.

Her father also used to be a goalkeeper.

Her father describes her as a perfectionist, highly self-demanding and someone who keeps working until she reaches her target.