Some players make headlines every week, for their hard work and determination on the pitch. Others quietly become the heartbeat of every team they are ever part of and Laia Codina does just that.
The Spanish defender has built her career on resilience and commitment. Whether she’s acting as a brick wall on the pitch, or supporting her team from the sidelines, Codina has always worn her heart on her sleeve.
Club Career
Born in Campllong, Catalonia, Codina found her love of football at just the age of 4. She began playing for unió deportiva cassà where, until the age of 14, she competed in boys teams. It was during this time that she developed her competitive edge that would one day define her career.
In 2014, she joined the Barcelona youth teams, where her talent quickly flourished. Three years later, at the age of 17 she made the jump to the Barcelona B team. Even as one of the youngest players, Codina’s leadership skills shone through and she was made part of the leadership group before going on to become captain the year they were promoted.
The summer of 2019 marked another milestone for the Spaniard when the club announced that Codina would join the first team set up. She quietly supported the team from the sidelines up until June 2022, when her contract was extended. This affirmed her definitive jump to the first team the following season.
On the 13th of October 2019, Codina made her well deserved league debut before making her UEFA Champions League debut just four days later. Although opportunities were limited at this time, Codina continued learning alongside one of Europe’s most prominent squads.
Her career however, hasn’t been without setbacks. In November 2022, Codina underwent surgery after suffering an injury to her right knee. Four months of rehabilitation followed, but her determination never wavered. With the support of her teammates, and her strong willed mind she regained full fitness and returned to the pitch.
In search of more consistent first-team opportunities, Codina joined Italian side AC Milan on loan for the 2021/22 season, making 14 appearances during her time in Italy.
In August 2023, Codina embarked on a new adventure and made the move to English Women’s Super League side Arsenal. Her debut season saw her make 16 appearances for the club across all competitions and she scored her first goal against Reading in the Continental Cup.
However, regular minutes remained difficult to come by at one of England’s strongest sides. Yet those who watched Arsenal closely saw the impact Codina made on the team. She became one of the club’s biggest supporters, constantly encouraging her teammates from the bench and celebrating every success as if it were her own.
During the 2024/25 season, Codina won the Champions League with Arsenal — a trophy she had already lifted twice with Barcelona, but one that became even more defining the third time around.
After just under three years at Arsenal, it was announced that Codina would make the move across London to West Ham. A club that has endured some difficult seasons in recent years but is strengthening its squad ahead of the new campaign.
International Career
Codina has been part of Spain’s youth setup since the under-17s. She enjoyed success with the under-19s, winning the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship after victory over Germany in the final, while making 10 appearances for the age group.
She also made three appearances for Spain’s Under 23 side and scored one goal.
Codina made her senior debut for Spain in 2022 against the USA, marking the occasion with her first senior international goal. Spain went on to win 2-0, recording their first-ever victory over the USWNT.
It was the 2023 FIFA World Cup that truly defined Codina’s international career. Initially not expected to be a regular starter, she found herself handed an opportunity as Spain’s defensive options shifted during the tournament. She went on to start every knockout match, including the final against England, as Spain won 1-0 to lift their first-ever Women’s World Cup.
Football is often remembered for its goalscorers and headline-makers, but every successful team needs players like Laia Codina. Fiercely committed and endlessly selfless, her greatest impact has never been about the spotlight.
