Laia Aleixandri, a prominent footballer from Santa Coloma, will deliver the opening speech for the city's summer festival on September 4. Her selection highlights her achievements and local roots.
Santa Coloma de Gramenet is set to celebrate its annual summer festival with a special touch this year as Laia Aleixandri, an internationally recognized football player and current member of FC Barcelona, has been chosen as the pregonera. The event will take place on September 4 at 21:00 in the plaza de la Vila, marking a significant moment for both the athlete and her hometown.
The announcement was made by Mireia González, the mayor of Santa Coloma, through a video shared on municipal social media platforms. Aleixandri’s selection is not only a nod to her impressive sports career but also an acknowledgment of her deep connections to Santa Coloma, where she began playing football.
Aleixandri was born in Santa Coloma on August 25, 2000. She started her journey in football at local clubs such as CD Arrabal-Calaf before moving on to CE Sant Gabriel and eventually joining FC Barcelona’s youth teams. Her career trajectory includes stints at top-tier clubs like Atlético de Madrid and Manchester City before returning to Barça last year.
The choice of Aleixandri as the festival’s pregonera reflects not just her sporting accomplishments but also embodies values such as perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. These are qualities that resonate with many young athletes in Santa Coloma who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Aleixandri has often shared how playing in the streets and plazas of Santa Coloma ignited her passion for football. The plaza de la Vila holds special significance for her; it is where she honed her skills alongside friends during childhood.
This year’s festival marks an important moment not only for Aleixandri but also for the evolution of women’s football in Spain. As one of the first girls from her community to pursue this sport seriously, she has become a symbol of progress within a field that has gained increasing recognition over recent years.
“Laia Aleixandri is a source of pride for Santa Coloma,” said Mayor González. “Her journey illustrates how talent and hard work can lead to achieving even the most ambitious dreams.”
Aleixandri’s accolades include winning prestigious titles such as a UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy, three league championships, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa de la Reina with FC Barcelona. Additionally, she played a vital role in securing victory for Spain in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
The upcoming festival aims to inspire local youth by showcasing Aleixandri’s story—a narrative that intertwines personal ambition with community spirit. It serves as an example that dreams can be realized through commitment and effort.
As preparations unfold for this year’s festivities, residents are encouraged to join in celebrating not only their culture but also their homegrown talent. The event promises entertainment and inspiration while honoring Laia Aleixandri’s remarkable journey from local playgrounds to international stadiums.
