If we move away from Barcelona's historic centre, with its winding alleyways and windows looking into one another, and following the sea where the American's Cup takes place, we arrive at the Parc Forum. Gaudi's modernist architecture gives way to brutalist forms, where concrete defies saltiness and every June thousands of people thronging between the live performances of Primavera Sound describe another side of the Catalan city. It is perhaps less well known, but no less fascinating and representative of what Barcelona is today. Between the seafront platforms, the rationalist staircases and the beaches warmed by the lukewarm late summer sun, we photographed Fridolina Rolfo, Barcelona Femeni and Swedish international, the new star of More Than.

Just like the Parc Forum, Barcelona Femeni could represent a different side of the Blaugrana, different but just as successful. Even more dominant than the men's team, thanks in part to the presence of Rolfo, who won the Champions League in 2023, scoring the decisive goal in the final against her former club. “Barcelona has always been the dream club for me, it's one of the leading clubs especially for women's football. I'm particularly happy with the way Barcelona invests in women's football, because not all clubs choose to do that, and at this level.”

Barcelona Femeni is not just a club, but also an example for all who want to create a successful and rewarding system for players and the entire women's football scene. “I think they are pioneers in this respect and that makes me feel that I get the respect I deserve and it makes me want to give back even more, to the new generations of female footballers who see us as a benchmark.” Unlike men's football, women's football is not yet historicised and the changes are so fast that they are visible even during a single career. “So much has happened that it's hard for me to look back on my history and recognise the path that led me here,“ says Rolfo. "When I was a little girl, for example, I never thought I would become a footballer.”

The topic of sustainability is very present in Rolfo's words, combined with a global interest in equality and solidarity, even beyond the world of football. “It's very important for me to express myself: What is important to me, what is important in this world and what can we change? That's why I speak openly about things that I think aren't going well enough.” And with his Scandinavian pragmatism, Rolfo often puts words into action and is personally involved in humanitarian organisations that use sport to bring hope and a smile to even the most unfortunate places. “This summer I was in Africa with Plan International, a great organisation with which I share many values. And as someone who was lucky enough to grow up where I did, I want to show that and also talk about equality. It's very important for me to be consistent and show who I'm and what I stand for”.

It has been a journey that has changed Rolfo's perspective on her role as a footballer and ambassador. Now she's even more aware and convinced for the start of the season in the Blaugrana jersey. “I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to be with them and inspire them to understand that if you work hard for something, you can make it, even if you grow up in a neighbourhood that's hard to get out of. But most of all, meeting all these girls and boys inspired me a lot.” As in our photo shoot, Rolfo's elegance is the sum of strength and delicacy, a contrast that is further emphasised by the backdrop of Parc Forum. And as she wears one after another of the looks chosen for her, her personality emerges, reflected in the title of our editorial - there's always more than just the athlete on the court. “And that's one of the most important things: it's not just about being a good footballer. That's not my main goal, I feel I've a bigger goal.”