Mayra Ramírez makes unpicking defences look effortless. It’s impossible not to watch in awe as she undoes even the most experienced WSL defenders with a turn, a shrug, a touch, or a flick.
Her goal in the fourth minute of Chelsea’s game at Arsenal in October sealed a 2-1 victory, putting a definitive end to Jonas Eidevall’s tenure as Arsenal manager. With her back to goal, Ramírez capitalized on poor defending, hooking the ball over her head beyond goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Now settled in London, Ramírez is ready for more. Having joined Chelsea from Levante in January for a British record €450,000 (£375,000) plus add-ons, the 25-year-old forward is gearing up for Chelsea’s next big challenge facing Manchester City, one of their title rivals. “I love it,” she says, sitting casually at Chelsea’s Cobham training base. “Facing the best players in the best teams. I get to practice against the best in training sessions almost every day that makes you grow as a footballer.”
Her transition to Chelsea hasn’t been without challenges. She had to adapt to a new language, culture, league, and style of play, along with new teammates and two new managers. “We’re in a state of constant change,” she explains. “The team is getting used to new systems and tactics, as well as new players. We need to be adaptable, to come together and figure out how to play as a team.” For Ramírez, these challenges are what make football so exciting. “We like that we never have to play the same way every game and that things are changing all the time. I like these challenges, I like learning, I like being in constant change that’s how you improve.”
Ramírez’s transfer to Chelsea was a whirlwind affair. After Sam Kerr suffered an ACL injury during a training camp in Morocco, Chelsea moved swiftly to sign the Colombian, who had impressed with Levante by scoring 20 goals in 34 league games. “It was very exciting, certainly something I didn’t expect,” she recalls. “I found out on a Sunday, and on Tuesday I was flying to London. It was crazy, rapid, super-quick.”
Her performances with the Colombian national team also played a role in bringing her to a wider audience. Despite not scoring, Ramírez impressed at the World Cup, where Colombia made it to the quarter-finals. “The turning point was the World Cup. It was where Colombia showed their talent. I’m very happy to be at a great club where I can continue to grow and demonstrate the strengths of Colombian players.”
The difference between Spain’s La Liga and England’s WSL has been stark. “In England, the game is much more physical, technical, and tactical. It’s a competition where a lot of the teams are fighting for the title. In Spain, we know Barça will dominate the league, and the competition is for the next spots.”
Adapting to the intensity of the WSL has been challenging, particularly due to injuries that marred her first season. One of the most frustrating moments came when she was sidelined for Chelsea’s second-leg Champions League semi-final against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, after they won 1-0 in Spain. “It was very frustrating,” she says. “In Spain, you don’t play as often three games a week in England affects you physically. But I’ve adapted now.”
Ramírez describes herself as a player driven by hard work and determination. “I love the job, I love to work. I love giving everything on the field, playing until my last drop of sweat. I think that’s what’s taken me to where I am now.” Her commitment to improvement continues to drive her as she strives for even greater success with Chelsea.
