Aitana Bonmati wasn’t even expected to play at this World Cup.
But she is now a World Cup champion, a Golden Ball winner, and perhaps soon will be named the best player in the world.
When Spain overcame England 1-0 in the championship game, the midfielder was at her deft best.
A speechless Bonmati told the BBC, "I don't have any words for this moment, it's unbelievable.
We played a fantastic tournament, and I'm extremely pleased of us. We struggled, but we also enjoyed it. We are deserving.
During our pre-tournament preparations, everyone was aware of the objective. Everyone on the team is aggressively competitive and focused on winning.
Bonmati led the way as Spain suffocated and neutralised England for a large portion of the 90 minutes in a match that was always going to move and sway in the middle.
The 25-year-old, who has replaced Alexia Putellas as Spain's most significant player, has had a breakout campaign.
Bonmati grew up in a coastal town south of Barcelona and was born into a family that instilled in her a rebellious nature from birth.