By Latiifah Amusan
Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono, the 19-year-old Spanish athlete, set the stage ablaze at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup being held in Australia and New Zealand. 
Known for her dual talents in both athletics and football, Paralluelo’s exceptional abilities have placed her firmly in the spotlight as a rising star in the Spanish sports arena.
As a member of the Spain women’s national football team, Paralluelo’s contributions have been nothing short of remarkable.
In a quarter-final clash against the Netherlands on August 11th, she sealed Spain’s victory with a crucial goal during extra time, propelling her team to a historic 2–1 triumph.
This triumph marked Spain’s first-ever entry into the semi-finals of a Women’s World Cup.
Paralluelo’s opening goal against Sweden in a thrilling 2-1 victory sent Spain to its maiden senior World Cup final, showcasing her instrumental role in the team’s journey.
Paralluelo, who currently plies her trade as a left winger for Liga F club FC Barcelona, had earlier represented Zaragoza CFF and Villarreal in Spain.
Notably, she clinched the 2018 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship, the 2018 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup while also achieving success in athletics.
Before her football journey took off, Paralluelo made waves as a sprinter.
Starting her athletics career at the San José Athletics club in Zaragoza, she swiftly moved to the Scorpio-71 Club in the same city.
Her remarkable achievements include a bronze medal in the 400-meter category at the 2019 Spanish Indoor Athletics Championships, where her time of 53.83s set a national record in the sub-18 and sub-20 categories.
Her athletic feats translated into football with her blazing pace on the field, making her a formidable force in both sports.
Her transition from athletics to football further demonstrates her immense versatility and commitment.
Paralluelo’s captivating performances on and off the pitch have garnered her a substantial following on social media.
With over 311K followers on her Instagram page, fans are treated to glimpses of her on-pitch exploits and training routines.
As Salma Paralluelo continues to dazzle on the international stage, her journey from a small town in Zaragoza to becoming a global sensation is an inspiration to young athletes and fans alike.
With her versatility, athleticism, and unwavering dedication, the 19-year-old is poised to leave an indelible mark on both athletics and football, setting a high standard for the generations to come.
