Hard Work, Good Vibes
Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir, Iceland
For the UEFA Women's EURO 2022, Goal Click collaborated with 12 international women’s footballers from across the national teams of Europe. The players, from Netherlands and Denmark to Portugal and Switzerland, documented their football lives in the weeks leading up to the tournament – finishing club seasons, playing in cup finals, national team training camps, international friendlies, and even the first matches of the Euros.
Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir plays for Orlando Pride in the NWSL and the Iceland women’s national team.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football journey?
My name is Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir but mostly everyone calls me Gunny. I started playing football very randomly. I had just moved to the United States and did not speak English, but my neighbour was a soccer coach and offered to take me to training. I fell in love with it from day one.
I have played in Iceland, Norway, and the USA. My biggest sacrifice is probably moving away from my family and friends and maybe not pursuing the education I wanted but I do not regret it for a second. My proudest and best times are when I am with my national team, representing my country, and when my family can come to my games.
My worst moments were my three ACL injuries, but they did help shape who I am today and made me stronger and grow as a person and player. But it also affected my career, losing almost four years to injury. Now I play for Orlando Pride, where my partner also plays, and we live together with our dog Bo. Two of my sisters are in Orlando too, so that is fantastic.
Getting the opportunity to wear the Icelandic jersey was one of the proudest moments of my life. Being able to represent Iceland at a big tournament is a privilege. With my injuries I never thought it was possible. I want to play this game that I love for as long as I enjoy it.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning?
I showed my teammates and staff at Orlando Pride and the Icelandic national team. We travel a lot with Orlando Pride. I wanted to show my teammates and staff in their element and their personalities. The people and culture around you are often the thing that shapes you.
With my national team it is our preparation for the Euros, both in Poland, Germany and then in England. The Icelandic national team is built off positive energy and hard work, so I wanted to capture the good vibes from the team.
What are the current opportunities for female footballers in Iceland?
Football is huge in Iceland. The biggest recent change is the opportunity for players to play abroad and follow their dream - to go and play in some of the best leagues in the world where they are challenged, and the quality is high. Where they get to be in professional environment and push themselves to be their best. Icelandic girls are starting to go abroad at a younger age.
The future is bright. The young girls coming up now are amazing, they are talented, brave, humble, have a great attitude and work extremely hard to be their best. After the Euros the focus will be on qualifying for the World Cup.
