It's Always Been You

Valentine Dahlberg is a Swedish prodigy. After playing for English side Manchester City, during two covid-stricken seasons, she knew it was time for the next step in her career. After a disappointing penalty shootout at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, when European giants Lyon offer her a contract for the 2021/2022 season, Val instantly took up the opportunity. Despite not knowing a word of French, she left Manchester, the place she had grown to call home, and took a risk, moving across Europe, to begin at a new club.

At Lyon, the usually lovable Val, clashes with one of her new teammates. At first, their disagreements reflect onto the game, with their performances being less than decent. But when they find out that they undoubtedly have a midfield connection on the pitch, they must put aside their grudges and work together in order to benefit the team. What will come out of their relationship, will they be able to finish the season without any drama?

As Valentine adjusts to living in Lyon, new relationships develop and she is forced to come face to face with her inner conflicts, which have been there since she was twelve years old. She almost reaches a breaking point, with discoveries about herself threatening to expose the vulnerable yet authentic side of her, the side she has spent so long trying to hide. Will the struggles of her past come back to haunt her, or will she be able to get over all the insecurities that have formed since the accident?

a Danielle van de Donk story.