She Kicks Women In The Game: Fast-Flying Planas Making A Name In Spain (Carlota Planas)

Carlota Planas played futsal at a high level before co-founding UNIK Sports Management with Arkaitz Coca, and says the playing years let her anticipate what her clients need rather than merely react. The agency represents Spain internationals Patri Guijarro, Leila Ouahabi, Esther Gonzalez and Mariona Caldentey, Argentina’s Estefania Banini and Brazil’s Fabiana Simoes, along with the Golden Ball winners from the last two youth World Cups. She studied journalism and business management in Barcelona, went on work experience at the sports paper Diario AS and was sent to cover a Barca game, and from there noticed how little support men’s players received beyond contract talks. Looking at the women’s game she found low wages and precarious conditions, and an opening to do better. To sit at the table, she says, she had to know more.