Jackie Groenen: "I really believe in this project"
Women's football•
Check out what Jackie Groenen had to say after extending her contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2029.
Jackie, congratulations on extending your contract with Paris Saint-Germain! How are you feeling?
"I'm very happy to be staying at the club. I really feel at home, it's my second home. I'm so happy to be staying and I hope to enjoy some great moments with this club and with the girls. I feel good at the club and with the people who work here, and I'm very happy with the girls."
What convinced you to continue your journey in Rouge & Bleu?
"I really believe in this project and I have faith in the girls who play here. Since I arrived, we've had good times and bad times, but I still feel at home, and I think that's the most important thing in life. We've seen how the men's team has progressed, they're a good example, and I hope we can make our project a success."
Tell us about your first memory from when you arrived at Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
"My first memory is arriving at training and being surrounded by incredible players. After that first session, I went home and thought to myself that this was another level and that I needed to improve to adapt as quickly as possible!"
What differences do you see between the player you were when you arrived and the player you are in 2026?
"I have a lot more experience now and I focus on more important things. Both on and off the pitch, I'm a completely different person. It's here in Paris that I've really found myself, and that's why I'm so happy to be staying here."
Since arriving at Paris Saint-Germain, you've taken on a more defensive role. How have you adapted to that change?
"I like my more defensive role, and I also enjoy being able to play in different areas of the pitch. I have a much better understanding of what's happening in every area of the game, both in attack and defence. It's helped me grow as a player."
You're one of the most experienced players in the squad. Do you feel a responsibility to guide the young players coming through from the youth academy?
"I do feel a certain responsibility towards the young players coming into the first team. I know what it's like to step up very early in your career, and it's not always easy to find the right balance between being yourself and fitting into the group. I understand what they're going through, so I try to give them little bits of advice that can help. Every situation is different, of course, but I try to help as much as I can."
"I started out at Bougival, and it was very different from here. Now we really have everything in place to improve. We have a fantastic gym, the pitches are incredible and we have no excuses not to keep moving forward. Having the right facilities is very important for the development of women's football. I think every player who arrives at the Campus is impressed. We have everything in place to be the best versions of ourselves."
"It's always important to watch other sports. The world isn't just about football. I know a few Dutch people at the club, including Luc Steins in the handball team. The atmosphere there is incredible, with the Ultras there supporting the team. The club is like one big family, with a strong connection between football, handball and judo. It's nice to have the opportunity to see the other sides of Paris Saint-Germain. The Parc des Princes is an incredible stadium, and whenever I get the chance, I love going there to watch matches."
When you watch all these different sports, are you able to draw inspiration from them?
"Yes, I don't think there's just one way to be an athlete, especially in football. You can take certain things from other sports and use them to become a better player. When I go to watch handball, I look at Luc Steins' movement, how he changes pace and whether I can apply some of those things to football. I think we can learn from lots of different people."
Do you have a final message for the supporters ahead of the new season?
"I want to thank the club and the supporters. I'm very proud to be here and to wear these colours. I hope to see you all soon at our matches throughout the season."
