“I wouldn't change a single detail about myself.” Interview with Paola Egonu

The public image of Paola Egonu is often associated with the power of her dunks, the medals around her neck and her leadership in the field. But when the spotlight of the palazzetti goes out, a multifaceted personality emerges, deeply linked to fashion, manga and the constant balance between the strength of the public figure and the sensitivity of the person. In an intimate and unfiltered conversation with DAZN, the Italian champion strips off her athlete's armor to show her most authentic side. “I've always been a lone wolf,” she says. “Not that I didn't like being in a group, but in the end I left home at 13. You end up having to build yourself armor. When you open up to people, you risk getting hurt, so it becomes a form of self-defense.”

Paola Egonu and style as a form of expression

For Paola, fashion is not a simple matter of trends, but a real visual language, a search for identity that took time but that today explodes in daring and never trivial combinations. “It was a bit difficult to find my style, also because I am a tall girl... between measurements, sizes and understanding what really suits me. But once I find it, I love creating outfits that surprise people. A friend of mine sometimes looks at me and says: 'Paola, but how did you dress? ' And I love it, it's just my style.” From shooting to everyday choices, his wardrobe mixes very different pieces, without ever forgetting a fundamental rule: “I always have a pair of heels in the car. Because in life you always have to be ready.”

Her aesthetic evolution goes hand in hand with the acceptance of her body and her love for her characteristics: “As you grow and mature, you learn to love every single part of yourself. At that point you ask yourself: why should I give up a hairstyle just because I have a high forehead? Now I don't care about it anymore, I really like it. I wouldn't change a single detail about myself.”

The passion for Naruto (and the importance of Nigerian origins)

Away from the playing fields and fashion commitments, Paola's world is made of pop passions and deep family connections. Much of his free time is spent immersed in the world of anime: “My absolute favorite is Naruto... I've been watching it for years now, always in the original language with subtitles.” But if there is one element that defines the foundations of his life, it is his Nigerian origins and the history of his family: “I grew up with a purely Nigerian culture. My origins are fundamental to me, because we must never forget where we come from. Especially the story of my parents, all the sacrifices they made to make me who I am today.” Returning to Nigeria represents a reset for her, a place where she can recalibrate priorities away from the Western frenzy: “For me, being there is wonderful, it is peace. It's another house. It's not how much you have on a material level that counts there, but the real value of life, family and presence.”

The new leadership: the strength to be vulnerable in the words of Paola Egonu

Becoming captain and point of reference for her companions has prompted Paola Egonu to redefine the very concept of strength. “In the gym, I always liked to show myself as strong as a rock, because I always thought that was what my teammates needed,” she confesses. “But I've found that sharing my emotions and allowing myself to be vulnerable makes me feel more human.” A journey made of unforgettable successes but also of difficult moments, which have left an indelible mark on and off the field: “The World Cup is the culmination of eight years of work. There were a lot of disappointments before I was able to win it... Only those who have been part of that cycle know what it really means to bring home that gold medal.” In the end, what remains are not only the cups on the bulletin board, but the awareness of the human impact and the inspiration transmitted to the new generations: “Even if you always try to do your best, 100%, which is not always possible because we are human... the fact that you can leave such a strong mark on a girl who comes to you in tears makes you think: 'Ok, I'm leaving something behind me'”.