Kerstin Casperij has had her best season in City blue. Now, having watched other teams lift the trophy, she’s hoping she can get her hands on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester City
The Adobe Women's FA Cup Final
3pm BST, Sunday 31 May 2026
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Kerstin, you’ve had your best season in a City shirt so far and had the most assists in the league this season, how do you reflect on City’s achievements, and your own form?
I'm really happy. Topping the assist chart was one of the goals I had personally this year, and getting ten goal involvements and being the third defender in the BWSL to be able to do that… these were all achievements I was really proud of. As a team we've been doing so well this season, winning the league and being in an FA Cup final. It just means a lot, and we are really excited for the final and hopefully winning a double this year, which would be great.
Since joining City in 2022 you’ve come close to reaching the FA Cup, how are you feeling in the build-up?
To be able to go to Wembley, especially in this season, which is just a special season in itself, it feels like all the puzzle pieces are falling together. It feels like it’s gone full circle in a way after coming in four years ago. Being here this season, I am just excited to play at Wembley. I genuinely cannot wait.
You come from a very sporty family – have you been able to share some of this year’s achievements with them? Will they be here today?
Yeah, my mum and dad will be there at Wembley! My youngest brother plays for SC Heerenveen in the U19s and we talk a lot about football, and we speak a lot about what it’s like being a professional, and him also coming up through the ranks in the Academy.
It's just really nice to share a little bit of knowledge and share a bit of honesty about how to be a professional, which I think is a really good thing to learn for younger players. The pathway looks different for every single person, so to be able to help him and to guide him a little bit makes me happy.”
You’ve mentioned previously that Andree's playing style has been really good for you. How has his approach enabled you to flourish this year - what’s changed?
I think he allows a lot of freedom. I think he’s trusted and still trusts me a lot to decide what's the best position on the pitch? But for me, deciding or trusting my decision-making, I'm someone who is very driven anyway. I'm a big perfectionist; I want to be the best, so him balancing that with helping me develop but also telling me that I am doing well has been really important for me this year, and I just felt like I've enjoyed every single game every single minute.
The team this season seems to have that never say die attitude. It never knows when it's beaten and just looking back to the carnage of the Chelsea game... what were you thinking at two-nil down? And then to come back and win 3-2?
It was crazy...we know we only need one moment. And luckily, Maz’s magic feet put one in the top corner, and then Bunny, who attempted quite a few shots, from that moment on we knew it was in the bag; we knew we were going to score a third one; we had the feeling. I'm very proud of the team, and I think it was a really good team win as well; a lot of girls that came on made a big impact. I think that was just such a typical city win this season.
What would it mean for you to lift the trophy and win the double with City?
It would mean everything. I watch it every year and see teams lift that trophy on the balcony. To hopefully achieve that this season would be immense.
You can read the full interview in the official Adobe Women's FA Cup Final match programme.
