In Conversation- Korina Janez

In this insightful conversation, Korina shared her journey into football, from her early days in Slovenia to moving to Germany, where she embraced a new language and culture. She spoke about the driving forces behind her motivation, the significance of mental strength, and how she manages to stay stylish off the pitch. Her resilience truly shines through in every aspect of her journey.

Can you tell us about your journey into football?

I started playing football at a young age with boys after school. Then I was called up for the national team, the under-15s at the time. After that, I decided to try to go professional. I played for some Slovenian teams, and then I went to Germany at the age of 18. There were a lot of challenges to overcome because reaching a high level from a small country like Slovenia is quite hard.

What are some challenges you faced while building your career?

You have to overcome many challenges, and I think the biggest challenge is always staying at the highest mental level. Right now, every player can do something with their feet, strength, and speed, but the difference lies in what's in their head.

How did the challenges shape you and how do you stay Motivated

It changed me a lot. I had to become like an adult at quite a young age if I wanted to succeed. As I mentioned, I went to Germany when I was 18 years old, which is quite a young age. I had to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture, be away from my family and friends, and be on my own and alone. So that was quite a big challenge for me

Staying motivated I just try to be better every day, to compete with myself and not others. So, I try to be the best version of myself every day and grow as a player and as a person. I don't have any special routines, but I don't have a lot of problems with my motivation because everybody wants to succeed. And that's the motivation on its own.

What are your thoughts on the growth and development of women's football over the past few years

Well, of course, women's football is growing very fast. Germany is definitely one of the top five leagues, if not the top three. It is developing quite quickly. Of course, it’s important for a club to have good finances to support the women’s team as well. This also makes a big difference in whether a club is successful or not. But yeah, of course, being in the Bundesliga, whether in the second or first division, is really amazing

What has your experience been like playing for Union Berlin, both on and off the field? How has the club, the fans, and the overall environment influenced your development as a player?

Well, I moved to Berlin, first of all, a beautiful city, and I joined a great, great club with great opportunities for players to develop. We play in a beautiful stadium, which is always supported by many, many fans, which is a great feeling on its own. I’ve made a lot of great friendships during my time here, and I was lucky to already know some players before, which made it easier. But yeah, I enjoy playing here. I love the teammates, I love the team spirit, and I love the club.

What is your perception on the intersection of Football & Fashion, and what role do you think style plays within the sport both on and off the field?

I think fashion is a way to express yourself outside the pitch, to give the feeling that you're a person, not just a footballer. Um, so I love fashion because I can express myself. I also want to feel great on the field. So, if I have a beautiful jersey, I feel better, which makes me play better. I think it's quite important. It's different for many people, but for me, it's quite important.

Do you have any fashion inspiration?

I don't have any inspiration. I mix and merge a lot of styles. Sometimes, I like to dress more elegantly, nicely, and in an Italian style. Then I try to merge some modern fashion, like oversize and baggy clothes. It completely depends on the occasion. You know, on different occasions, I wear different things, and when I wake up, I have this feeling of who I want to be and what I want to show that day. So, that's my motivation and inspiration.

Comfort or beauty?

Yes, but I have to say that sometimes, if it's something really beautiful, I don't care about comfort.

Photographer: alukobrown
Photo Assistant : sunrealphotography
Stylist & Interview: seun
Producer: unscent studio