West Ham United women’s team midfielder Oona Siren has expressed how motivated she is for the upcoming Barclays Women’s Super League season.
Following her arrival from LSK Kvinner last summer, the No4 impressed in her maiden campaign in Claret and Blue, making 26 appearances across all competitions in Rehanne Skinner’s side’s record-breaking term.
The 24-year-old’s first start of the campaign came in a 1-1 draw away at Everton in October and subsequently, Siren started 18 successive WSL matches before coming on as a substitute in the women’s team’s final game of the campaign against Leicester City.
Alongside captain Katrina Gorry, with whom she formed a resilient midfield partnership in front of the Hammers' defence, Siren adapted to the pace of the WSL with ease, and that was recognised by her manager.
“I really enjoyed last season,” said Siren. “It was so easy to come in because the players and staff are really good at welcoming every new player. It was easy to adapt, and it was great to get some minutes in my first season.
“My goal is to get better every day and help the team as much as possible.”
LSK Kvinner’s 2024/25 season commenced in March, meaning when Siren joined the Irons in September, she made the move midway through the Toppserien campaign.
Siren's 2024/25 campaign did not end at King Power Stadium, though, as she flew to Switzerland to represent Finland at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 - her first appearance at a major tournament.
Playing in the summer’s Euros was a dream come true for Siren, who watched her country host the 2009 edition of the competition but never thought the day would come when she would step out on the pitch in Helmarit’s colours.
Siren, who was in the squad alongside fellow Hammer Eva Nyström, as well as her sister, Emmi, played every minute at the tournament and impressed as Finland faced hosts Switzerland, Iceland and Norway in Group A.
In their final group-stage clash against the home nation in Lancy, it looked certain that Finland were going to progress to the quarter-finals, as they led 1-0 heading into second-half stoppage time. But in the second minute of seven added on at Stade de Genève, Riola Xhemaili’s close-range finish put the home fans in dreamland - breaking Finnish hearts.
Finland’s story came to an abrupt conclusion with the late blow, but after spending time with her family, Siren is able to reflect on the tournament positively.
“It was a really cool experience, and there was a great atmosphere in every game,” she said.
“Of course, how we went out of the tournament was disappointing for us, but after processing all that, it was a great experience.
“It was great to get a lot of playing time, and it was a nice experience. Of course there’s stuff you can do better, but overall I really enjoyed it.
“I stayed in Finland [after the tournament], and there was actually good weather out there this time!”
Siren, alongside the three other West Ham representatives at the Euros, returned to pre-season a week after the rest of Skinner’s side, and the midfielder has enjoyed reuniting with her teammates over the past few weeks.
“It has been really fun to get back to training and see everyone after the break,” she said. “I have been enjoying it.
“We had two weeks' rest after the Euros, so I’m feeling fresh! I had a little bit of a rest during the Christmas break last season, but that’s the first long break I've had for a while!
“I actually like pre-season. I feel like I want to work as hard as I can to get fit. I feel really motivated to be here, and I’m excited for the season.”
Hammers' Hometown... Oona Siren's Vantaa
Where did you grow up?
“Vantaa, in Finland."
What was it like growing up there, and how long did you live there for?
"I lived there for about 20 years, so I moved out when I was about 20. It was a really calm and normal Finnish city. It was next to the capital city, but there were still a lot fewer people."
Do you still go back, and do you still have family there?
"Yes! In almost every break I have I go back there, and I’ve still got family there as well."
What food is your hometown known for?
"My hometown isn’t really known for its food, but Finland is known for mashed potatoes and meatballs!"
What was your favourite thing to do in your hometown when you were younger?
"I loved to play football and any sort of games outside with my siblings and my friends."
If someone was visiting your hometown, what would you recommend they do?
"Maybe take a day trip to one of the forests!"
What football team is closest to where you grew up?
"My local team was Tikkurilan Palloseura (TiPS), and they were the first team that I played for."
