Ippolito: "What hurts the most is missing the Copa América"

• She is one of the key players for Germán Portanova’s team and was going to play the tournament for the second time.
• This year, she joined Grasshopper Club Zürich in Switzerland.

She wears Argentina’s No.10 shirt and was dreaming of a great CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina 2025™. Dalila Ippolito, 23, with almost ten seasons in top-flight football, played in Argentina’s last friendly match—a historic game where they beat Canada, gaining momentum for the continental tournament in Ecuador. Less than a week later, she tore her ligaments.

–How are you coping with this huge setback?

–It's really tough. I cried a lot, I cried what I needed to cry. You have to let your emotions out, both in good and bad times. I’m coping the best I can, and learning from it. It's a long process. I’m leaning on my family and the people around me. The club has been fantastic.

–How did your move to Grasshopper come about?

–I was looking for clubs, but it was tough because I don’t have an EU passport. I had some offers but I wasn’t sure. Then someone messaged me on Instagram—it was strange because he had no profile picture and barely any followers. He said: “I’m the assistant to the sporting director, we’re very interested in you. We want you to come now.” There were just three days left in the transfer window. It was really tight: “Fly tomorrow.” I was in Belgium at my partner’s house. There are so many fake profiles on Instagram, so I didn’t reply at first. My partner urged me to answer. We talked, had a video call that night. The terms were amazing—everything was perfect. If it weren’t for my partner, I wouldn’t have answered that message.

Ippolito, who previously played in Italy (Juventus, Pomigliano and Parma), describes the Swiss league: “It’s different. It’s very physical, they crash into you. Italy is more technical. The league is growing, it has big potential. It’s very competitive.” With Grasshopper, she could become champion in her debut season, as the team will play the final against Young Boys: “Grasshopper’s women’s team has never won a title before. It would be historic. I never imagined this scenario in my first year. It’s a mix of emotions—it’s a shame I won’t be on the pitch, because I’m the first one who wants to be there.”

–You mentioned on Instagram how painful it is to miss out on things with the national team, especially the Copa América.

–That’s what hurts the most. I was so close to living that dream. It would’ve been my second Copa América if everything went well and I got called up. It breaks my heart. Just talking about it gets me choked up. It was a moment I had been waiting for. We were having a great preparation with the squad, coming off strong FIFA dates, doing amazing things. The group evolved: some players left, many young players came in with a lot of drive, and everything was going uphill. Then we beat Canada and six days later this happens. The girls texted me saying: “I can’t believe it.” From celebrating that win to all this happening—it’s a lot to process, and it hurts. The national team still means a lot to me, and being so close makes it hurt even more. I’ll be cheering on the team like crazy at the Copa América and wishing them the best.

–You mentioned the match against Canada, a historic moment for Argentina. Was it a milestone?

–It was more than that. We believed we could win before the game. We lost the first match, but felt we had what it takes. A lot of young players joined the team, eager to contribute and earn their place. There are no fixed spots in the squad—whoever is at their best plays. That’s what helps a team grow. It was a historic win, not just the result but everything around it: how the group felt, how we were united. It’s a beautiful group where everyone pulls in the same direction.

The club Jóvenes Deportistas, where Dalila played with boys until she was 12, has named its main stadium after Argentina’s No.10. How much has women’s football changed in the past decade? “The change has been huge. Full stadiums in every country speak for themselves. 'Women’s football doesn’t sell'—that’s no longer true. There are incredibly skilled and talented players who bring joy to fans,” says the 23-year-old.

–In Colombia 2022 you finished third. What would be a good Copa América this year for Argentina?

–The goal is to reach the final and qualify for the Olympic Games. We know this Copa América no longer qualifies teams for the World Cup. The dream is to reach and win the final. This group is very special—it has already proven that. And we want to compete with everyone: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay.